Air-Fryer Halloumi: The Perfect Timing

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier way to cook halloumi, a semi-soft cheese made from goat or sheep milk. The cheese has a high melting point, so it won't melt in the air fryer, making it a great alternative to frying in a pan. The cooking time is typically between 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the halloumi slices and the air fryer model.

How to prepare halloumi for the air fryer

Air-frying is a convenient and hands-off way to cook halloumi, and it's also a healthier option as it requires less oil. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare halloumi for the air fryer:

Step 1: Cut the Halloumi

First, cut the halloumi block into slices or cubes. For slices, cut the halloumi lengthwise and then widthwise to create six equal pieces. You can also cut six slices vertically, which will be wider but flatter. If you prefer smaller pieces or halloumi fries, cut the halloumi into smaller cubes.

Step 2: Dry the Halloumi

Use a paper towel or kitchen paper to pat the halloumi dry. This step will help the halloumi crisp up better in the air fryer by removing excess moisture.

Step 3: Season the Halloumi (Optional)

You can season the halloumi with salt, pepper, and any other desired flavourings. Smoked paprika, mixed herbs, dried thyme, or oregano can enhance the taste of the halloumi.

Step 4: Brush with Oil

Lightly brush both sides of the halloumi pieces with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use cooking spray or olive oil spray to reduce the amount of oil used. This step will help the halloumi crisp up and turn golden.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 180°C/350°F and 380°F. Preheating ensures the halloumi cooks evenly and quickly.

Step 6: Arrange the Halloumi in the Air Fryer

Place the halloumi slices or cubes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping or stacked. Leave some space between the pieces to allow hot air to circulate properly.

Step 7: Cook the Halloumi

Cook the halloumi for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. For best results, flip the halloumi halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on the halloumi to avoid overcooking, as it can turn rubbery.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Air-fried halloumi is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or topping for salads, sandwiches, or wraps. It pairs well with something moist like juicy tomatoes or a salad with dressing. You can also drizzle it with honey for a sweet and salty combination.

How long to cook halloumi in the air fryer for

Cooking times for halloumi in an air fryer vary depending on the brand and size of the appliance, as well as the thickness of the halloumi slices. However, on average, it takes between 7 to 15 minutes to cook halloumi in an air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking, cut the halloumi into slices or cubes. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the halloumi pieces. Thinner slices may cook faster, while smaller cubes or fries may take less time. It is recommended to cut the halloumi into 6 equal slices or into smaller cubes or fries.

Once cut, pat the halloumi dry using a paper towel or kitchen cloth. This step helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the halloumi crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C. The ideal temperature may vary depending on your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.

After preheating, brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking. You can also use olive oil or cooking spray on the halloumi slices themselves for a crispier finish. Place the halloumi slices in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.

Cook the halloumi for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The halloumi is ready when it turns golden brown and starts to crisp up. If you prefer your halloumi crispier, you can cook it for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer halloumi is best served fresh and warm, straight out of the air fryer. It tends to dry out as it cools, so it is not recommended to make it ahead of time.

Halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. It pairs well with sweet and salty combinations, such as a drizzle of honey or sweet chilli sauce. It can also be served with hummus, tzatziki, fresh grapes, or juicy tomatoes. Halloumi is an excellent addition to salads, wraps, sandwiches, or mezze platters. For breakfast, you can pair it with eggs, spinach, or a full English breakfast.

How to serve air-fried halloumi

Air-fried halloumi is a tasty treat, but it can be a little drier than pan-fried halloumi, so it's best served with something to add moisture, like a sauce, dressing, or some juicy food like tomatoes. Here are some ideas for how to serve your air-fried halloumi:

As an appetizer

Air-fried halloumi can be served as an appetizer with sliced cherry tomatoes, freshly chopped herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also serve it with your favourite dips, like a spicy honey dip.

In a salad

Halloumi can be mixed with herbs and cherry tomatoes for a simple salad. It can also be added to more substantial salads, like a halloumi and black bean salad, or a beet noodle salad.

As a tapas-style treat

Top your air-fried halloumi with a romesco or bravas sauce for a tapas-style dish.

In a sandwich or wrap

Add halloumi to a sandwich or wrap with avocado and tomato.

For breakfast

Air-fried halloumi can be served as a topping for scrambled eggs on toast, with some fresh salsa. It can also be added to avocado toast.

With pasta

Try air-fried halloumi with cherry tomato and halloumi pasta, or swap out the burrata in a bruschetta pasta.

With curry

Air-fried halloumi can be added to a butter halloumi curry, or any curry that calls for paneer, like a kale or spinach paneer curry.

With zoodles

If you're looking for a low-carb option, try air-fried halloumi with zoodles instead of pasta.

How to store leftover air-fried halloumi

Air-fried halloumi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, avoid using a microwave, as it can make the cheese rubbery. Instead, use a skillet over low to medium heat or a warm oven (around 165°F) for about 5 minutes.

Cooked halloumi can also be frozen, but this will alter its texture and flavour, making it rubbery. If you wish to freeze it, wrap it tightly in waxed paper, parchment paper, or cheese wrap, and thaw it in the refrigerator a day before you plan to use it.

What to serve with air-fried halloumi

Air-fried halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a more substantial meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried halloumi:

As an Appetizer or Snack

• Dips: Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mixture of the two; alternatively, sweet chilli sauce, honey-lime dressing, ranch or Caesar dressing, tzatziki, lemon and butter sauce, garlic sauce, mayonnaise, tahini sauce, or marinara sauce.
• Toppings: Za'atar spices, pomegranate seeds, mint, sumac, and pomegranate molasses.
• Sides: Olives, crusty bread, or passed around at a party as part of a Greek or Mediterranean mezze/sharing board.

As Part of a Larger Meal

• Salads: Halloumi goes well with salads that include ingredients like black beans, beet noodles, lentils, avocado, tomato, and/or eggs.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Combine with avocado, tomato, and/or scrambled eggs.
• Pasta: Try it with cherry tomato and halloumi pasta or swap it for burrata in bruschetta pasta.
• Curry: Halloumi can be added to a butter halloumi curry or any curry that calls for paneer, such as kale or spinach paneer curry.
• BBQ: Serve it as a side dish or pass it around at a party.
• Mediterranean dish: Pair it with baked eggplant with tomatoes and feta or one-pan chicken and chorizo with cherry tomatoes.
• Greek chicken meatballs: Serve as a side, perhaps with marinara sauce and a simple green salad.

Frequently asked questions