There's nothing quite like a warm, gooey baked Camembert to start a meal or to serve as a delightful snack at your next gathering. This recipe takes your traditional baked Camembert and elevates it with the elegant addition of cranberries and almonds. Perfectly suited for an air fryer, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious to consume.
Why Air Fry?
Air frying provides an excellent way to prepare baked Camembert. It allows for a quick, evenly cooked result with minimal mess, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. The air fryer also adds a perfect hint of crispiness to the cheese rind that you can’t achieve with a conventional oven.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Camembert cheese (usually about 250g)
- 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons of flaked almonds
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread or crackers, to serve
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Camembert
Remove the Camembert from its box and discard any plastic wrapping. Return the cheese to its wooden box, if applicable, as this will aid in maintaining its shape during cooking. If your Camembert is not in a wooden box, consider wrapping it tightly in parchment paper.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Use a sharp knife to score the top of the cheese in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the cheese. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle the flaked almonds generously above.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Place the prepared Camembert in the air fryer basket. Close and air fry for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Be cautious when removing the cheese, as it is very hot and can be quite soft and wobbly.
Step 4: Serve
Allow the cheese to cool slightly and then transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy the gooey cheese with its sweet and nutty topping while warm for a truly comforting and indulgent treat.
Tips & Tricks
- If the almonds begin to brown too quickly, cover them with a bit of aluminium foil during cooking to prevent burning.
- Experiment with other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for different flavour profiles.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt for an additional layer of flavour.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, enhancing the creamy texture of the Camembert and complementing the sweetness of the cranberries.
Conclusion
Baked Camembert with cranberries and almonds in an air fryer is an elegant yet simple dish that will impress your guests and become a staple in your appetizer repertoire. Its combination of textures and flavours delivers a satisfying and decadent experience that's hard to resist, making it perfect for any occasion.