Halloumi is a deliciously salty and robust cheese that has a unique ability to hold its shape when cooked, making it an ideal choice for frying. These air fryer halloumi fries take full advantage of that characteristic, creating a crispy, cheesy snack that is incredibly satisfying. What’s even better is that cooking halloumi fries in the air-fryer is the easiest way to achieve the perfect balance of crispy on the outside while still being wonderfully cheesy on the inside.
This recipe requires just three simple ingredients and minimal preparation, making it a quick and hassle-free dish to prepare. You don’t need to worry about complicated steps or long cooking times. Just slice the halloumi, pop it into the air-fryer, and you’re good to go! In less than 15 minutes, you can have a batch of perfectly crispy halloumi fries ready to serve. These fries are so delicious that they will quickly become a favourite in your household.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can serve these crispy halloumi fries as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and they go wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. A sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, offering a delightful contrast to the saltiness of the halloumi, but you could also pair them with a low-fat Greek yogurt dip for a fresher, lighter option.
These air fryer halloumi fries can easily be turned into a light lunch when served alongside a fresh salad. Alternatively, they make a perfect side dish to complement burgers, chicken, or fish. With their irresistible crispy texture and cheesy flavour, these halloumi fries are sure to become a regular addition to your menu.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10-12 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and paper towels
Ingredients for Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
250g of Halloumi cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons of olive oil (or light spray oil)
1/2 a teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 a teaspoon of dried oregano (optional)
1/4 of a teaspoon of paprika (optional)
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Method
Start by slicing the halloumi into thick, fry-like pieces, roughly 1 to 2 cm wide. Try to keep the sizes consistent to ensure even cooking – this helps avoid some pieces being undercooked while others become too crispy. Once sliced, pat the halloumi fries dry using kitchen roll. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect golden, crispy exterior.
Next, place the halloumi pieces in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then add garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. For extra flavour, feel free to add a sprinkle of dried oregano and a pinch of smoked paprika. These give the fries a subtle Mediterranean kick. If you prefer a lighter version, you can simply spray the fries with vegetable or olive oil spray instead of drizzling.
At this point, preheating your air fryer to 190°C for a few minutes can help give your halloumi an extra crispy finish. It’s optional, but worth doing if you’re aiming for that perfect crunch.
Once preheated, arrange the halloumi fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave the crisper plate in to help promote airflow around each fry. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket – you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the halloumi fries at 190°C for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft, gooey centre.
Remove from the basket and serve immediately while still warm. Pair them with your favourite dipping sauce. Sweet chilli is a classic choice, but tzatziki, garlic mayo, ketchup-mayo mix, hot sauce, or even a drizzle of honey all make great options. Perfect as a snack, starter, or side dish!
Tips for Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
1. Choose a firm halloumi block
Go for plain, full-fat halloumi that holds its shape well. Avoid pre-sliced versions as they can be too thin or dry out quickly in the air fryer.
2. Pat dry first
Blot the halloumi with kitchen paper before cooking. Removing any excess moisture will help the fries to crisp up beautifully.
3. Cut evenly
Slice your halloumi into thick fries, each around 1cm thick. Uniform pieces of halloumi will cook evenly and prevent some bits from overcooking or going rubbery.
4. Coat for crunch
Toss your fries in a light coating of olive oil or spray and optionally dip in seasoned flour, semolina, or breadcrumbs for a crispier finish.
5. Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and preheat for 2 or 3 minutes. A hot basket will help to create an instant crust.
6. Don’t overcrowd
Arrange the fries in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
7. Cook time
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
8. Watch closely near the end
Halloumi can go from golden to overdone quickly so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
9. Add seasoning after cooking
Sprinkle with salt, smoked paprika, or chilli flakes right after cooking while they’re hot for maximum flavour.
10. Serve with dips
Halloumi fries are amazing with sweet chilli sauce, garlic mayo, or harissa yoghurt. Serve immediately for the best texture!
Similar recipes
If you’re obsessed with the golden crunch and salty deliciousness of Air Fryer Halloumi Fries, you will love these other air fryer recipes. Whether you’re putting together a mezze-style spread, need a quick appetiser, or just fancy something crispy and satisfying, these dishes hit the spot. So you can get all the flavour with none of the faff. And best of all there is no deep frying required!
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Put any of these together and you’ve got an instant fake-away, party platter, or weekday lunch that feels like a treat—but takes barely any time at all..
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