Air Fried Babybel Cheese is a bit of a twist on mozzarella sticks, using little circles of Babybel cheese instead of mozzarella. I use crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs, which is the perfect complement, adding a bit of salty flavor, but also a super crispy exterior. So, so good!
My family asks me to make air fried Babybel cheese at least once a week at this point. And hey, with just 4 ingredients and 3 minutes in the air fryer…how can I say no?! These are such a great snack or appetizer. Make sure to enjoy them hot from the air fryer, when the cheese is super melty and gooey. They’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce!
Tips & Variations
- Try a different breading. I love how light and crispy the potato chip breading is but other breadings can be used. Try Doritos instead of Kettle potato chips, which adds lots of extra flavor while still being crispy. Italian breadcrumbs work well or Panko breadcrumbs with added seasonings. I like to combine both with parmesan cheese.
- Double dip in the chips. I’ve found that coating the cheese in the chips and egg mixture twice is really important. It ensures that the breading doesn’t fall off in the air fryer and there’s a thick (but not heavy) breading.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to cook these in a few batches. It’s important to leave space between each one in the air fryer so all sides and edges get crispy.
Air Fried Babybel Cheese
Ingredients
- 10-12 Babybel cheese
- 2 ounces Kettle Potato Chips (or Doritos!)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 large egg , beaten
Instructions
- Remove the wrapper and wax packaging from 10 to 12 Babybel cheese rounds, then set aside.
- Place 2 ounces Kettle potato chips in a plastic bag and crush them into tiny crumbs with a rolling pin (or if it's an individual snack bag, open it up and crush it with your hands) – you should end up with at least 1 cup potato chip crumbs.
- Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Make a dipping station with three separate shallow bowls: In the first bowl, add 3 tablespoons flour. In a second bowl, beat 1 large egg, and in the third bowl, add the potato chip crumbs.
- Roll the cheese in flour, then soak it in the egg, and then roll in the potato chip crumbs.
- Soak again in the egg mixture and roll in the chip crumbs a second time (this second coating helps the cheese not melt out while air frying.)
- Lightly spritz both sides of the breaded cheese with nonstick spray or olive oil spray and then place in an air fryer basket, without touching or overlapping. (You may have to work in batches.)
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 3 minutes (or bake in the oven for 5 mins.)
- Remove carefully with tongs or a small spatula, and serve while hot and melty.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Other Notes
Is Babybel Cheese The Same As Mozzarella Cheese?
No, Babybel cheese is not just mozzarella cheese in a new package. It’s actually modeled after Edam cheese and has a smooth, mild, and nutty flavor. It’s also a bit more firm than mozzarella with less moisture. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a soft Italian cheese with a high moisture content.
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
While it wouldn’t be air fried Babybel cheese without the Babybel cheese, this recipe can be used as a base for other air fried cheese recipes. Mozzarella is the obvious option but Edam cheese, cheddar, and similar would work too.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Babybel Cheese
I recommend serving the air fryer Babybel cheese immediately, while it’s still hot. As it cools, the cheese will start to solidify again. I love to dip these in marinara sauce but my boys also dip them in ranch dressing. They’re also tasty dunked in salsa ranch dressing!
Proper Storage
- Fridge. As mentioned, these are best enjoyed immediately, but any leftover air fried babybel cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer. Once cooled, flash freeze the cheese on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen.
- Reheat. The best way to reheat this cheese is in the air fryer, to maintain the crispy texture. I usually reheat it the same way I made it, at 400F for just 3 minutes. Leftovers can also be reheated in the oven.
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
