Air-Fryer Halloumi: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier way to cook halloumi cheese, a traditional sheep and goat's milk cheese from Cyprus. It's easy to make crispy halloumi in an air fryer, and it can be served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal. Here's a simple guide on how to make delicious air-fried halloumi at home.

How to cut halloumi for the air fryer

When it comes to cutting halloumi for the air fryer, there are a few different ways you can do it depending on your desired outcome.

Firstly, you can cut the halloumi into 6 equal slices, and then cut each slice in half. This will give you 12 pieces that are perfect for salads or wraps. You can also cut the halloumi into 6 slices vertically, which will give you wider but flatter pieces.

If you're looking for a smaller option, you can cut the halloumi into smaller cubes or fry shapes. These will have a shorter cooking time, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

For a unique presentation, you can cut the halloumi into wedges or strips. This will give your dish a fun and unexpected twist.

No matter which cutting style you choose, be sure to pat the halloumi dry with a paper towel before cooking. This will help it to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

How long to cook halloumi in the air fryer

Cooking halloumi in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious cheese. The cooking time will depend on the size of your halloumi pieces, the temperature of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness.

Preparation

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Cut the halloumi into your desired shape and thickness. If you want to make halloumi fries, cut the block into smaller cubes or strips. You can also cut the halloumi into 6 equal slices, or 12 slices if you want them to be thinner.

Brush both sides of the halloumi pieces with olive oil. You can also use an olive oil spray to achieve a crispier texture. Place the halloumi in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces are not touching. You may need to cook the halloumi in batches.

Cooking Time

Cook the halloumi in the air fryer for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces and your desired level of crispiness. Smaller pieces will cook faster, so check on them after 7 to 8 minutes. Larger pieces may need the full 10 to 12 minutes.

Flip the halloumi halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides. The halloumi is ready when it is golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook the halloumi, as it can become rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a main course. It pairs well with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet and salty combination. You can also serve it with hummus, tzatziki, on salads, in sandwiches, or with eggs.

How to serve air-fried halloumi

Air-fried halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. Here are some ways to serve it:

As an Appetizer

Air-fried halloumi can be served as a starter or appetizer, paired with sliced cherry tomatoes, freshly chopped herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavour and moisture.

In a Salad

Halloumi can be added to a variety of salads to create a more substantial meal. For example, it can be mixed with cherry tomatoes, herbs, and a dressing, or it can be the star ingredient in a Halloumi & Black Bean Salad or Beet Noodle Salad with Halloumi.

In a Sandwich or Wrap

For a hearty lunch option, air-fried halloumi can be served in a sandwich or wrap with avocado, tomato, and fresh salsa.

With Eggs

Halloumi also pairs well with eggs. It can be added as a topping to scrambled eggs on toast or used as a side with avocado toast.

With Pasta

For a more filling meal, air-fried halloumi can be combined with pasta. Try it with a Cherry Tomato & Halloumi Pasta or swap it for burrata in a Bruschetta Pasta.

With Curry

Halloumi is a versatile ingredient that can be added to curries. It would be delicious in a Butter Halloumi Curry or used as a substitute for paneer in lighter curries like Kale Paneer Curry or Spinach Paneer Curry.

As Halloumi Fries

Finally, air-fried halloumi can be cut into fries and served with your favourite dips.

How to store and reheat air-fried halloumi

Storing Air-Fried Halloumi

If you have leftover halloumi, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last for up to two days. To help keep it as crisp as possible, line the container with a paper towel and separate any layers with parchment paper. The paper towel will help to soak up any excess moisture.

Freezing Air-Fried Halloumi

If you want to freeze your leftover halloumi, it is best to lay the pieces out on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze them for an hour. Then, transfer the halloumi to a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. However, the texture will suffer, so it is always better to freeze raw halloumi if you can.

Reheating Air-Fried Halloumi

The best way to reheat halloumi is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place your halloumi directly on a wire rack or on some ridged foil and leave it for 4-5 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven, which will only take 2-3 minutes.

Another good method is to use a skillet. Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high heat and add a little oil if you're not using a non-stick pan. Add the halloumi and heat each side for 30-60 seconds. You can also add other flavours to the pan, such as honey and lemon juice.

You can also reheat halloumi in an air fryer, but it dries out quickly, so you will need to keep a close eye on it and check it every 30 seconds.

Why air-fried halloumi is healthier

Air-fried halloumi is a tasty treat, but it's also a healthier option compared to pan-fried or deep-fried cheese. Here's why:

Less Oil, Less Calories and Fat

Air fryers use a fraction of the oil required for traditional frying methods. This means that air-fried halloumi has fewer calories and less fat. Oil is calorie-dense, with gram for gram, fats containing more than twice the calories of protein or carbohydrates. By reducing the amount of oil used, you can lower the overall calorie count of your meal.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

The high temperatures and oil used in traditional frying methods can lead to the formation of harmful compounds such as acrylamide, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Air frying reduces the amount of acrylamide by up to 90% compared to other frying methods. Additionally, air-frying starchy foods like potatoes can increase the levels of slowly digestible starch, which may have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar levels.

Healthier Heart

Deep-fried foods are often high in trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Air-fried halloumi eliminates the need for these harmful fats, making it a healthier option for your heart.

Easier and Safer

Air fryers are a more hands-off and convenient way of cooking halloumi. There's no need to constantly monitor the cheese as it cooks, reducing the risk of burning. This also makes it safer, as there is less risk of hot oil splattering and causing injury.

Versatile and Delicious

Air-fried halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with juicy tomatoes, salads, or sandwiches. The cheese becomes golden and crispy, making it a tasty and healthier treat.

Frequently asked questions