Crispy Boursin with Red Pepper Jelly

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about hosting during the holidays, it’s this: people don’t remember how perfectly you set the table, but they do remember the food, especially the snacks you put out before dinner. Enter: Crispy Boursin with Red Pepper Jelly.

Crispy air fryer Boursin topped with red pepper jelly—an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer ready in minutes.

This little gem of a recipe has become my go-to holiday appetizer because it’s ridiculously easy, looks fancy, and has that perfect mix of creamy, crispy, and sweet heat that makes people hover near the snack table like they’re guarding it. Plus, it’s made in the air fryer, which means zero stress and no greasy mess.

I still remember the first time I made this. It was one of those “throw something together and hope for the best” moments before our annual Christmas party. I had a box of Boursin, a jar of red pepper jelly, and a wild idea that maybe, just maybe, the air fryer could crisp it up. Spoiler alert: it worked so well that now my friends text me weeks before Christmas asking if I’m making “that cheese thing” again.

🧀 Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs is classic, but shallot & chive is amazing too)

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon flour

• Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)

• Red pepper jelly (for serving)

• Optional: fresh herbs or crackers for garnish

✨ How to Make It:

1. Freeze the Boursin for 15–20 minutes — this helps it hold its shape while breading.

2. Lightly dust the cheese with flour, then dip it into the beaten egg.

3. Roll it gently in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

4. Place it in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray.

5. Air fry at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

6. Carefully remove and let it rest for a few minutes (the inside will be molten).

7. Spoon red pepper jelly over the top, add some herbs if you’re feeling fancy, and serve with crackers or crostini. I also love to garnish the red pepper jelly with a little fresh thyme.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It:

It’s foolproof. It’s beautiful. And it tastes like something from a fancy cocktail party, but you made it in under 15 minutes while still in your sweatpants.

This one’s for all my fellow snack-board lovers, last-minute hosts, and air fryer enthusiasts who just want something that wows without the stress. Trust me, once you make this Crispy Boursin with Red Pepper Jelly, it’s going to be a permanent part of your holiday appetizer lineup. It's also perfect for those days you just want to binge all the Hallmark movies.

Get my favorite air fryer here:

The best Ninja Air Fryer for Small Spaces