Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi made simple—just halloumi cheese, olive oil, and an
You know how sometimes a food moment just sticks with you? Like, years later, you can still taste it? For me, that moment was in this little pub tucked away on a rainy street in England. Picture cozy booths, a dimly lit bar, and the smell of something fried wafting from the kitchen.
I wasn’t even that hungry—just there for a pint—but then the waiter casually mentioned the fried halloumi appetizer. And honestly? I barely glanced at the menu before blurting out, “Yeah, let’s do that.”
One bite in, and I was obsessed. This wasn’t just cheese. It was salty, chewy, crispy, and somehow light all at the same time. I wanted more—immediately.
Of course, when I got home, I tried frying it myself. Spoiler alert: total grease fire. The oil splattered, my stove was a disaster, and while it tasted okay, I knew there had to be an easier way.
Cue the
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Halloumi Recipe?
Still skeptical? Let me break it down:
- Crispy Without the Grease. That golden exterior? Done with just a light brush of olive oil.
- Fast AF. From fridge to plate in about 15 minutes. You can’t even get takeout that fast.
- No Fancy Ingredients. It’s literally just halloumi, olive oil, and a little cooking spray.
- Insanely Versatile. Eat it plain, dunk it in dip, throw it in a salad—heck, I’ve even stuffed it into a pita before.
- Crowd-Pleaser. I made this once for a potluck, and people lost their minds. Cheese is universal, after all.
Ingredient Notes:
Simple, simple, simple—that’s the name of the game here.
Halloumi Magic Starts With:
- 8 oz halloumi cheese – It’s salty, firm, and doesn’t melt into a puddle when heated (which is why it’s perfect for air frying).
- 2 tsp olive oil – Helps it get that golden crust without being greasy.
- Cooking spray – Keeps everything from sticking to the
air fryer basket.
Optional but Highly Recommended:
- Fresh herbs (think parsley or mint) for a bright finish.
- Balsamic glaze – A sweet drizzle to balance the salty cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes – For color and a juicy pop.
How To Make Air Fryer Halloumi?
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but secretly couldn’t be easier.
Step 1. Preheat That
Crank your
Step 2. Slice & Dry the Halloumi
Cut your halloumi into 6 slices, then slice those in half for 12 perfect little pieces.
Here’s a tip: Pat the slices dry with paper towels. Halloumi is often packed in brine, and if you don’t dry it off, you’ll end up with soggy instead of crispy.
Step 3. Brush It With Olive Oil
Grab that olive oil and lightly brush each slice on both sides. You don’t need much—just enough to help the
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Step 4. Into the
Spray your
Step 5. Cook to Crispy Perfection
Set the timer for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and a slight bubble on the surface.
Biggest mistake? Overcooking it. Halloumi can go from “perfectly chewy” to “rubber band” real fast. Watch it like a hawk around the 7-minute mark.
Step 6. Serve It Up, Hot & Crispy
Halloumi’s at its best straight from the
Storage Options:
Look, air-fried halloumi is one of those things that’s best eaten fresh, but if you somehow manage to have leftovers (serious willpower there), here’s what to do:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the
air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up. - Freezer? Hard pass. Halloumi changes texture when frozen—not in a good way.
Variations and Substitutions:
The beauty of halloumi is how versatile it is. Try these twists if you’re feeling fancy:
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle chili flakes or a dusting of smoked paprika before air frying.
- Sweet & Savory: Drizzle honey over the crispy halloumi and top with crushed pistachios.
- Lemony Fresh: A quick squeeze of lemon right before serving adds a tangy pop.
- Panko-Crusted: Want extra crunch? Dip the slices in egg and coat with panko before air frying.
- Herb It Up: Toss the slices with za’atar or Italian seasoning before cooking.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Halloumi?
Halloumi is kind of a chameleon—it goes with pretty much anything. But if you want ideas:
- Mediterranean Salad: Toss it with cucumbers, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pita Wraps: Stuff into warm pita with hummus, veggies, and a drizzle of tzatziki.
- Charcuterie Boards: A fancy cheese board is always a good idea.
- Dips, Dips, Dips: Halloumi loves being dunked—try it with garlic yogurt sauce or even sweet chili sauce.
- Over Grains: Top quinoa, couscous, or farro bowls for a hearty bite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this without oil?
You can, but the olive oil gives it that golden, crispy finish. Skipping it might make the cheese a little drier.
Why did my halloumi turn rubbery?
Overcooking! Halloumi’s a delicate little diva—stick to 7-9 minutes and pull it out as soon as it’s golden.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Totally. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be as crispy as the
And that’s it—your ultimate Air Fryer Halloumi Recipe. Quick, easy, and so dang good you might end up making it more often than you’d like to admit.
Have you tried air-fried halloumi before? Got a killer dip or fun twist I need to try? Drop a comment—I’m always down for more cheesy inspiration!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Air Fryer Halloumi Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz halloumi cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
Optional for Serving:
- Fresh herbs parsley or mint
- Balsamic glaze
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat for approximately 3 minutes. Preheating ensures an even, crisp texture on the halloumi.
Prepare the Halloumi:
- Slice the halloumi into 6 equal slices, then halve each slice to create 12 pieces. Using a paper towel, gently pat the slices dry to remove any excess moisture—this step is essential for achieving a crispy finish.
Apply Olive Oil:
- Lightly brush each slice with olive oil, ensuring all sides are coated. This will aid in browning and prevent sticking during air frying.
Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the halloumi slices in a single layer, leaving space between each slice to allow for even air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches.
Air Fry Until Golden Brown:
- Cook the halloumi for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process. The halloumi is ready when it has developed a golden crust while remaining soft inside. Avoid overcooking, as this may result in a rubbery texture.
Serve Immediately:
- Transfer the cooked halloumi to a serving dish and serve immediately for the best texture. Garnish with fresh herbs, drizzle with balsamic glaze, or pair with cherry tomatoes if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
