Air-Fryer Halloumi: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer! It's a convenient, hands-off way to prepare this delicious cheese, and it's also healthier than frying it in oil. The air fryer gives you a lighter, less oily result with a similar golden and crispy texture. You can brush the halloumi with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika or mixed herbs to add flavour.

How to prepare halloumi for the air fryer

Preparing halloumi for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to cut the halloumi into your desired shape and size. Most recipes suggest slicing the halloumi into 6 equal-sized slices, but you can also cut it into smaller cubes, strips, or wedges. If you want to make halloumi fries, cut the halloumi into 6 slices vertically, and then cut those slices in half.

Next, lightly brush both sides of the halloumi with olive oil. Some recipes suggest also brushing the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. However, if your air fryer has a non-stick coating, this may not be necessary.

Now you are ready to cook the halloumi. Preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C (around 360°F). Place the halloumi in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap, as this will prevent them from cooking correctly.

Cook the halloumi for around 10 minutes, or until crispy. For best results, flip the halloumi halfway through the cooking time. If you are cooking smaller pieces of halloumi, check on them after about 7 minutes to ensure they do not overcook.

Once the halloumi is crispy and golden, it is ready to serve. Air fryer halloumi is delicious as a snack, or as part of a salad, sandwich, or wrap. It also works well with sauces or dips and can be served with juicy tomatoes or other ingredients that add moisture to balance the dryness of the cheese.

How long to cook halloumi in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the halloumi pieces, as well as the brand and size of your air fryer.

For 6cm x 1cm thick slices, one source recommends cooking halloumi in an air fryer for a total of 10 to 15 minutes. This includes cooking the halloumi for 8 minutes on one side until it begins to brown, and then cooking it for an additional 2 to 5 minutes on the other side until it is crisp and golden.

For smaller shapes, such as halloumi fries or cubes, the cooking time will be shorter. One source recommends checking on the halloumi around the 7- to 8-minute mark. Another source recommends cooking halloumi fries at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes.

For thicker slices, one source recommends cooking halloumi at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how golden you want the exterior to be.

How to serve air-fried halloumi

Air-fried halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, lunch, or dinner. Here are some ways to serve it:

As a Snack or Appetizer

You can enjoy air-fried halloumi as a snack on its own or with your favourite dips and sauces. Try serving it with hummus, or a tapas-style sauce like romesco or bravas.

In a Salad

Air-fried halloumi goes well in a salad as its dryness is balanced by the moisture of juicy ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or salad dressing. For a simple salad, mix it with cherry tomatoes and herbs. For a more substantial salad, try it with black beans or beet noodles.

In a Sandwich or Wrap

Air-fried halloumi can be served in a sandwich or wrap, especially with avocado and tomato.

With Eggs

Try air-fried halloumi as a topping for scrambled eggs on toast, or with fresh salsa or avocado on toast.

With Pasta

Air-fried halloumi can be paired with pasta, such as in a cherry tomato and halloumi dish or swapped for burrata in a bruschetta pasta.

With Curry

Halloumi can be added to curries, especially those that call for paneer, like kale or spinach paneer curry.

Other Ideas

• Halloumi can be served with zoodles (zucchini noodles) as a low-carb option.
• It can be a tasty addition to grain bowls.
• Halloumi can be a great topping for dishes like chicken wings or chicken breasts, adding a crispy, salty element.

How to reheat halloumi in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer! But what about reheating it?

Well, it turns out that reheating halloumi in an air fryer is easy. Simply pop your leftover halloumi into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes on each side. You can also enjoy it cold—it's up to you!

If you're cooking halloumi from scratch in an air fryer, the process is just as simple. First, preheat your air fryer to 180C/360F or 200C, depending on your recipe. Next, prepare your halloumi by slicing it into your desired shape and size. You can cut the halloumi into strips, cubes, wedges, or fries. If you're making halloumi fries, you'll need to reduce the cooking time.

Once your air fryer is preheated, brush the bottom of the fry basket with olive oil and place the halloumi inside. Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Flip the halloumi over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

How to choose the best air fryer

Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer! It's a great way to get that crispy texture without using as much oil as you would in a frying pan.

Now, here's how to choose the best air fryer:

Size and Food Capacity

Firstly, consider the size of the air fryer and how much food it can hold. A 3.7L air fryer is a standard size, typically cooking enough food for four people. However, depending on your needs, you may require a bigger or smaller air fryer. Keep in mind that air fryers can be bulky, so if you want it on your countertop, be sure to check the dimensions.

Safety Features

Air fryers get extremely hot, so safety features are crucial. Look for an air fryer with auto-shutoff and a cool-touch exterior. Most air fryers will have these features, but it's always good to double-check.

Reviews

Before purchasing, be sure to read reviews to get a sense of the pros and cons of each product. Amazon is a great place to start, with many air fryers having numerous reviews that can give you insights into their performance and any potential issues.

Temperature Range

Most recipes for meats and chicken require a temperature of around 400°F to cook thoroughly, so look for an air fryer that can reach this temperature.

Timer

It's also helpful to have an air fryer with a timer that goes off when your food is ready, so you don't have to constantly monitor it.

Ease of Cleaning

Lastly, consider how easy the air fryer is to clean. Look for one that comes apart easily and can be quickly cleaned after each use. Using foil or parchment paper can also help keep it mess-free.

Recommendations

• Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker
• Ninja Foodi Dual Air Fryer
• Instant Vortex Air Fryer
• Cosori Pro Air Fryer

Frequently asked questions