Air Fryer Baked Camembert

This air fryer baked Camembert makes the perfect appetiser or canapé for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party, enjoying a cosy night in, or celebrating the festive season. If you’re a cheese lover like me, then this recipe is an absolute must to try! It’s indulgent, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, bringing cheesy comfort to your table in just 15 minutes. Whether you are serving it as part of a Christmas gathering or simply craving a delicious cheesy treat, this dish is sure to impress.

The beauty of cooking a baked Camembert in the air fryer is how quick and efficient it is. Unlike traditional oven baking, the air fryer significantly reduces cooking time, giving you a perfectly melted, gooey centre with a golden brown crust. And the best part? It works in even the smallest air fryer baskets, so you don’t need a large appliance to enjoy this treat. The air fryer ensures that the Camembert cooks evenly and quickly, making it a hassle free and delightful snack.

To elevate the flavour, I add garlic, fresh herbs, and cranberries on top. The garlic and herbs infuse the cheese with aromatic flavours, while the cranberries provide a sweet contrast to the rich, savoury cheese. The combination is nothing short of spectacular! Serve this with a crusty baguette, crackers, or even some fresh fruit for dipping, and you are in for a real treat.

In spring or summer, I love pairing it with a crisp salad. It is also a wonderful choice for sharing when entertaining, or even as a romantic starter for a date night. The warm, creamy Camembert is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves cheese!

PREP 2 minutes

COOK 15 minutes

SERVES 2 people

KIT you will need an air fryer and tin foil

Ingredients for air fryer baked camembert

A 250g whole camembert cheese – if boxed then keep the wooden box for cooking and serving

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

A sprig of fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons of red current jelly – one for cooking and one for serving

Crusty baguette, toasted bread or crackers to serve

Method

So to begin, take the camembert cheese out of its plastic wrapper. Most camembert comes in a little wooden box – keep this, as it will serve as a vessel for baking. Then place the unwrapped cheese back into the wooden box, ensuring it fits snugly. If the box has a lid, you can discard it or set it aside. Using a sharp knife, make 3 or 4 shallow cuts across the top surface of the cheese. These slits help the flavours to infuse into the camembert as it bakes and melts.

Next, peel a clove or two of fresh garlic and slice them thinly. Gently insert the garlic slices into the slits you made in the top of the cheese. This adds a subtle depth of flavour as the garlic bakes. After that, spoon a generous tablespoon of redcurrant jelly over the top of the cheese, spreading it slightly so it begins to seep into the cuts. Redcurrant jelly adds a sweet contrast to the rich, creamy camembert. Finish it off by placing a fresh sprig of rosemary on top – the herb will release its aroma as it cooks, infusing the cheese beautifully.

Then wrap the prepared camembert loosely in tin foil and carefully place the whole thing into your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180°C (or about 350°F) and bake for 10 minutes. After this, open the air fryer, remove the foil, and return the cheese to the basket. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how melted you like your camembert.

Once done, remove the camembert – still in its wooden box – from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately with warm, crusty slices of baguette, perfect for dipping into the gooey, flavourful cheese.

Tips for Air Fryer Baked Camembert

1. Use a whole Camembert
For the best results, use a whole, uncut Camembert cheese in its wooden box (ensure the box is air fryer-safe or remove the cheese and wrap it in foil).

2. Score the top
Score the top of the Camembert in a crisscross pattern. This allows the cheese to melt evenly and gives it a beautiful presentation.

3. Add flavour with garlic and herbs
Insert small slivers of garlic or a sprig of rosemary into the score marks. This infuses the cheese with extra flavour as it bakes.

4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.

5. Bake it in the air fryer
Place the Camembert in the air fryer basket and bake for 10–12 minutes. Check halfway through to ensure the cheese is melting and bubbling. The outer rind should be golden and crispy.

6. Use foil for easy clean-up
If you’re not using the box, place the cheese on a small piece of foil or in a small ovenproof dish to catch any melted cheese and avoid a mess in the basket.

7. Don’t overcook
Keep an eye on the Camembert while it’s cooking. Once it’s bubbling and the top is golden, it’s ready to be served. Overcooking may result in a less creamy texture.

8. Serve with accompaniments
Baked Camembert is perfect served with crusty bread, crackers, or roasted vegetables for dipping. You can also drizzle honey or sprinkle crushed nuts on top for added flavour.

9. Let it rest
Allow the baked Camembert to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let the cheese settle and avoid spilling.