Indulge in the ultimate appetizer with this air fryer baked brie topped with a sweet and savory cranberry-pear mixture. This easy yet elegant recipe transforms creamy brie into a warm, decadent dish that’s sure to impress guests.
With just a few simple ingredients and minutes in the air fryer, you can make this elevated classic that’s sweet, salty, and utterly addictive.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simplicity and Sophistication Combined: This recipe is a testament to the fact that sophistication doesn’t have to be complicated.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you create a dish that looks and tastes like it’s straight out of a gourmet kitchen. It’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Flavorful Symphony: This air fryer baked brie recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a symphonic experience in your mouth. The creamy brie, when blended with the sweetness of pears and sugar, and the salty crunch of bacon, creates a harmonious flavor profile. It’s a concerto of tastes, each bite offering a new note, a new reason to savor.
The Perfect Party Starter: If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering, look no further. This air fryer baked brie is not just a dish; it’s a conversation starter.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make these air fryer brie bites you will need:
- 1 Round Brie Cheese
- 1/8 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/5 cup Bacon (thin, sliced into small cubes)
- 3/4 cup Pears (diced)
- 2 tablespoons Cranberries (dried)
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy brie cheese air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Place a saucepan over low heat. Add the cranberries, pears, and sugar. Then, add about 1/4 cup of water. Simmer until the pears soften and the mixture thickens.
Step 2
Fry the bacon until crispy.
Step 3
Remove the packaging from the brie cheese (but leave it in its wooden box). Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C), and then bake for 5-6 minutes.
Step 4
Add the bacon and syrup with the cranberries and pears on top of the brie cheese. Serve and enjoy this amazing air fryer baked brie!
💡Tips
1. Brie Cheese (+Wooden Box)
There are many brands that make brie cheese. Always check the ingredient list and make sure you are getting high-quality brie cheese without additives.
Also, we bake the cheese in the wooden box many brie cheeses come with. If the one you have doesn’t come with a wooden box, you can use parchment paper instead.
2. Don’t Overbake the Brie
You want the brie to become just warm and soft, not hot and runny. Bake at 350°F for 5-6 minutes based on your air fryer model, checking frequently. The brie is ready when the center looks fully melted. Be very careful not to overbake, or the cheese will separate from the rind.
3. Serve Immediately
This appetizer is best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer when the brie is still warm and oozy. The cheese will firm up quickly after baking, so serve on a platter garnished with rosemary sprigs, crackers, apple and pear slices, and a drizzle of honey for guests to dig into right away. Supply plenty of spreaders like small knives or spatulas too.
4. Perfecting the Fruit and Cranberry Syrup
The combination of pears, cranberries, and sugar creates a delightful syrup that complements the creamy brie. To enhance this mixture, consider the following tips:
- Use ripe but firm pears for the right balance of sweetness and texture. Overripe pears may turn too mushy when cooked.
- Simmer the mixture on low heat to allow the flavors to meld without burning the sugar. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your pears and personal preference. If your pears are very sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
5. Add Honey On Top
You can also add a little bit of sweetness to your air fryer baked brie by drizzling honey over the top. Honey will caramelize in the air fryer and really bring out the flavor of the brie.
Variations
1. The Classic Twist: Swap the pears with finely chopped apples for a more traditional taste, and add a crunchy twist with a handful of chopped walnuts. This variation brings a classic autumn flair to your dish, perfect for cozy evenings.
2. Mediterranean Flair: For a savory spin, replace cranberries with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and add sliced olives. This Mediterranean-inspired version adds a tangy and rich flavor, ideal for those who prefer a less sweet but equally indulgent treat.
3. Sweet and Spicy Delight: Give your brie an exciting kick by adding minced jalapeño to the pear mixture and swapping sugar with raspberry jam. This fiery yet sweet combination is perfect for adventurous palates seeking a burst of flavors.
