Air Fryer Frozen Brie En Croute: Crispy Crust, Gooey Melted Cheese!

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s unbelievably easy to make, this Air Fryer Frozen Brie En Croute is a total game-changer! With no need to defrost, you can go straight from freezer to air fryer and have a golden, flaky pastry filled with gooey, melted brie cheese in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this effortless air fryer recipe delivers all the fancy vibes with none of the fuss.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Brie En Croute

• No thawing needed—straight from freezer to air fryer! You don’t have to plan ahead or wait around for anything to defrost. Just open the package, pop it in, and let the air fryer do all the work. It’s a total time-saver for busy days or last-minute guests. You’ll love how effortless it is to pull off such a fancy-looking dish.

• Golden, flaky pastry every time. The air fryer crisps up the puff pastry perfectly without burning or undercooking. It gets beautifully golden on the outside while staying soft and gooey on the inside. You’ll get that satisfying crunch with every bite. No oven required!

• Warm, gooey brie cheese center. The inside melts into cheesy perfection that’s rich, creamy, and indulgent. Whether you’re scooping it onto a cracker or enjoying it by the forkful, it’s guaranteed to be delicious. Brie lovers will be obsessed with how smooth and flavorful it turns out. It’s comfort food at its finest.

• Perfect party appetizer that disappears fast. Guests will crowd around this once it’s sliced—trust me! The combo of melted cheese and crisp pastry is irresistible. It looks impressive on a serving platter but takes no real effort to make. It’s one of those appetizers people always ask about.

• Versatile and pairs with everything. Serve it with apple slices, crackers, grapes, or a drizzle of honey for extra flair. You can even enjoy it as a solo snack when you’re craving something special. The flavors work beautifully with both sweet and savory pairings. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Brie En Croute

• Frozen Brie En Croute – This is a round of brie cheese wrapped in puff pastry, usually pre-packaged and ready to cook. Brands like Trader Joe’s make it easy to find, but any store-bought version will work. No need to thaw—it goes straight from freezer to air fryer. The rich, creamy brie melts beautifully while the pastry turns golden and crisp.

For the exact measurement of the ingredient, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Brie En Croute

• Air Fryer – The star of this recipe! It cooks the brie en croute evenly and gives that crispy, golden crust without needing to preheat.

• Spatula – Handy for lifting the hot, delicate pastry out of the air fryer basket without breaking it.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Brie En Croute

• Start by taking the frozen brie en croute out of its packaging—no need to thaw it first.

• Carefully place it into the air fryer basket, making sure it sits flat.

• Slide the basket into the air fryer and set the temperature to 370°F.

• Cook it for 30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

• Once done, use a spatula to gently lift it out and transfer it to a plate.

• Let it cool for about 5 minutes so the cheese has time to set a little.

• Slice and serve while warm—it’s melty, crispy, and absolutely delicious!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices of apple, peaches, or red globe grapes on the side. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the creamy brie and buttery pastry.

• Offer a variety of crispy dippers like breadsticks so guests can scoop up the melted cheese. It’s a fun and elegant way to enjoy it.

• Add homemade fig jam for a little extra sweetness on top before serving for a gourmet touch.

• Garnish with rosemary sprigs or pomegranate seeds for a holiday-ready presentation.

• Make it the centerpiece of a charcuterie spread for parties or get-togethers.

Tips For Success

• Start from frozen. Do not thaw the brie en croute before cooking. The pastry is meant to go into the air fryer frozen and will turn out flaky and golden. Thawing can lead to soggy pastry and messy melted cheese.

• Keep the air fryer basket clean and dry. A clean basket helps the pastry cook evenly and prevents sticking. If your air fryer has hot spots, you can rotate the brie halfway through cooking—but this usually isn’t necessary.

• Use a spatula to remove the brie. The pastry is delicate right after cooking. A spatula allows you to lift it gently without cracking the crust or spilling the melted cheese.

• Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice without losing all the filling. The inside stays warm and gooey, just more manageable.

• Serve immediately. Air fryer brie en croute is best enjoyed fresh and warm. The pastry will be crisp, and the cheese will be perfectly melted—ideal for dipping or spreading.

• Monitor the cook time the first time you make it. All air fryers cook a little differently. Keep an eye on the pastry color—once it’s golden brown and crisp, it’s ready to go.

