Marianne Martinez
Halloumi fries are a delicious snack or appetiser that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. They are a great alternative to mozzarella sticks and can be served with a variety of dips, such as sweet chilli jam, Greek yoghurt with pomegranate molasses, or honey. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep, goat, and sometimes cow's milk that has a high melting point, making it ideal for frying, grilling, or air frying. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook halloumi fries as it circulates air efficiently to achieve an evenly cooked and crispy texture using little to no oil.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Halloumi, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, oil, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, nigella seeds |
| Preparation | Cut halloumi into slabs or thin fries, pat dry, coat with flour, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, spray with oil |
| Cooking Method | Place in air fryer in a single layer, cook at 180-200°C for 7-12 minutes, flip halfway through |
| Serving Suggestions | Dip in sweet chilli jam, Greek yoghurt with pomegranate molasses, spicy sriracha aioli, honey |
| Notes | Halloumi is salty and squeaky, high melting point, can be grilled or fried, not all halloumi is vegetarian |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation and ingredients
Halloumi fries are a tasty treat that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The key to making delicious halloumi fries is to ensure that the cheese is dry before cooking, and to cook it in a single layer so that it crisps up evenly.
Ingredients
- Halloumi cheese
- Plain flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Oil (extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil)
- Seasoning (garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, paprika, and/or chilli powder)
Preparation
- Cut the halloumi into slabs, thick slices, or thin fries. Thicker slices will result in a crispy exterior and softer centre, while thinner slices will be crispier.
- Pat the halloumi dry with a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Prepare a dredging or breading station by placing flour in one bowl, whisked eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. Add seasoning to the flour and/or breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
- Dip each halloumi stick first in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat each time.
- Place the coated halloumi in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with oil, or drizzle or brush it on if you don't have a spray.
- Air fry at between 180C and 200C for 7 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with a dip of your choice.
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Cooking methods and timings
There are a few different methods you can use to cook halloumi fries in an air fryer, and the cooking time will depend on the method you choose and the size of your air fryer.
If you're looking for a simple, one-ingredient recipe, you can cut the halloumi into slices or fries, place them in the air fryer in a single layer, and cook for 4 minutes at 200°C. Then, turn them over and cook for another 4 minutes or until they are golden and crisp.
For a breaded version, you'll need to set up a dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Cut the halloumi into strips, dip them in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Spray with oil and cook at 380F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
If you want to get creative with seasonings, you can combine the flour with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper before dipping the halloumi strips and placing them in the air fryer. For this method, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer to 180C for 2 minutes and then cook the halloumi for 7-8 minutes, flipping them once in between.
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have. If your air fryer has a pre-heat option, you can preheat it for a few minutes before adding the halloumi. Also, if your air fryer is warm, the food will likely cook a few minutes faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
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Dips and sauces
Halloumi fries are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side. They go well with a variety of dips and sauces, ranging from sweet to spicy. Here are some ideas for dips and sauces to serve with your air-fried halloumi fries:
Greek Yogurt Dip
For a refreshing and tangy dip, blend Greek yogurt with pomegranate molasses. This dip is a great choice if you're looking for something light and healthy to balance out the richness of the halloumi fries. You can also add some fresh herbs like mint, thyme, and oregano to the yogurt for an extra flavour boost.
Harissa Yogurt Dip
If you're looking for something with a bit more spice, try a harissa yogurt dip. Combine plain yogurt with harissa, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dip has a creamy texture with a spicy kick, making it the perfect pairing for the salty halloumi.
Sweet Chilli Mayo
A sweet chilli mayo dipping sauce is a classic choice for halloumi fries. The sweetness of the chilli sauce pairs well with the salty, tangy flavour of the halloumi. It's an easy-to-find dipping sauce that adds a touch of sweetness to your savoury fries.
Spicy Sriracha Aioli
For those who like their food with a kick, a spicy sriracha aioli is a great choice. The creaminess of the aioli pairs well with the spiciness of the sriracha, creating a bold and flavourful dip for your halloumi fries. It's a simple way to elevate your appetizer or snack.
Chipotle Aioli and Cilantro Chimichurri
For a smokey, spicy dip, chipotle aioli is a great option. Alternatively, try a cilantro chimichurri sauce for a fresh, herbal flavour. Both of these dips will add a unique twist to your halloumi fries and impress your guests.
Remember, halloumi cheese is already quite salty, so it's best to choose dips with low or no salt content to balance the flavours.
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Storing and reheating
To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer and heat for 2-4 minutes at 200°C, or until they are warm and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven; preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the fries on the sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you have uncooked, coated halloumi fries, you can store them in the fridge, on a tray lined with parchment paper, for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for a few months. To freeze, wrap the fries tightly in waxed paper, parchment paper, or cheese wrap, and thaw them in the fridge a day before you want to cook them.
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Vegetarian and vegan options
Halloumi is traditionally made with goat's and sheep's milk, and often contains animal rennet, so it is important to check the label to ensure it is vegetarian-friendly. There are, however, vegetarian and vegan halloumi options available in supermarkets.
If you are making vegetarian halloumi fries, you can use full-fat or light vegetarian halloumi. You can also experiment with different types of flour and seasonings. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and combine it with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. You can also add smoked paprika or Kashmiri red chilli powder for a spicy kick.
For vegan options, you can use vegan halloumi as an alternative. You can also experiment with different types of vegan cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, and coat them with a spice-flavoured gluten-free flour mixture before cooking them in the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the halloumi into slabs or thin fries, then pat dry with a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture. Next, coat the halloumi in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and season with spices such as oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the halloumi in the air fryer in a single layer and spray with oil. Air fry at 380F/180C for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
To ensure crispiness, cut the halloumi into thinner slices. You can also preheat the air fryer for 2 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
Halloumi fries are best served fresh and right after preparation. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days. To reheat, add the leftover fries to the air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes on the reheat setting.
