This Air Fryer Camembert is wonderfully gooey in the middle, with a golden top drizzled with honey and sprinkled with fresh thyme. Cooked in just 10 minutes, it's an easy Christmas starter or party food that's perfect for sharing with warm crusty bread.
When I'm entertaining at Christmas, I love recipes that look impressive without needing much effort. This air fryer baked Camembert is one of those recipes I can pop on while getting everything else ready, and serve straight from the dish with plenty of things for dipping.
We also love this for a festive date night, and the kids love dipping chunks of bread into the melted cheese too. It's a bit like an easy cheese fondue.
Recipe update: This recipe was originally published on 29 November 2023 and was fully retested in November 2026 to check the cooking time and ingredient quantities. The original recipe still worked well, but I've expanded the instructions, tips and FAQs.
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Jump to:
- Why You'll Love It
- Recipe Overview
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Cook Camembert in the Air Fryer
- How Long to Cook Camembert in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Camembert Variations
- What To Serve with Air Fryer Camembert
- Storage and Reheating
- Dannii's Top Tips
- Troubleshooting Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Cheese Recipes
- Recipe
- Feedback
Why You'll Love It
- Quick and easy - Just four ingredients and 10 minutes of cooking time.
- Perfect for Christmas - An impressive but fuss-free festive starter or sharing dish for parties.
- Sweet and savoury - Honey balances the rich, creamy cheese, while fresh thyme adds a lovely flavour.
- Easy to adapt - Add garlic, rosemary, cranberry sauce or your favourite chutney.
Recipe Overview
- Temperature: 180°C/350°F on the Air Fry setting.
- Cooking time: Around 10 minutes for a whole 250g Camembert, checking from 8 minutes.
- Equipment: A small, snug ovenproof dish or suitable baking box that fits in your air fryer.
- When it's ready: The top should be lightly golden and the centre soft and completely melted.
- Tested in: My Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone 9.5L air fryer. Cooking times may vary between models, so use the timings as a guide.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Camembert - Use a whole 250g round of Camembert. One suitable for baking works best, ideally with a wooden box that is approved for heating. You can also use a small ovenproof dish that fits in your air fryer.
If you're making this for vegetarians, check the packaging, as not all Camembert is made with vegetarian rennet. - Olive oil - Helps the top become golden as the cheese cooks.
- Honey - We use clear runny honey, which goes so well with the creamy cheese. Maple syrup works too, or try hot honey for a little heat.
- Thyme - Fresh thyme adds a lovely herby flavour. Rosemary is a good alternative.
- Bread - To dip into the lovely gooey cheese. Please note: the bread is not included in the nutritional values.
How to Cook Camembert in the Air Fryer
- Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F.
- Prepare the cheese: Remove all the plastic and paper wrapping from the Camembert, then place it in a small ovenproof dish or its suitable wooden box base, if both the packaging and air fryer manufacturer permit this. Remove the wooden lid.
- Cut the cheese: Cut a shallow cross through the top rind of the Camembert. Drizzle over the olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with the fresh thyme leaves.
- Put into the air fryer: Carefully place the Camembert in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry: Cook on the Air Fry Setting at 180°C/350°F for around 10 minutes. Check after 8 minutes, then continue cooking until the cheese is soft and melted in the middle. Carefully remove it and serve immediately.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the cheese is contained in a snug dish or suitable box rather than sitting loose in the basket. This helps stop the melted cheese escaping through the bottom or sides.
How Long to Cook Camembert in the Air Fryer
We cook our 250g Camembert at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes. I recommend checking it after 8 minutes, as all air fryers cook slightly differently.
You'll know it is ready when the top looks slightly puffed and the centre feels soft and molten. You can gently insert a knife into the middle to check that it has melted.
If it's still firm, return it to the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes and check again. A cold Camembert or one cooked in a thick ceramic dish may need a little longer.
