Air-Fried Halloumi Fries: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Halloumi fries are a delicious snack or appetiser that can be made in an air fryer. The air fryer method is healthier than pan-frying as it uses less oil, resulting in a lighter dish. To make halloumi fries, cut the halloumi into strips, dip them in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, and air fry until crispy. Serve with a dip such as honey, sweet chilli sauce, or aioli.

How to make halloumi fries in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make halloumi fries in an air fryer:

• Halloumi cheese
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Flour (plain/all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, mixed herbs, nigella seeds)

Instructions

• Prepare the halloumi cheese: Cut the halloumi block into thick slices or sticks, about 1/2 inch thick. You can also cut them into smaller cubes or fries, depending on your preference.
• Dry the cheese: Use paper towels or a clean cloth to pat the halloumi dry. This step is important to ensure the cheese fries up nicely.
• Bread the halloumi (optional) : If you want an extra crispy coating, set up a breading station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings (e.g. smoked paprika, garlic powder, nigella seeds).
• Dredge the halloumi: Dip each halloumi stick first in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Ensure the halloumi is evenly coated at each step.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (180-200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil.
• Cook the halloumi: Place the halloumi fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve immediately: Halloumi fries are best served fresh and hot. Enjoy them as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dips, such as honey, spicy sriracha aioli, Greek yogurt, or sweet chili sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Keep the halloumi sticks from touching each other in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If you prefer a less salty taste, you can soak the halloumi in water for a few minutes before cooking.
• For a gluten-free option, use almond or chickpea flour instead of regular flour and make your own breadcrumbs from gluten-free bread.
• Get creative with seasonings! Try adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, za'atar, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• If you want to make halloumi bites, simply cut the halloumi into smaller cubes and follow the same recipe. Reduce the air frying time by a minute or two.

How long to cook halloumi fries in an air fryer

Halloumi fries are a great, healthier alternative to frying halloumi in a pan. The air fryer gives you a lighter way to cook this amazing cheese with less oil and fewer calories.

To make halloumi fries in an air fryer, start by preparing your halloumi. Cut the halloumi into 6 equal slices, then cut each slice in half. You can also cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch strips or smaller cubes for halloumi fries. Once cut, dry the halloumi with a paper towel.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the bottom of the fry basket with olive oil. Place the halloumi slices in the basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook the halloumi in two batches.

Now you're ready to cook your halloumi fries! Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on the halloumi to make sure it doesn't overcook and become rubbery. Once cooked, serve immediately.

Cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the size and shape of your halloumi fries. For smaller shapes, such as cubes or fries, you will need a little less cooking time. Check on your halloumi fries around the 7- to 8-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook.

How to serve halloumi fries

Halloumi fries are a delicious treat and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your halloumi fries into a more substantial meal:

Sides and Sauces

Halloumi is a salty cheese, so it pairs well with something sweet or acidic. Try a sweet chilli dipping sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A cold, wet sauce like tzatziki or coleslaw is also a good option. For something spicy, mix mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. If you're after something more substantial, a tomato-based soup, like a tomato zaatar soup, goes well with halloumi.

Salads

Halloumi fries can be served with a simple salad of rocket, gherkins, pomegranate, and pomegranate molasses. You could also try a couscous salad: boil one cup of couscous in two cups of water, then toss in tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice.

Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a great option to serve with halloumi. Try eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, or zucchini. For something simpler, roasted potato wedges or cubes are a delicious and easy side dish. Cut potatoes into wedges or cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Mains

Halloumi fries can be served as a side to a main dish. Try fish goujons, chicken nuggets, or a mushroom burger. For a vegetarian option, halloumi works well in a burger: stack fried slices of halloumi with harissa, red peppers, aubergine, and hummus.

Extras

If you're after a more indulgent option, you could bread your halloumi fries. Cut the halloumi into strips, then dip them into flour, egg wash, and then a breadcrumb and nigella seed mixture. Air fry until crispy and dip in honey!

How to reheat halloumi fries

Halloumi fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can reheat them. Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, place the chilled leftover fries in the air fryer and cook for about four to five minutes on the reheat setting. You can also reheat them in the oven or in a pan for a few minutes until warmed through.

How to make gluten-free halloumi fries

Ingredients

• Halloumi cheese
• Olive oil
• Gluten-free flour (e.g. corn starch, rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: smoked paprika, mixed herbs, or other seasonings

Method

• Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick strips.
• Pat the halloumi dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth.
• Brush or rub the halloumi with olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) or 200°C for 2 minutes.
• Place the halloumi in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the halloumi over and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• Cooking halloumi in an air fryer reduces the fat content compared to grilling or frying.
• Experiment with different gluten-free flours to find your preferred level of crispiness.
• For an extra crispy coating, dip the halloumi in flour, egg, and gluten-free breadcrumbs before placing in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions