This Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe is really fun to eat! Something about melted cheese with a gooey centre makes cheese lovers go crazy. The double layer of panko breadcrumb's crispy coating is addictively thick and crunchy. This quick appetizer makes the perfect easy protein snack for kids and adults alike. Sink your teeth in this viral TikTok recipe in just under 10 minutes. Plus, this recipe is totally vegan and plant-based dietary adaptable.

> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Best Air Fryer Babybel Cheese Recipe
If you are of fried cheese like traditional Greek saganaki or mozzarella cheese sticks, you will find satisfaction in biting into gooey cheese! Air fryer BabyBel cheese mozzarella balls make the ultimate easy party food! Dunk this delicious snack into your favourite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch dressing.
Golden brown cheese bites with bread crumbs are the perfect side dish for TikTok Pasta Chips, Caramelized Kimchi, and Chili Con Queso Mexican Cheese Dip.
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
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What kind of cheese is suitable for frying?
Look for cheeses that have a high melting point. They are usually firm and do not fully melt, yet soft enough to be gooey when warm. Think of medium hardness yellow cheeses like graviera, halloumi and mozzarella cheese rounds. Once the cheese cools, it generally will return to its original state.

What's The Problem? My Vegan Cheese Won't Melt!
If you are trying to melt vegan plant-based cheese, the following questions may run through your mind.
Why doesn't my vegan cheese melt and stretch like traditional cheese?
How does heck do you get vegan cheese to melt?
How long does vegan cheese melt?
Is vegan cheese supposed to melt?
What the heck is wrong with it?
Don't worry. You are not going crazy popping in the same vegan cheese into the air fryer 50 times, hoping it will behave the same way as traditional cheese made with dairy. Where is that happy medium melting point to get that perfect cheese stretch like dairy cheese?
Sorry folks, there is none. Vegan cheeses either 1. do not melt into that deliciously stringy, stretchy state, or 2. it's just flat-out melt and become a bubbly blob.
Vegan cheese does not contain casein. Casein is the protein found in animal milk that helps dairy cheese melt. Plant-based products do not contain casein.
Although plant-based cheeses do not 100% stringy and stretchy, it doesn't make them any less delicious! Who doesn't love a deep fried cheese croquette?

Ingredients and Substitutes
Just a few ingredients like mozzarella cheese, all-purpose flour, beaten egg and panko breadcrumbs are required to make this simple recipe.
Babybel Round Cheeses - Babybel comes in a variety of flavours. It also comes in vegan plant-based cheese rounds. There are 10 pieces in a regular bag of Babybel cheese from your local supermarket or 36 bulk pieces from Costco. Feel free to use other mozzarella cheeses.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Alternatively to Babybel cheese, you can buy a mozzarella block from your local grocery store and cut them into smaller pieces. Air fry Laughing Cow Cheese wedges are also delicious!
For a air fryer vegan cheese recipe, opt for vegan plant-based mozzarella style cheese!
Eggs or Vegan Egg Replacer Alternative - We like using a liquid plant-based egg substitute like Just Eggs to mimic the viscosity of beaten eggs. Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer is also quite nice if you prefer a shelf-stable powder egg substitute!
Other Egg Substitute Recipes You Will Love
Panko breadcrumbs - we love using Kikkoman Panko bread crumbs most because their crumbs are considerably larger, crispier and lighter. Its neutral taste is perfect for many applications like this 豚カツ Easy Tonkatsu Japanese Pork Cutlet Recipe! If you can not find panko breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with Italian breadcrumbs - remember that it contains herbs and a little seasoning like oregano, parsley and garlic.
All Purpose Flour - Used for dredging.
Garlic Powder - To taste.
Kosher Salt - To Taste

