Tiffany Haney
Halloumi cheese is a unique type of cheese that is salty and firm, with a high melting point, allowing it to maintain its shape and develop a crispy exterior when heated. Air frying is an excellent way to cook halloumi, as it is convenient, mess-free, and produces a lighter dish compared to traditional frying methods. By following a few simple steps, you can easily prepare delicious air-fried halloumi as an appetizer, side dish, or even a tasty topping for your favourite meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180C / 360F or 380°F or 400F |
| Preparation | Slice into 6 equal slices or desired thickness and brush with olive oil or avocado oil spray |
| Cooking time | 7-12 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt and pepper, smoked paprika or mixed herbs |
| Serving suggestions | Drizzle with honey, serve with hummus or tzatziki, add to salads, wraps, mezze platters or sandwiches |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut halloumi for the air fryer
The first step to cooking halloumi in an air fryer is to prepare the cheese for cooking. The way you cut the halloumi will depend on your desired outcome and the type of dish you are preparing. Halloumi can be cut into cubes, strips, wedges, or slices. If you are preparing a dish that requires the halloumi to be crispy, such as a salad topping, you will want to cut the halloumi into smaller pieces, about 1/2" wide. This will increase the surface area and allow the cheese to get crispy all over. If you are preparing a dish where the halloumi is the main component, such as a sandwich filling, you may want to cut the halloumi into thicker slices, about 1/2" to 1" thick.
Once you have decided on the thickness of your halloumi slices, the next step is to cut the halloumi into equal-sized pieces. This will ensure that the halloumi cooks evenly in the air fryer. If you are cutting the halloumi into slices, you can do this by slicing the block of cheese into equal-sized slabs. If you are cutting the halloumi into cubes or wedges, you will need to first cut the block of cheese into equal-sized slabs and then cut those slabs into the desired shape.
It is important to note that halloumi has a high melting point and will not melt when cooked. However, the cheese can stick to the air fryer basket if it is not prepared properly. To prevent this, you can brush the halloumi with oil or use a cooking spray on the air fryer basket. This will also help to crispen the outside of the halloumi.
Finally, when cutting halloumi for the air fryer, it is important to consider the size of your air fryer basket. You will need to cut the halloumi into pieces that will fit comfortably in the basket, with a little space around each piece to allow for air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can cause the halloumi to stick and prevent it from crisping up properly.
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Oil or no oil?
The answer to this question is not so clear-cut. Some sources suggest that oil is necessary when cooking halloumi in an air fryer, while others claim that it is optional.
Those who advocate for the use of oil recommend brushing both sides of the halloumi slices with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer basket. This is said to help achieve a crispier texture and a golden colour. Additionally, some recipes suggest using cooking spray or olive oil spray as a lighter alternative to brushing with oil, which can still help to crisp up the halloumi without adding too much extra fat.
On the other hand, some sources claim that oil is not necessary when cooking halloumi in an air fryer. They argue that the cheese itself has a high melting point and will not melt, even without the use of oil. This means that you can still achieve a warm and crispy texture without the need for additional oil.
Ultimately, the decision to use oil or not comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the crispiness that oil provides, then brushing or spraying your halloumi with oil before air frying may be the best option for you. However, if you are looking for a lighter or healthier alternative, you can choose to forgo the oil altogether and still enjoy delicious, warm, and crispy halloumi from your air fryer.
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Seasoning and flavour options
Halloumi cheese has a salty taste, similar to feta, and a "'squeaky' feel. It is often seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes smoked paprika or mixed herbs. You can also experiment with different dips and sauces, such as honey for a sweet and salty combination, or hummus or tzatziki. Halloumi is a good salad or sandwich topping and can be served with roasted vegetables, in a wrap, or with eggs. It can also be used as a substitute for meat, as it is hearty and filling.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for halloumi cheese in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the slices, as well as the desired level of browning. For larger slices, cook at 180°C/360°F for 10-12 minutes, and for smaller cubes, cook for 7-8 minutes. If you want your halloumi cheese to be extra crispy, you can cook it at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so it's important to keep a close eye on the cheese while it's cooking.
When cooking halloumi cheese in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the slices are not overlapping in the basket. This allows the air to circulate around each piece and ensures even cooking. You may need to cook the halloumi cheese in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Before cooking, it is recommended to brush the halloumi cheese with olive oil or avocado oil spray to help crispen the exterior. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray or one teaspoon of olive oil for a lighter and healthier option. Some recipes suggest drying the halloumi cheese with a paper towel before brushing with oil.
The cooking time for halloumi cheese in an air fryer generally ranges from 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning and crispness. It is important to keep an eye on the cheese to avoid overcooking, as it can become rubbery if cooked for too long.
Overall, cooking halloumi cheese in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior. The cooking time and temperature can be adjusted based on personal preferences and the specific air fryer being used.
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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 main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
As an Appetizer or Snack:
- Dips and Sauces: Halloumi has a strong salty flavour, so it pairs well with various dips and sauces. You can serve it with a simple yoghurt sauce, tzatziki, marinara sauce, or a spicy kick like sriracha aioli.
- Fresh Herbs and Vegetables: Air-fried halloumi can be served with freshly chopped herbs such as basil, parsley, or chives, along with sliced cherry tomatoes for a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy cheese.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the halloumi for a touch of sweetness.
As Part of a Main Course:
- Salads: Halloumi can be a delicious addition to a salad, providing a warm and crispy contrast to fresh greens and vegetables. Try it with a classic Greek salad or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Sandwiches: Halloumi makes an excellent sandwich filling, adding a salty, crispy element. Pair it with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers, and a spread like hummus or tzatziki.
- Grain Bowls: Halloumi can be a tasty protein addition to grain bowls. Try it with cooked rice, quinoa, or farro, along with roasted vegetables and a tangy sauce or dressing.
Remember, halloumi is a salty cheese, so it is best enjoyed in moderation and balanced with other flavours and ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F. Slice the halloumi into your desired thickness and brush both sides with olive oil or avocado oil spray. Place the halloumi cheese into the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on how golden you’d like the exterior to be.
It takes around 8 to 12 minutes to cook halloumi in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on how golden you want the exterior to be and the size of the slices. Smaller cubes will take 7-8 minutes, while larger slices will take 10-12 minutes.
The temperature should be set to 380°F or 400°F. Some recipes suggest heating the air fryer to 200°C for 2 minutes before adding the halloumi.
Yes, you can cook halloumi in an air fryer without oil. However, using oil will make the halloumi extra crispy.
