Air-Fryer Halloumi: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer. It's a simple, hands-off, and convenient way of cooking the cheese, and it's also healthier than frying it in a pan. Air-fried halloumi is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and it's ready in under 10 minutes.

How to prepare halloumi for the air fryer

Air frying is a convenient and hands-off way of cooking halloumi, and it's a great option for those looking to reduce fat and calories. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare halloumi for the air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/360°F.
• Prepare the halloumi by slicing it into equal-sized slices or cubes. You can cut it lengthwise and then widthwise to get six pieces, or you can cut six slices vertically for wider but flatter pieces. Cutting it into smaller cubes or fry shapes will reduce the cooking time.
• Dry the halloumi slices with a paper towel or clean cloth.
• Brush all sides of the halloumi with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Place the halloumi slices in the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook for 7-12 minutes, depending on the size of your halloumi pieces and your air fryer. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as it can turn rubbery.
• Serve immediately. You can serve it with sliced cherry tomatoes, freshly chopped herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

How long to cook halloumi in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer!

• Preheat your air fryer to 180C/360F.
• Cut a 225g/8oz block of halloumi into 6 equal-sized slices. You can also cut them into smaller cubes or fry shapes for a shorter cooking time.
• Pat the halloumi dry using kitchen paper or a clean cloth.
• Brush or rub the halloumi with olive oil. You can also season with salt and pepper or other flavourings, such as smoked paprika or mixed herbs, if desired.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
• Place the halloumi slices in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook for 7-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook, as the halloumi can become rubbery.
• Serve immediately.

The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the size and shape of your halloumi slices. It is recommended to check on the halloumi around the 7-8 minute mark to ensure it doesn't overcook.

What temperature to cook halloumi in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer.

To cook halloumi in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 180°C/360°F. Cut the halloumi into six equal slices, then cut each slice in half. Dry the halloumi with a paper towel, then brush all sides with olive oil. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the halloumi slices in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 7-9 minutes until golden brown, then serve immediately.

Cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the size and shape of your halloumi slices. If you cut the halloumi into smaller cubes or fries, you will need to reduce the cooking time. Check on the halloumi around the 7-8 minute mark to ensure it doesn't overcook.

You can also cook halloumi in an air fryer without oil. The halloumi will be drier and springier, but you can prevent it from sticking by brushing a little oil into the bottom of the air fryer pan or using parchment paper. If using parchment paper, flip the halloumi over halfway through cooking.

What to serve with halloumi

Halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be grilled, barbecued, fried, or air-fried without losing its shape. It has a robust texture and a savoury, slightly salty flavour. Here are some ideas for what to serve with halloumi:

As a Salad

Halloumi can be served with a simple salad of avocado and tomato, or a spinach and nectarine salad. For a more substantial salad, it can be added to a quinoa salad, a butternut squash salad, or a beet noodle salad. For a refreshing summer salad, try serving halloumi with arugula, tomato, and a balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil dressing.

With Fruit

Halloumi pairs well with fruit, especially watermelon. This combination can be served as a cooling summer salad, or you can experiment with different types of melon or citrus fruit.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

Halloumi can be served in a wrap with grilled peppers and onions, or in a sandwich or pita with avocado and tomato. For a heartier option, you can make a halloumi burger by stacking fried halloumi slices with harissa, red peppers, aubergine, and hummus.

As a Side Dish

Halloumi can be served with a variety of side dishes, including garlic bread, Korean corn dogs, shakshuka, smoked salmon frittata, eggs in a basket, garden salad, potato pancakes, cucumber salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, a fresh fruit platter, quinoa salad, stuffed bell peppers, or lemon garlic asparagus.

As an Appetizer

Halloumi can be served as an appetizer or snack, such as halloumi fries or halloumi canapés. It can also be served with dips such as a romesco or bravas sauce, or with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

How to store and reheat halloumi

Storing and reheating halloumi correctly is essential to preserving its texture and flavour. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it:

Storing Halloumi

Leftover halloumi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain its crispiness, line the container with a paper towel and separate the layers with parchment paper. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture.

To store raw, opened halloumi, submerge it in salt water in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Alternatively, wrap the halloumi tightly in wax or parchment paper, then place it in a sealed plastic bag or cheese paper. Replace the wrapping each time you unwrap the cheese.

Reheating Halloumi

The best way to reheat halloumi is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the halloumi directly on a wire rack or on ridged foil and heat for 4-5 minutes. The halloumi is ready when it's hot to the touch.

Reheating halloumi in a skillet is another effective method. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and, if necessary, add some oil. Place the halloumi in the pan and heat each side for 30-60 seconds. You can also add other flavours to the pan, such as honey and lemon juice.

You can also reheat halloumi under the broiler. Set the broiler to medium-high and spread the halloumi on a wire rack. Heat each side for 30-60 seconds, being careful not to burn yourself when flipping the halloumi.

Although less ideal, you can also reheat halloumi in the microwave or air fryer. Spread the halloumi in a single layer and heat for 15-20 seconds in the microwave or 1 minute in the air fryer. However, these methods can dry out the cheese, so keep a close eye on it.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Halloumi

• Thicker slices of halloumi reheat better than thin ones, so cut chunky slices if you plan to have leftovers.
• Halloumi can be eaten cold, and it is delicious in salads or wraps.
• To reheat halloumi fries, cover the bottom of a pan with oil, add the fries, and heat for 30 seconds on each side. You can also use the oven or air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving halloumi, as it can make the cheese rubbery.
• To prevent halloumi from sticking to the pan during reheating, use clarified butter or ghee instead of olive oil.
• For optimal texture and flavour, halloumi is best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

Frequently asked questions