Don't overcook it, as the cheese can start to dry out rather than stay beautifully gooey.
Air Fryer Camembert Variations
The honey and thyme combination is our favourite, but there are lots of ways to change the flavours.
- Garlic and rosemary - Tuck a few thin slices of garlic into the top of the cheese and replace the thyme with rosemary.
- Cranberry Camembert - Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce or our Christmas chutney to the melted cheese just before serving for a festive twist.
- Spicy Camembert - Add a pinch of chilli flakes or use hot honey instead of regular honey.
- Extra crunch - Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans before serving.
- Brie - A whole round of Brie can be used instead, although cooking times will depend on its size and thickness.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the cooked cheese is delicious too.
What To Serve with Air Fryer Camembert
Warm crusty bread is my favourite thing to serve with baked Camembert. Tear a baguette into chunks and let everyone help themselves.
For something a little different, try our air fryer garlic bread, puff pastry cheese straws, cheese biscuits or our easy homemade crackers.
For freshness, add carrot sticks, cucumber, peppers and apple slices. I also love a little sweet chutney to balance the rich cheese, especially our Christmas chutney.
For Christmas party food, our air fryer pigs in blankets are incredible dipped into melted Camembert.
You could also add the cheese to the centre of a grazing platter with crackers, fruit, vegetables and other party nibbles. It looks impressive but is so simple to put together.
Storage and Reheating
Store: Air fryer Camembert is best eaten straight away while it is warm and gooey. If you have leftovers, cool them quickly and transfer them to an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours. Eat within 48 hours.
Reheat: Reheat once in a small ovenproof dish in the air fryer at around 160°C until steaming hot throughout. The texture might not be quite as smooth as when freshly cooked.
Freeze: I don't recommend freezing cooked Camembert, as the texture can change when defrosted.
Make ahead: You can prepare your bread, crackers, chutney and vegetables in advance. Cook the Camembert just before serving for the best texture.
Dannii's Top Tips
- Use the right container - A small, snug ovenproof dish is a reliable option and helps catch any melted cheese. Only use a wooden box if its packaging and your air fryer instructions confirm it is suitable. Never use a cardboard box or leave plastic wrapping attached.
- Preheat the air fryer - We preheat ours for around 5 minutes so the cheese starts melting as soon as it goes in.
- Check it early - Start checking after 8 minutes. You want a molten centre, without the cheese bursting out or drying out.
- Warm the bread - If there's room, add slices of baguette around the cheese for the last couple of minutes to warm through.
- Serve immediately - Baked Camembert starts to firm up as it cools, so have all your dippers ready before it comes out of the air fryer.
- Be careful removing it - The container and melted cheese will be very hot. Use oven gloves and keep the Camembert in its dish when transferring it to the serving board.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese leaks out | The container doesn't hold the cheese securely, or the rind has split during cooking. | Use a snug ovenproof dish and remove the cheese as soon as the centre is melted. |
| Top browns too quickly | Your air fryer runs hotter than expected. | Reduce the temperature slightly and check every 1-2 minutes until the middle melts. |
| Cheese becomes oily or rubbery | The Camembert has been overcooked. | Check from 8 minutes and remove it as soon as the centre is soft and gooey. |
| Cheese starts to firm up | Melted Camembert naturally thickens as it cools. | Serve immediately, with all your bread and other dippers ready beforehand. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Some Camembert comes in a wooden box suitable for baking. If the packaging and your air fryer manufacturer confirm it is safe to use, remove the lid, plastic and paper wrapping before cooking. Don't assume that every wooden box is suitable, especially in a compact air fryer. If you aren't sure, use a small ovenproof dish instead. This is also a good option for preventing leaks.
It may simply need a little longer. Different air fryers cook at different rates, and a Camembert straight from the fridge or in a ceramic dish can take longer to heat through. Return it to the air fryer for another minute or two and check the centre. Make sure you are using a whole round of soft Camembert suitable for baking, rather than wedges or a harder cheese.
