Air fryer halloumi is so easy and quick to make, using just 2 ingredients, you can enjoy this crispy air-fried halloumi as an appetizer, sandwich filling, side dish, or even a main meal! It’s crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside and it will keep you full and feeling great for a long time. Let me show you how to make it in easy steps.
Halloumi is a good source of healthy fats and protein and makes a great vegetarian meat alternative to your typical sandwich meats like ham, turkey, or bacon.
Air frying this cheese is quick and easy and will yield consistent results every time just like it is grilled or cooked on the stovetop. Depending on the style of your air fryer basket may even get grill marks! What is not to love?
Halloumi can be eaten raw but it does taste better grilled, baked, or fried. I enjoy halloumi fries but thanks to the air fryer, I now make and enjoy it without the excess oil from deep or pan-frying. When air fried, It tastes amazingly good and can be eaten on its own as a snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce. That said it can also be served in many ways, use it as a sandwich filling, a topping on a salad, or as a burger.
What Is Halloumi
Halloumi is a semi-hard, white cheese made from cow’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk and originates from Cyprus. It comes packaged in salty brine and has a chewy squeaky texture when eaten raw.
It is so delicious when grilled, fried, or air-fried, the outer edges become golden and crispy, while the inside becomes soft, chewy, and slightly melted. Halloumi has a high melting point making a good choice of cheese to cook with as it holds its shape when heated. It doesn't ooze like mozzarella cheese when cooked.
To eat halloumi, just drain out the brine, rinse with water to remove some of that extra salt, slice, and eat as you please, raw or cooked.
Why You Will Love this Air fried Halloumi
- It’s a two-ingredient dish that is convenient and fast to prepare.
- Halloumi has so many health benefits including high protein content, a healthy source of fats and is low in carbohydrates.
- Air fried halloumi is the perfect vegetarian alternative in sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
What You’ll Need
A block of full-fat halloumi substitute with or low-fat
Olive oil, you will only need about 1 Tablespoon to make this recipe. You can also use cooking oil spray instead.
Fresh parsley to serve
How to cook crispy halloumi in the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F
Drain the block of halloumi from its salty brine and rinse it under lukewarm water to wash off some of that extra salt. Slice the block into 1-2cm widthwise and pat dry with a paper towel.
Place each slice of halloumi flat in the air fryer basket leaving a little room between each slice, they may expand a little bit.
Brush the olive oil on both sides of the sliced halloumi.
Air fry the halloumi at 180C/360F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown on each side.
Serve immediately as is or with some freshly chopped parsley, chili mayo, toasted pita bread, or on a salad!
Tips
Preheating the air fryer will make a huge difference in how crispy the halloumi can be. All you need is a few minutes before popping them in.
Make sure the cheese is as dry as possible before air frying them by patting it dry with a paper towel. Any dampness will prevent the cheese from browning and crisping properly.
It is very unlikely the cheese will burn, so feel free to add more time if you want a thicker crispy edge or a more golden color!
How to store
Leftover air fried halloumi will keep safe in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. When reheating, pop it back into the air fryer and cook at 160C/340F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Air Fryer Halloumi
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 225 g full-fat halloumi substitute with or low-fat
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- Fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F
- Drain the block of halloumi from its salty brine and rinse it under lukewarm water to wash off some of that extra salt. Slice the block into 1-2cm widthwise and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place each slice of halloumi flat in the air fryer basket leaving a little room between each slice, they may expand a little bit.
- Brush the olive oil on both sides of the sliced halloumi.
- Air fry the halloumi at 180C/360F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown on each side.
- Serve immediately as is or with some freshly chopped parsley, chili mayo, toasted pita bread, or on a salad!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Is halloumi keto
Halloumi is a great keto food, it’s high in protein and healthy fats and low in carbs!
Can you make halloumi fries in the air fryer
Yes, you can make halloumi fries by slicing them into sticks and air frying them the same way at 180ºC (355ºF) for 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes.
If making a halloumi burger, slice the cheese into a thicker plank (2-3 cm) and air fry until golden and crispy around the edges.
How long does halloumi last?
Cooked or opened halloumi will last in the fridge for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container. If it is still in its original package unopened, then it should last for as long as the expiration states provided is stored under the right temperature in the fridge.
How long to cook halloumi in air fryer
Air frying halloumi usually takes under 15 minutes to do if cooked at 180C/360F! That said, it does depend on the thickness of the cheese and the brand of your air fryer. If you are slicing them into thin planks or fries, 8-10 minutes is more than enough (flipping halfway). For thicker cuts, like for halloumi burgers, it can take up to 15 minutes.
More air fryer recipe you will love
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If you made this easy air fryer recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback and rate it 5 stars. Tag us @cravingsmallbites on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest
Mary says
Am I missing something? Where does the olive oil come into it? I can’t see it mentioned apart from in the list of ingredients?
Olu says
Hello Mary, I apologize, the step was missed in the recipe card, you brush the olive oil on the halloumi on both sides just before you air fry it.