4. Herbal Harmony: Replace granulated sugar with honey and add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. This variation offers a delightful harmony of flavors, with the aromatic rosemary perfectly complementing the creamy brie.
5. Tropical Breeze: Transport your taste buds to the tropics by using diced mango instead of pears and adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut. This tropical twist is refreshing, perfect for summer gatherings or as a bright winter treat.
Storage
This air fryer baked brie is best served immediately after baking while the brie is still warm and gooey. The contrast of the hot melted cheese and the cool fruit topping is sublime.
However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the brie to come to room temperature before serving again to bring back the ideal texture.
For best results, do not freeze this dish. The texture of the brie will suffer when thawed. Enjoy any leftovers within 4 days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary to keep the Brie in its wooden box during air frying?
Yes, the wooden box helps to contain the cheese as it melts and maintains its shape. If your Brie didn’t come in a wooden box, you can use a small baking dish or a piece of foil to create a makeshift container.
2. What sides go well with baked brie?
Baked brie makes a great appetizer or snack served with crackers, bread, apples, grapes, jams, nuts or honey.
3. How can I ensure the Brie is perfectly cooked in the air fryer?
Air fryers can vary, so it’s important to check the Brie at the 5-minute mark. The cheese should be soft to the touch and slightly bulging but not bursting. Adjust cooking time as needed.
4. Can I cook the brie longer for more melting?
Be careful not to overbake. The high fat content can cause separation or weeping if baked too long. Bake just until the center looks soft. Extra melting happens after removing from the oven.
Best Brie Cheese
Brie, a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated, is beloved for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. When selecting the best Brie brands, a few key factors come into play, such as the quality of milk, the cheese-making process, and the aging period.
President Brie: This widely recognized brand is known for its consistent quality. President Brie offers a smooth, creamy texture with a mild flavor, making it a versatile choice for cheese platters or cooking.
Le Chatelain Brie: Hailing from France, Le Chatelain Brie is a favorite among connoisseurs for its authenticity and rich flavor. It’s slightly earthier and has a more pronounced brie flavor compared to others, ideal for those who appreciate a traditional French Brie.
Mon Sire Brie: Another top pick, Mon Sire Brie, is praised for its delicate, buttery taste and silky texture. It’s particularly noted for its melt-in-the-mouth quality, making it a hit at gatherings.
Brie de Meaux: For a more artisanal experience, Brie de Meaux is a must-try. This AOC-certified cheese is made using traditional methods, giving it a complex flavor profile that varies from nutty to fruity.
Double Creme Brie by Wegmans: A popular choice in the United States, this brand offers a double cream version of Brie, which is richer and creamier than the classic. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy a more indulgent cheese experience.
This air fryer baked brie is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Creamy, melted brie cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart fruit topping. Feel free to try some of the suggested variations to give this baked brie your own unique twist.
I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. Let me know if you have any other questions! Be sure to check out more air fryer recipes on my website, and leave a comment below with your feedback or requests for future posts. I’d love to hear how this air fried brie turns out for you. Thanks for reading!
Air Fryer Baked Brie
- 1 Round Brie Cheese
- 1/8 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/5 cup Bacon (thin, sliced into small cubes)
- 3/4 cup Pears (diced)
- 2 tablespoons Cranberries (dried)
- Place a saucepan over low heat. Add the cranberries, pears, and sugar. Then, add about 1/4 cup of water. Simmer until the pears soften and the mixture thickens.
- Fry the bacon until it's crispy.
- Remove the packaging from the brie cheese (but leave it in its wooden box). Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C), and then bake for 5-6 minutes.
- Add the bacon and syrup with the cranberries and pears on top of the brie cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Tried this for a family get-together, and it was a success.
Super recipe! I used smoked bacon for an extra flavor kick. Also, a little honey drizzle on top goes a long way.
Tried this recipe last night and it was a hit! The combination of brie, bacon, and pears was perfect. However, I’d suggest using a bit less sugar in the syrup – the natural sweetness of the pears is enough.