Variations And Substitutions

• Try different types of cheese. While brie is the classic choice, you can use camembert or even a small wheel of goat cheese for a different flavor. Just make sure it’s fully wrapped in puff pastry and frozen before cooking. The cook time will remain about the same, and you’ll still get a gooey, melty center.

• Add a sweet filling. For extra flavor, some frozen brie en croute varieties come with fruit preserves like fig, raspberry, or apricot inside. If yours doesn’t, you can carefully make a small cut in the top and spoon a bit of jam in before air frying. The sweet and savory combo is always a hit.

• Use store-bought puff pastry to make your own. Can’t find frozen brie en croute? Wrap a small wheel of brie in thawed puff pastry yourself and freeze it. Then cook it in the air fryer straight from frozen using the same method.

• Make it gluten-free. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free puff pastry or a pre-made gluten-free brie en croute option. Not all stores carry them, but there are some specialty brands available online.

• Try savory toppings. Before air frying, brush the pastry with a little olive oil and sprinkle on herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cracked black pepper. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

• Switch up the serving options. Pair with savory items like prosciutto, olives, or roasted veggies for a more robust appetizer. Or lean into the sweet side with honey, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing leftovers: If you have any brie en croute left over (which is rare!), let it cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• Reheating in the air fryer: To bring back the crispy texture, reheat leftover slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This warms the cheese and re-crisps the pastry without overcooking it.

• Reheating in the oven: You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Avoid microwaving if possible: The microwave can make the puff pastry soggy. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short 15-second bursts and enjoy immediately—but for best results, use the air fryer or oven.

• Freezing leftovers: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked brie en croute if needed. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook brie en croute from frozen in the air fryer without defrosting it first?

Yes! That’s one of the best things about this recipe—you don’t need to defrost it. Just take it straight from the freezer, remove the packaging, and place it in the air fryer. Cooking from frozen ensures the pastry turns out flaky and golden while the cheese melts perfectly inside.

How do I know when the brie en croute is done cooking?

You’ll know it’s ready when the outside is a deep golden brown and looks crisp. The air fryer setting of 370°F for 30 minutes usually does the trick. If you’re unsure, you can gently press the top—it should feel soft and puffed up, indicating the cheese inside is melted. Keep in mind that all air fryers are a little different, so you may want to check it a couple of minutes early the first time you try it.

Can I use a homemade brie en croute instead of store-bought?

Yes, absolutely! You can wrap a small wheel of brie in store-bought puff pastry, optionally adding jam or nuts before sealing it. Just be sure to freeze it before cooking so it mimics the texture and timing of the frozen version. Follow the same air fryer temperature and time instructions as you would with a packaged one.

What are the best things to serve with brie en croute?

Brie en croute pairs well with both sweet and savory items. Try it with apple slices, grapes, crackers, or a drizzle of honey. You can also serve it as part of a charcuterie board or with toasted baguette slices. It’s versatile and always a hit, no matter how you serve it.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking?

As long as you cook it straight from frozen and don’t cut into the pastry before air frying, you shouldn’t have any issues. The puff pastry acts like a seal, keeping the cheese inside until you’re ready to slice and serve. If you’re using a homemade version, make sure the edges are sealed tightly before freezing. Giving it a few minutes to cool after cooking also helps the cheese settle and stay inside.

Can I reheat leftover brie en croute?

Yes! Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or in the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help re-crisp the pastry and warm the cheese without making it soggy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that flaky crust intact.

Other Easy Appetizer Recipes

Baked Brie with Honey – This warm, melty baked brie drizzled with honey is the ultimate easy appetizer for any gathering.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini – These sweet and tangy cranberry goat cheese crostini are a festive and flavorful bite-sized starter.

Cheesy Garlic Bread – Loaded with melty cheese and buttery garlic flavor, this oven-baked garlic bread is the perfect side or snack.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball – Shaped like a pumpkin and packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, this fun appetizer is perfect for fall parties.

Keto Shrimp Cucumber Bites with Avocado – These no-cook, low-carb bites combine shrimp, avocado, and crisp cucumber for a light and refreshing appetizer.

Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon – Tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon make an irresistible, savory party appetizer or side dish.

Christmas Veggie Tray Wreath – This festive veggie platter arranged like a holiday wreath is a healthy and colorful centerpiece for any holiday table.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie
• Crispy Pork Bites in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Falafel