Different Flavour Crust Options
Did you see that viral TikTok air-fried cheese video when they dunk BabyBels in Chilli Heatwave Doritos for the crust? By the way, Chilli Heatwave Doritos are suitable for vegans. There is no milk or other animal ingredients in Chilli Heatwave Doritos.
The best part is that you can use whichever crust option you love the most! Be it crushed Doritos, cornflakes or just a panko breadcrumb mixture with cayenne pepper!
The sky is the limit at your next party, serving air fryer cheese as a snack!
Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian grocery store or online at my Amazon Store. I have linked the products for your convenience!
Instructions
This cheesy snack requires just a handful of ingredients and comes together in 10-15 minutes. Follow these simple steps to nail your air fry melt cheese recipe cheese the first time!
Start by preparing the dredging station.
Unwrap and remove BabyBel cheese from their wax casings. Place in a shallow bowl.
Add AP flour into a separate shallow bowl.
Add egg or egg alternative into a separate bowl. If using chicken eggs, beat well.
Add panko bread crumbs to another shallow mixing bowl. Add seasoning, such as garlic powder, if desired. Mix well.
Pro Tip: Use a rolling pin to crush Doritos chips or cornflakes if it substitutes for panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge mozzarella cheese into all-purpose flour first. Gently tap off excess.
Next, dip floured cheese into beaten egg or alternative egg mixture and coat both sides.
Then, dunk each piece of cheese dredged with egg into the panko breadcrumb mixture and coat both sides.
Repeat the process twice for an extra crispy crust by dredging into eggs (or eggs substitute) and panko breadcrumbs. Omit dredging in AP flour the second time.
Repeat for remaining cheese rounds.
How To Air Fry Cheese
Preheat the air fryer to 400F for a few minutes.
Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the basket for easy clean-ups.
Spray the air fryer with cooking oil spray. We like using this pure avocado oil in a cooking oil spray bottle!
Add panko bread crumb-coated cheese rounds to the air fryer basket.
Air Fry Cheese at 400F for 5 minutes.
The cooking time is 5 minutes, but depending on the air fryer model and the size of your air fryer, you may adjust the time to 4 or 6 mins of cooking time. I use THIS Ninja Foodi Air Fryer!
Flipping the cheese in the middle of the cooking process is unnecessary.
Remove carefully with kitchen tongs!
Serve warm while melty alone or with your favourite dipping sauce like ketchup or marinara pizza sauce!
Pro Tip: With all fried mozzarella sticks or fried Babybel cheese, it generally will return to its original state once the cheese cools.

How To Meal Prep
You can efficiently work this air-fried cheese balls recipe into your family meal prep ideas for the week. Add these perfect melted cheese that can be served as a hot appetizer, a side dish, or a quick snack to add to kids' lunch boxes!
This easy protein snack to make in the air fryer can be kept frozen. Dredge these crispy fried cheese balls with a gooey centre and keep them in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Remember to use parchment paper to separate each piece of cheese so they do not stick together.
Don't Thaw First - Air fryer cheese balls can be air fried from frozen. Air fry frozen cheese at 375F for 5 minutes. Then 400F for a further 2 minutes.

What To Serve With The Best Air Fried Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
This yummy dish is a great way to add a protein snack. It is a delicious way to enjoy melty, stringy cheese without deep frying in vegetable oil!
What to eat with perfectly fried mozzarella?
Add this stack of fried cheese to your party food menu on game day!
Other Air Fryer Recipes We Love
- Spicy Miso Air Fryer Corn Ribs
- Easy Lemon Pepper Wings
- Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Knees
- Basque Burnt Cheesecake
After eating lots of spicy and deep-fried foods, a great way to reduce heat is with a bowl of this liver-detoxing Chinese Sweet Mung Bean Soup 綠豆沙!
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe
PrintEasy Air Fryer Babybel Cheese Recipe (TikTok Viral)
This Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe is really fun to eat! Something about melted cheese with a gooey centre makes cheese lovers go crazy. The double layer of panko breadcrumb's crispy coating is addictively thick and crunchy. This quick appetizer makes the perfect easy protein snack for kids and adults alike. Sink your teeth in this viral TikTok recipe in just under 10 minutes. Plus, this recipe is totally vegan and plant-based dietary adaptable.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Pacific North West, Canadian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 10 Babybel Cheese, 100g Mozzerella Cheese (approx. 20g per piece) or vegan cheese
- ½ C AP Flour
- ½ C Panko Bread Crumbs
- 3 tbsp Egg Alternative Liquid or 2 Eggs
Optional:
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Start by preparing the dredging station.
- Unwrap and remove BabyBel cheese from their wax casings. Place in a shallow bowl.
- Add AP flour into a separate shallow bowl.
- Add egg or egg alternative into a separate bowl. If using chicken eggs, beat well.
- Add panko bread crumbs to another shallow mixing bowl. Add seasoning, such as garlic powder, if desired. Mix well.
- Dredge mozzarella cheese into all-purpose flour first. Gently tap off excess.
- Next, dip floured cheese into beaten egg or alternative egg mixture and coat both sides.
- Then, dunk each piece of cheese dredged with egg into the panko breadcrumb mixture and coat both sides.
- Repeat the process twice for an extra crispy crust by dredging into eggs (or eggs substitute) and panko breadcrumbs. Omit dredging in AP flour the second time.
- Repeat for remaining cheese rounds.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F for a few minutes.
- Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the basket for easy clean-ups.
- Spray the air fryer with cooking oil spray. We like using this pure avocado oil in a cooking oil spray bottle!
- Add panko bread crumb-coated cheese rounds to the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry Cheese at 400F for 5 minutes.
- The cooking time is 5 minutes, but depending on the air fryer model and the size of your air fryer, you may adjust the time to 4 or 6 mins of cooking time. I use THIS Ninja Foodi Air Fryer!
- Flipping the cheese in the middle of the cooking process is unnecessary.
- Remove carefully with kitchen tongs!
- Serve warm while melty alone or with your favourite dipping sauce like ketchup or marinara pizza sauce!
Notes
- Use a rolling pin to crush Doritos chips or cornflakes if it substitutes for panko breadcrumbs.
- With all fried mozzarella sticks or fried Babybel cheese, it generally will return to its original state once the cheese cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 201
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 356.4 mg
- Fat: 5.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.6 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 10.5 g
- Cholesterol: 81.6 mg

Pin the above image to your Air Fryer Recipes Pinterest Board to bookmark this page. We are so excited to share our recipes with you!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer BBQ Pork Char Siu 氣炸鍋蜜汁叉燒
- Easy Air Fryer Zucchini (Lemon Pepper)
- Easy Air Fryer Potsticker from Frozen 氣炸鍋餃子鍋貼
- Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu 氣炸鍋椒鹽豆腐
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Mina says
This is another addition to my favorite air fryer dishes! Yay!
andrea says
love how this turned out in the air fryer! so crisp and creamy and delicious!
Asha says
These are such a fun little party appetizer. Everyone enjoyed them. The kids just gobbled them up, too. Will make these again.
Elizabeth says
Such a great snack or appetizer! Thanks for the recipe!
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow! This treat recipe looks amazingly delicious and very enticing too! Kids will gonna love this!
Giangi Townsend says
Super yummy!
Liz says
What a great idea!! This is one of my daughter's favorite cheeses and I can't wait to fry them!!!
Andréa Janssen says
What a delicious recipe. thank you for sharing!
Jerika says
This Air Fried Babybel Cheese Recipe is so delicious and satisfying!:) Thanks!
Sean says
I've learned so much here. First, I learned (relearned?) that I get dangerously hungry when I see melty, breaded cheese. Second, I learned that Babybel cheeses clearly work PERFECTLY for this idea. And third, I learned that there's a plant-based Babybel?! Truly amazing times we live in. Lol.
Seriously though, this is such a cool idea, and it further solidifies my love for my air fryer. I'm going to have to whip these guys up for a party. I think it'd be very popular - and it would keep me from eating them all myself. Cheers!
Nancy says
Hi Sean - i'm so glad you found it useful! You are such a pro at cooking already! I can not live without my air fryer! I'm under the distribution ration of one for me and one for the kids. 🙂
Bernice says
I remember when my kids were obsessed with Babybel cheese. They thought it was the absolute greatest and I'm sure if air fryers had existed back then, they'd love this appetizer even more! I've got to give this a try the next time they're all home for a visit.
Nicole NK says
I took this as an appetizer to a baby shower and everyone loved it!
Debra says
Brilliant idea for a cheesy appetizer with little fuss! They were delish.
Marie-Pierre Breton says
OMG! This is such an easy, fun way to make these mozzarella sticks! I'm so trying this tonight; kids are going to go crazy over this! Thanks for the lovely idea!
Katie says
This is incredible! I used the vegan cheese version, and oh my goodness it was perfect!
Holly says
So easy and so good!
andrea says
I'm all about babybel and this recipe turned out delicious! such a tasty and easy snack!
Vanessa says
Yum! Next time I need to buy the Costco size pack of babybel because these disappeared so quickly!
Giangi Townsend says
This is a great idea; they are the perfect quick appetizer.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Raia says
Oh my goodness. My mouth is watering just thinking about these! Have you ever tried to make them with a gluten-free sub for the panko?
Mary says
I usually make a recipe exactly as written the first time but I had to make these. I only had Fontina Babybel cheese, so I used it. They were amazing!
Stacy says
Amazing recipe! Our teens loved them and they even made another batch themselves to share with friends.
Kim says
These came out perfectly! The kids loved them, but I'm going to use them as an appetizer for this weekend's get together with different kinds of dipping sauces! Yum!
Chenee says
I absolutely love Babybel cheese, and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I see this! It's so good!
Casey says
The crispy outside and gooey inside are incredible! I need more of these in my life!
Sara Welch says
Decided to give this a try and it is viral for a reason! So easy, gooey and delicious; my kind of comfort food, indeed!
Traci says
So fun, so easy, and so devoured! Thank you for sharing this babybel recipe with tips!
Nancy says
happy snacking Traci! It's gonna be a good one!