Can you put halloumi in an air fryer? Absolutely! And these salty, slightly gooey, yet oh so crispy air fryer halloumi fries might just be my new favourite thing to cook. Okay, fried halloumi might not seem like the healthiest food ever but my method uses just the tiniest hint of olive oil and the results are super-delicious. This halloumi fries recipe couldn't be easier and the fries only take around 10 minutes to cook.
What to serve with halloumi fries
I served the halloumi fries between two adults and one child, alongside a salad to boost the health quota. But they would be just as tasty on their own as a starter. They’re also the perfect finger food for parties - you’ll need to make lots because they are so good, no-one will be able to resist coming back for more. I made a quick spicy mayo and sriracha dip to go on the side but you could serve them just with mayo or with a tomato salsa or chilli dipping sauce.
How to cook halloumi cheese in an air fryer
Cooking halloumi cheese in an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior. As well as the halloumi fries recipe above, here are four more delicious ways to air fry halloumi:
Halloumi Bites
- Cut the halloumi into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the halloumi pieces in a mixture of breadcrumbs and your favourite seasonings.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and browned.
Pepper and Halloumi Skewers
- Cut the halloumi into bite-sized cubes.
- Thread the halloumi cubes onto skewers, alternating with colourful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
- Brush with olive oil and season with herbs and spices.
- Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 8-10 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until the halloumi is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender.
Halloumi Salad Toppers
- Cut the halloumi into cubes or slices.
- Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 3-4 minutes, until the halloumi is golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle the crispy halloumi on top of your favourite salad for a savoury crunch.
Remember that halloumi cooks quickly in the air fryer, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking and ensure it remains wonderfully gooey on the inside.
Air fryer cooking times for halloumi cheese
The cooking time for halloumi in an air fryer can vary based on the size of the halloumi pieces, the temperature setting of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness. Here's a general guideline:
For halloumi bites: Cook at 200°C (390°F) for approximately 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This should result in crispy and golden halloumi.
For halloumi skewers with other ingredients (like vegetables): Cook at 180°C (360°F) for about 8-10 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally. This ensures that the halloumi is cooked through and has a lovely char on the outside.
For halloumi slices (used in sandwiches or salads): Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 2-3 minutes on each side. This will give you crispy halloumi slices that are perfect for sandwiches or salad toppers.
Remember that air fryers can vary in wattage and performance, so it's important to monitor the cooking process to achieve your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on the halloumi to prevent overcooking, as it can become tough if left in the air fryer for too long.
Ingredients for halloumi fries
Halloumi fries
- 1 x 225g block of halloumi
- Drizzle of unrefined avocado oil (or your preferred air fryer oil)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of chilli powder
Sriracha mayo dip
- 3 tablespoons of mayo
- 1 tablespoons of sriracha (or to taste)
Air Fryer Halloumi Fries with Sriracha Mayo
Ingredients
For the halloumi fries
- 1 x 225g block of halloumi (I use vegetarian halloumi)
- Drizzle of avocado oil
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of chilli powder
For the sriracha mayo dip
- 3 tablespoons of mayo
- 1 tablespoons of sriracha or to taste
Instructions
For the halloumi fries
- Take a block of halloumi and pat dry.
- Chop the block into fries. I found a 225g block made 16 fries which was plenty for two adults.
- Beat the egg in one bowl, then put the panko breadcrumbs in another and mix in the chilli powder.
- Drizzle a little avocado oil over the uncooked halloumi fries, then take them one at a time and dip in the beaten egg, then gently roll each fry in the panko breadcrumbs to coat.
- After coating each halloumi fry, line them up in your air fryer drawer.
- Cook in the air fryer at 180C on the air fry setting for 10 minutes or until golden. I put them straight onto the crisper plate and found there was no need to turn.
For the sriracha mayo dip
- While the halloumi fries are cooking in the air fryer, mix the mayo and sriracha together to make the dip.
Notes
Nutrition
Yes! Halloumi is a great ingredient to cook in an air fryer. It turns wonderfully crispy on the outside while retaining it's lovely squidginess on the inside. Just be sure to check it every few minutes while it's cooking to make sure it doesn't go too dry.
I like to serve halloumi fries with a dip like a spicy mayo or a yogurt dressing. They also pair well with hummus and are fab served as part of a mezze or tapas selection. If you want to serve them as part of a meal, they go great with cous cous and roasted vegetables.
Some brands of halloumi cheese are vegetarian but some are produced using animal-derived rennet so it's best to check the label.
Halloumi is traditionally made from sheep's milk or goat's milk, or a mixture of the two.
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