These air fryer halloumi bites are so versatile. I love throwing them into salads and wraps, but they’re also delicious when served simply with a dipping sauce. They also make the perfect appetizer or party food dish. Best of all, this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and takes just 8-10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love Cooking Halloumi in an Air Fryer
Halloumi is one cheese that I love to air fry. It doesn’t melt into a gooey mess – it holds its shape, turns beautifully golden, and delivers that irresistible salty, chewy bite. And when you coat it in breadcrumbs, it’s elevated to next-level crispy perfection.
If you get hooked on the salty, squidgy deliciousness of halloumi, you’re in for a treat—there are so many ways to air fry it! Whether in air fryer halloumi fries, cubes, pieces, or slices, each one crisps up beautifully.
I like using panko breadcrumbs to create the crispy coating, as I find it gives the cheese a wonderfully crunchy exterior while keeping it soft and squidgy inside. But if you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, don’t worry—regular breadcrumbs will work beautifully, too.
By the way, if you're looking for a super-easy way to use halloumi to create a delicious meal, check out this air fryer halloumi and roasted vegetables with cous cous recipe.
How to Make Air Fryer Halloumi Bites
These crispy golden bites come together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 1 block of halloumi cheese
- 1 egg (or alternative – see substitutions below)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
Instructions:
Cut the block of halloumi into bite-sized pieces (I aim for a squarish shape and find a 225g block makes 12-16 pieces.)
Whisk the egg in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, salt and pepper.
Dip each piece of halloumi into the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Place the halloumi bites in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (220°C) for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
The halloumi is ready when it is golden and crispy. Serve straightaway and enjoy!
Top Tips
1. When coating the halloumi pieces, use one hand to dip them in the egg and the other to dip them in the breadcrumbs. This helps prevent the mixture from getting too sticky.
2. You can turn the halloumi pieces halfway through the cooking process for an even crispiness. It’s best to do this gently with silicone tongs. But if you don’t turn them, they’ll still turn out great – they just might be slightly crispier on some sides than others.
3. Large bite-sized pieces will keep their shape better, so don’t be tempted to cut the bites too small.
4. Halloumi is best served straight after cooking to enjoy the hot squidginess at its best.
What to Serve with Halloumi Bites:
These crunchy bites are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
With a dipping sauce – Try sweet chili, garlic mayo or tzatziki.
As a salad topping – Halloumi bits add a fantastic crunch to a chicken and halloumi salad.
In a wrap or sandwich – Pair with roasted veggies and hummus for a quick, tasty lunch.
On a mezze platter – Serve alongside olives, pita bread and dips for a Mediterranean feast.
What is Halloumi?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese that originates from Cyprus. Made from a mix of sheep’s, goat’s and sometimes cow’s milk, it’s famous for its high melting point, meaning it holds its shape when cooked. It’s salty, chewy, and packed with umami flavor, making it the perfect cheese for air frying!
Halloumi is packed in brine, so a little liquid might leak out when you open the packet. This is totally normal; just drain it away and then pat the halloumi dry with kitchen paper.
Is Halloumi Cheese Vegetarian?
Yes, halloumi is generally considered a vegetarian food, as it's made from animal milk (goat, sheep, or cow) but typically uses plant-based or microbial rennet instead of animal-derived rennet, which is a common ingredient in cheese production. However, it's always a good idea to check the label to ensure it's produced without animal-derived rennet.
Can You Freeze Halloumi?
Yes, you can freeze halloumi either as a whole block, or in individual bites, fries or slices. To freeze:
Wrap the halloumi tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Store for up to three months.
When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight, and then cook as usual.
To freeze halloumi bites:
Prepare the halloumi bites as described above up to the end of step 3. Then, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and cook them as described in step 4 above.
Can You Store and Reheat Halloumi Bites?
If you somehow have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes to crisp them up again.
If you’ve tried these air fryer halloumi bites, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How did they turn out? You can let me know by leaving a ⭐star rating and a comment below. Thanks for visiting!
Air Fryer Halloumi Bites
Ingredients
- 1 block of halloumi cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
Instructions
- Cut the block of halloumi into bite-sized pieces (I aim for a squarish shape and find a 225g block makes 12 pieces.)
- Whisk the egg in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece of halloumi into the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Place the halloumi bites in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (220°C) for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Notes
- When coating the halloumi pieces, use one hand to dip them in the egg and the other to dip them in the breadcrumbs. This helps prevent the mixture from getting too sticky.
- You can turn the halloumi pieces halfway through the cooking process for an even crispiness. It’s best to do this gently with silicone tongs. But if you don’t turn them, they’ll still turn out great – they just might be slightly crispier on some sides than others.
- Don’t cut your halloumi too small. Large bite-sized pieces will keep their shape better, so don’t be tempted to cut the bites too small.
- Halloumi is best served straight after cooking to enjoy the hot squidginess at its best.
Jenny
I hope you love making these air fryer halloumi bites as much as I did! Let me know by leaving a star rating and a comment below. Happy cooking!
Michael
Loved making these halloumi bites in the air fryer - added some paprika to the breadcrumbs. Loved it 😁