Get ready to meet your new favorite savory indulgence: Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi. This irresistible Mediterranean treat is all about golden, crunchy edges and a warm, creamy center—basically everything you want in a cheesy snack! With just a handful of pantry staples and a speedy air fryer session, you’ll take ordinary halloumi to superstar status. Whether served as an appetizer, tossed on salads, or devoured straight off the tray, this dish is pure, melty magic for cheese lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi is refreshingly simple, and each ingredient plays a pivotal role in making this recipe shine. From the iconic squeak of the cheese to the smoky depth of paprika, you’ll love how these basics transform into something extra-special.
- Halloumi Cheese (8 oz): The star of the show! Use traditional halloumi for best results, as it holds its shape and achieves that perfect crispy bite.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps crisp up the cheese, giving each slice a beautiful golden glow.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): For a gentle garlicky kick that pairs perfectly with halloumi’s briny flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): This spice brings subtle warmth and smokiness, making the crispy crust more flavorful and inviting.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): A few cracks of pepper enhance the cheese with a little heat and aroma.
- Lemon Wedges (optional, for serving): A fresh squeeze over the top brightens up the whole dish with zingy citrus notes.
How to Make Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. Giving your air fryer a few minutes to get nice and hot ensures your halloumi gets perfectly crispy edges. A preheated basket equals instant sizzle—exactly what you want for that signature crunch.
Step 2: Prep the Halloumi
Pat each halloumi slice dry with a paper towel. Halloumi holds quite a bit of moisture, and this quick step helps guarantee the crust crisps up beautifully. Don’t skip this—drier cheese means a crispier result!
Step 3: Season the Cheese
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Brush this seasoned oil over both sides of the halloumi slices. The mixture clings to every nook, ready to turn golden and fragrant once air-fried.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Lay your halloumi slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Give each slice room to breathe—this helps them crisp evenly all over. Air-fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese slices are beautifully golden and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Remove the crispy air-fried halloumi from the basket and pile it onto a serving plate (if you can resist eating it straight away!). If you like, add a few lemon wedges for extra brightness—the contrast between tangy citrus and salty cheese is simply divine.
How to Serve Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi
Garnishes
Take your platter to the next level with simple garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, like parsley or mint, adds color and freshness. For extra flair, try a drizzle of honey or a dusting of chili flakes over your crispy air-fried halloumi—these little touches really amp up both the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Crispy air-fried halloumi is wonderfully versatile and goes with just about anything. Serve alongside a vibrant Greek salad, tuck slices onto a charcuterie board, or pair it with warm pita and hummus for a dreamy Mediterranean spread. The cheese’s firm texture makes it a fantastic stand-in for meat in wraps or grain bowls, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try stacking the fried halloumi on skewers between cherry tomatoes and olives for easy party bites. Or layer pieces on toasted baguette as a hearty vegetarian bruschetta. However you present this crispy air-fried halloumi, it steals the show every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any crispy air-fried halloumi left (not always the case, honestly!), let the slices cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days, making them a tasty snack to look forward to.
Freezing
Freezing halloumi is totally doable! Place cooled, cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents the pieces from sticking together. When you want more crispy air-fried halloumi, just defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the irresistible crunch, warm halloumi slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or until hot and crisp outside. Avoid the microwave—it’ll soften the cheese and rob it of its crispiness. The air fryer is definitely the way to go for that just-cooked magic!
FAQs
Can I use reduced-fat halloumi for this recipe?
It’s best to stick with traditional halloumi for optimal crispy results. Reduced-fat versions tend to dry out and can end up rubbery instead of golden and gooey. Full-fat halloumi ensures every bite of your crispy air-fried halloumi is perfect.
Why should I pat my halloumi dry before air frying?
Drying the cheese removes excess surface moisture, which allows the seasoned oil and spices to stick better—and helps the edges become super crispy while air frying. It’s a small effort with a deliciously big payoff!
Can I add other spices or herbs to the seasoning mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding dried oregano, thyme, or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Your crispy air-fried halloumi is a flavor playground, so tailor the seasonings to your taste.
Is there a way to make the outside even crunchier?
Yes—before you brush on the oil and spices, lightly dust the halloumi slices with a thin layer of cornstarch. This little trick gives your crispy air-fried halloumi extra crunch while keeping the inside creamy and irresistible.
Can I make crispy air-fried halloumi ahead for a party?
For sure! You can air-fry the halloumi slices in advance, let them cool, and then quickly reheat in the air fryer right before serving. They’ll regain that fabulous crispy texture and wow your guests every time.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi, you might just find yourself making it again and again—for snacks, parties, or even easy dinners. The combination of gorgeous crunch, oozy center, and bold Mediterranean flavors is truly hard to resist. Fire up your air fryer and discover just how delightful cheese can get!
Print
Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the crispy perfection of air-fried halloumi with this quick and easy recipe. A delightful appetizer or snack featuring the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Halloumi Cheese:
- 8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into ½-inch thick slices
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Serving:
- Optional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare Halloumi: Pat the halloumi slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Brush the halloumi slices with the seasoned oil mixture on both sides.
- Air Fry: Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air-fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly dust the halloumi slices with cornstarch before air frying.
- Use traditional (not reduced-fat) halloumi for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
