Air Fryer Halloumi: How Long To Fry?

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, and brined cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk from Cyprus. It has a high melting point, so instead of melting when heated, it holds its shape and gets crispy on the outside. Air frying is a convenient and hands-off way of cooking halloumi, and it can be ready in as little as 7 minutes. In this article, we will explore how long it takes to cook halloumi in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect crispy texture.

How to prepare halloumi for the air fryer

Preparing halloumi for the air fryer is a simple process. First, decide how you want to cut your halloumi. You can cut it into six equal slices, or cut six slices vertically, which will be wider but flatter. You could also cut it into smaller cubes or fry-shaped pieces for a shorter cooking time. If you're making halloumi fries, cut each slice in half again.

Next, lightly brush or rub both sides of the halloumi with olive oil. You can also add some seasoning at this stage. Salt and pepper are a good option, or you could try dried thyme, smoked paprika, or mixed herbs.

Now your halloumi is ready for the air fryer! Place the slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the halloumi in batches.

Preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C (around 360°F). When it's up to temperature, place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning the halloumi over halfway through. The halloumi is ready when it's crispy and golden.

How long to cook halloumi in the air fryer for

Cooking halloumi in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious, salty cheese. It's a convenient, hands-off cooking method that requires minimal preparation and delivers a golden and crispy result. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to cook halloumi in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking halloumi is around 180°C (360°F) to 200°C (390°F). This step ensures that your halloumi will cook evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Halloumi

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your halloumi cheese. Cut the halloumi into your desired shape and size. You can slice it into equal-sized pieces, cubes, strips, or wedges. The size and shape you choose will depend on your preference and the dish you're preparing.

Step 3: Brush with Oil

Lightly brush both sides of the halloumi pieces with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This step adds extra flavour and helps the halloumi develop a crispy, golden texture during cooking.

Step 4: Season (Optional)

Halloumi is naturally quite salty, so you may not need to add any additional seasoning. However, if desired, you can lightly sprinkle dried herbs, spices, or a mix of your favourite seasonings on top of the halloumi. Some suggested seasonings include smoked paprika, mixed herbs, or dried thyme.

Step 5: Place in the Air Fryer Basket

Once your halloumi is prepared, place the pieces into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This ensures that the hot air can circulate around each piece, promoting even cooking and crispiness.

Step 6: Air Fry

Now, it's time to cook your halloumi! Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your desired level of doneness, but generally, air fry the halloumi for 7 to 10 minutes.

For a lighter golden colour and a softer texture, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time range. If you prefer your halloumi more deeply browned and crispy, cook it for the full 10 minutes or even a minute or two longer.

Step 7: Flip and Cook Again

During the cooking process, it's a good idea to flip the halloumi pieces halfway through. This ensures even browning on both sides. You can also flip the halloumi sideways to ensure that all edges are cooked evenly, as the outer edges of the air fryer may cook faster than the inside.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Your halloumi is ready when it has softened and started to brown around the edges. It should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness, the total cooking time will likely be between 8 and 12 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once your halloumi is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Halloumi is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve it as a snack on its own, add it to salads, use it as a sandwich or wrap filling, or include it as a topping for dishes like scrambled eggs or avocado toast.

How to serve air-fried halloumi

Air-fried halloumi is a delicious, crispy treat that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As a Snack

Air-fried halloumi is a tasty snack on its own. You can also serve it with dips or sauces on the side, such as hummus, aioli, balsamic glaze, or a spicy honey drizzle.

In a Salad

Halloumi is a great addition to salads, especially when paired with juicy tomatoes or a dressing to balance out the dryness of the cheese. Try a simple salad with mixed herbs and cherry tomatoes, or go for something more substantial like a Halloumi & Black Bean Salad or Beet Noodle Salad with Halloumi.

In a Sandwich or Wrap

Halloumi works well in sandwiches or wraps, especially with avocado and tomato. You can also add it to a classic BLT for a tasty twist.

As a Topping

Halloumi is a unique and tasty topping for scrambled eggs on toast or avocado toast. It can also be used as a salad topping, adding a salty, crispy element to your greens.

With Pasta

Halloumi goes well with pasta, especially when paired with cherry tomatoes. Try a Cherry Tomato & Halloumi Pasta or swap out the burrata in a Bruschetta Pasta for a heartier dish.

With Curry

Halloumi is a tasty addition to curries, especially those that call for paneer. Try it in a Butter Halloumi Curry, or go for a lighter option like a Kale or Spinach Paneer Curry.

As a Side

Air-fried halloumi can be served as a side dish with roasted vegetables or on a baguette. It's a versatile option that can enhance any meal!

How to reheat halloumi in the air fryer

If you have leftover halloumi, you can easily reheat it in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F (180°C) and 400°F (200°C or 390°F). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Halloumi

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your leftover halloumi. Cut it into your desired shape and size. You can cut it into slices, cubes, strips, or wedges. If the halloumi has dried out, you can lightly brush or rub both sides with olive oil to add some moisture and enhance the crispiness.

Step 3: Place the Halloumi in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the halloumi pieces into the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will allow the hot air to circulate evenly and crisp up the halloumi.

Step 4: Reheat the Halloumi

Now, simply reheat the halloumi in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 390°F (as suggested by one source), or until heated and crispy. If you prefer your halloumi to be more golden and crispy, you can air fry for a little longer, up to 7-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking, as halloumi can become rubbery if heated for too long.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your halloumi is heated and crispy, it's ready to serve! You can enjoy it as a snack on its own or use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or other dishes.

Reheating halloumi in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to bring it back to its crispy, golden glory. Enjoy experimenting with different temperatures and cooking times to find your perfect level of crispiness!

The best type of air fryer to use

Air fryers are a great way to cook halloumi, giving it a crispy, golden texture with less fat and fewer calories than frying in a pan.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best air fryer for cooking halloumi:

• Size: You'll want to make sure that your air fryer is large enough to fit the amount of halloumi you want to cook. If you plan on cooking for a large group, look for an air fryer with a higher capacity.
• Temperature control: Halloumi is best cooked at temperatures between 180-200 degrees Celsius. Look for an air fryer with adjustable temperature settings so you can control the cooking process.
• Ease of use: Some air fryers come with pre-set programs that take the guesswork out of cooking. Others have manual controls that allow you to adjust the temperature and cooking time yourself. Choose an air fryer that suits your preferred level of control and convenience.
• Additional features: Some air fryers come with additional features such as a timer, automatic shut-off, or removable baskets for easy cleaning. Consider which features are most important to you and look for an air fryer that includes them.
• Philips Viva Air Fryer: This air fryer has a large capacity and adjustable temperature controls, making it a good option for cooking halloumi.
• Carmy Air Fryer: This air fryer is mentioned by a few sources as being suitable for cooking halloumi. It has a high capacity and can fit a whole chicken or two bags of frozen French fries.
• Happy Veggie Kitchen Air Fryer: This air fryer is recommended by a source specifically for cooking halloumi. It has adjustable temperature settings and a removable basket for easy cleaning.

Frequently asked questions