Air Fryer Brie Bites

Air Fryer Brie Bites — Looking for a quick and tasty appetizer for your next gathering or party? Look no further than air fryer brie bites! These bite-sized snacks are a crowd-pleaser and are incredibly easy to make.

Below, we’ll explore what makes air fryer brie bites so irresistible and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them yourself. So, grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!

What Are Brie Bites?

Brie bites are small, appetizer-sized portions of Brie cheese, often wrapped or paired with other ingredients to create a delicious and bite-sized treat.

Brie is a soft and creamy cheese that originates from France. Its mild flavor and luxurious texture make it a popular choice for various dishes, especially appetizers.

Can You Cook Brie Bites in Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Cooking Brie bites in an air fryer is fantastic because the circulating hot air ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the inside creamy and melted.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Brie Bites

Air Fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years and for a good reason. They cook food quickly, efficiently, and with less oil than traditional deep frying. One of the many amazing things you can make in an air fryer is crispy and gooey brie bites. This appetizer takes just a few minutes to prepare, and you only need a handful of ingredients.

• Brie cheese: The main ingredient for air fryer brie bites is, of course, brie cheese. You can buy brie in most grocery stores. You’ll need to cut the brie into small cubes or slices. You can opt for a more aged brie with a stronger cheese flavor. But any type will work.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are an essential ingredient in this recipe. They’re much lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving your brie bites a delectable crunch. You can find panko breadcrumbs in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
• Eggs: To help the panko breadcrumbs stick to the brie, you’ll need to dip the cheese in the beaten egg. One or two eggs should be sufficient, depending on how much brie you use.
• Flour: Before you dip the cheese in the egg mixture, you’ll want to pat it dry and then roll it in flour. This will prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and help the breadcrumbs to stick.
• Optional dipping sauce: If you want to add extra flavor, you can make a dipping sauce to pair with your brie bites. Some popular options include honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or fig jam. You can be adventurous and experiment with your flavors, too.

How To Cook Delicious Brie Bites In Air Fryer

Brie bites, with their perfect blend of rich, creamy cheese encased in a crispy, golden shell, are an undeniable crowd-pleaser.

Making them in an air fryer not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures each bite is evenly cooked to perfection, with a delightfully crunchy exterior surrounding the molten Brie inside. This modern twist on a classic appetizer elevates it to new culinary heights, allowing even those with limited kitchen expertise to produce gourmet-worthy results. If you’re seeking an easy, yet impressively decadent snack or appetizer, air fryer Brie bites are the way to go!

• Prep the Pastry:
  • Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases or folds.
  • Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into squares, roughly 2×2 inches each, or size according to your preference.
• Assemble the Bites:
  • Place a piece of Brie in the center of each puff pastry square.
  • Add a small dollop of fruit preserve on top of the Brie.
  • Fold the pastry over the cheese to create a triangle, or bring all the corners to the center and pinch them together to seal.
  • Optional: For added flavor, insert a small sprig of rosemary or thyme or sprinkle some chopped nuts inside before sealing.
• Egg Wash:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
  • Brush the tops and sides of each assembled Brie bites with this egg wash. This step will ensure a lovely golden color.
  • Then, dip the bites into the panko breadcrumbs.
• Air Fry:
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Place the Brie bites in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
  • Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside. Be sure to monitor them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve:
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the Brie bites from the air fryer and let them sit for a minute or two.
  • Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
  • Serve warm with optional dipping sauces such as cranberry sauce or a balsamic reduction.

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fried Brie Bites

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fried Brie Bites:

• Even Sizes: Ensure that your Brie pieces and puff pastry squares are uniform in size. This will not only make for a prettier presentation but will also ensure even cooking.
• Keep It Cold: Brie is easier to cut and handle when it’s cold. If it gets too soft, place it in the freezer for a short period to firm it up.
• Seal Properly: When wrapping the Brie in puff pastry, ensure all edges are sealed well to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking. Using a touch of water on the pastry edges can help with sealing.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Place Brie bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
• Rotate or Flip: If your air fryer doesn’t cook evenly on all sides, consider flipping the Brie bites halfway through for a uniform golden color.
• Variations: Get creative with your fillings! Pair Brie with different jams, caramelized onions, toasted nuts, or even a small slice of fresh fruit like apple or pear.
• Prevent Sticking: A light spray of oil on the bottom of the air fryer basket can prevent the Brie bites from sticking. Some air fryers come with non-stick baskets, but a little precaution can go a long way.
• Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash step. It gives a lovely golden sheen and added crispness to the pastry.
• Immediate Consumption: Brie bites are best served fresh out of the air fryer. The contrast between the crispy pastry and molten cheese is most pronounced when hot.
• Dipping Sauces: Elevate your serving game by offering dipping sauces. Think of tangy fruit-based sauces, spicy chutneys, or even a honey drizzle.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to wow your guests or family with a perfectly crispy, gooey, and delicious Brie bite every time.

What type of Brie works best for this recipe?

Any standard wheel of Brie works well. If you want a milder flavor, opt for a younger Brie. For a more pronounced and earthy flavor, go for an aged Brie.

Can I use other types of pastry?

While puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness, you can also use crescent roll dough or even phyllo dough for a crunchier texture.

How do I store leftover Brie bites?

Store any leftover Brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to get them crispy again.

Why did my Brie ooze out during cooking?

This can happen if the edges of the pastry weren’t sealed properly or if there was a tear in the pastry. Ensure your pastry is in good condition and seal tightly.

Can I prepare Brie bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the Brie bites and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. For longer periods, you can even freeze them and air fry straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is it mandatory to use the fruit preserve or jam?

No, it’s optional. The jam or preserve adds a contrasting sweet element, but you can leave it out or replace it with other fillings of your choice.

How can I make a gluten-free version?

You can find gluten-free puff pastry in some specialty grocery stores. Ensure other ingredients you’re using are gluten-free as well.

What other cheeses can I use if I don’t have Brie?

Camembert is the closest in texture and flavor to Brie. You can also experiment with pieces of mozzarella or even cream cheese, although the flavor profile will change.

Why is my pastry not crispy after air frying?

Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. Also, ensure that your air fryer is preheated and that you’re using the recommended temperature.

Can I bake Brie bites in the oven instead?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Easy Air Fryer Tilapia
• Air Fryer Fish
• Air Fryer Chicken