Absolutely. You can leave out the honey completely and use olive oil, garlic and rosemary instead. Or try cranberry sauce or chutney after cooking if you prefer a different kind of sweetness.
Yes, the white rind is edible. Scoring the top before cooking helps you dip into the melted cheese, but there's no need to remove the rind beforehand.
It can be, but not all Camembert is vegetarian. Some traditional Camembert is made using animal rennet, so check the packaging and choose one labelled suitable for vegetarians or made with vegetarian rennet. The honey is vegetarian-friendly, but this recipe contains dairy, so it isn't vegan.
More Cheese Recipes
If you've tried this Air Fryer Camembert recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy and use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Air Fryer Camembert with Honey and Thyme
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) of Camembert
- 1 tablespoon of Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Honey
- 3 sprigs of Thyme - leaves only
To serve
- Bread - for dipping. To keep this recipe gluten-free, serve with gluten-free bread or crackers.
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F.
- Prepare the cheese: Remove all the plastic and paper wrapping from 250 g of Camembert, then place it in a small ovenproof dish or its suitable wooden box base, if both the packaging and air fryer manufacturer permit this. Remove the wooden lid.
- Cut the cheese: Cut a shallow cross through the top rind of the Camembert. Drizzle over 1 tablespoon of Olive oiland 1 tablespoon of Honey, then sprinkle with 3 sprigs of Thyme (leaves only).
- Put into the air fryer: Carefully place the Camembert in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry: Cook on the Air Fry Setting at 180°C/350°F for around 10 minutes. Check after 8 minutes, then continue cooking until the cheese is soft and melted in the middle. Carefully remove it and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Air fryer used: This recipe was tested in my Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone 9.5L air fryer at 180°C/350°F. I preheated it for around 5 minutes before cooking. Other air fryers may cook slightly faster or slower, so check from 8 minutes.
- Use the right container - A small, snug ovenproof dish is a reliable option and helps catch any melted cheese. Only use a wooden box if its packaging and your air fryer instructions confirm it is suitable. Never use a cardboard box or leave plastic wrapping attached.
- Preheat the air fryer - We preheat ours for around 5 minutes so the cheese starts melting as soon as it goes in.
- Check it early - Start checking after 8 minutes. You want a molten centre, without the cheese bursting out or drying out.
- Warm the bread - If there's room, add slices of baguette around the cheese for the last couple of minutes to warm through.
- Serve immediately - Baked Camembert starts to firm up as it cools, so have all your dippers ready before it comes out of the air fryer.
- Be careful removing it - The container and melted cheese will be very hot. Use oven gloves and keep the Camembert in its dish when transferring it to the serving board.
Nutritional Information
Where nutritional information is provided, it is approximate and calculated using online tools. Values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used, but we endeavour to be as accurate as possible.
All timings are a guide and may vary depending on the ingredients, equipment and, where relevant, the appliance used. Changing the serving size may also affect the time needed.
Adrian says
Unfortunately it didn't turn out too great, most of the cheese oozed out & leaked from the box. . Think I'd wrap the bottom and sides of the box in foil if I were to try it again. Still tasty though.
Dannii Martin says
This will happen if there are holes or slits in the box. But, as mentioned in the extra tips section, you can also just put it on a piece of baking/parchment paper.
Kathleen says
I am in awe at how pretty and delicious this air fryer camembert looks. I can't wait to try this fantastic appetizer.
Ashley says
Just the thought of camembert makes my mouth water. I love that I can now make it in the air fryer!
Ieva says
First time I cooked camembert in an air-fryer, but certainly won't be the last. It turned out great - all oozy in the middle and beautifully browned on top. We used rosemary on this occasion, cause that's all we had, but I bet it's superb with thyme flavours too! W
Holley says
This cheese recipe is absolutely delicious! Sooo easy and everyone enjoyed it!