This crispy air fryer halloumi is soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and ready in 10 minutes. Top it with a drizzle of honey for the best sweet and salty appetizer or side dish. The easiest and best way to cook halloumi cheese!
Best crispy air fryer halloumi recipe
I never thought I would love air fryer halloumi cheese as much as I do! It's salty, flavorful, and easy to cook. Halloumi is the perfect cheese for frying, grilling, and air frying since it has a high melting point and doesn't melt when cooked like most cheeses. But, once air-fried, the halloumi is warm, soft, and crispy outside. I've never had anything so addictive.
Air-fried halloumi is the perfect side dish for any meal or appetizer. I love drizzling mine with raw honey for a sweet and salty combination. But you can also serve halloumi with hummus or tzatziki on salads, wraps, or a mezze platter.
The best part is that this air-fried halloumi takes under 10 minutes to make. It's healthier than other recipes because we are not frying it in a lot of oil. Typical recipes call for ¼ cup of frying oil; this recipe calls for cooking spray or one teaspoon of olive oil. It's lighter and healthier.
Let's not forget that air fryer halloumi is also keto, low-carb, and gluten-free. Everyone will love this recipe (trust me)!
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- Gooey & Crispy: The halloumi is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Easy to Make: Ready in under 10 minutes.
- 2 Ingredient Recipe: Only two ingredients.
- No Oil Needed: Oil-free option.
- Healthy: Much lighter than other fried halloumi recipes.
- Easy Topping: Perfect for salads and bowls, or you can serve it in a sandwich, wrap, or with eggs.
- Delicious Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
- Gluten-Free Recipe: 100% gluten-free.
- Low-Carb and Keto: Halloumi is keto!
- Try these homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks next!
Ingredients needed
This is seriously the best-ever air fryer halloumi recipe! You only need two ingredients: halloumi cheese and olive oil. I like using olive oil spray to lighten this recipe up even further! Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Halloumi: Grab one 8 oz block of halloumi cheese. Halloumi is a sheep and goat milk cheese that doesn't melt when cooked; it gets crispy and warm.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: I like using olive oil or avocado oil spray to help crispen up the outside of the halloumi as it air fries. You can also use 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make this 10-minute air fryer halloumi. Clean-up is so easy.
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Measuring Tools: 1 teaspoon.
How to make crispy air fryer halloumi
Air fryer halloumi takes under 10 minutes to make! Any level cook can make them since it's so easy to prepare. I love serving it as an appetizer and as a side dish. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so anyone can make it. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Step 2:
Then, cut the halloumi block into ½-inch thick slices. If you are using olive oil, lightly brush both sides with olive oil. If you are using a spray, lightly spray both sides.
Step 3:
After that, evenly space the halloumi pieces in the preheated air fryer basket. NO OVERLAPPING!
Step 4:
Air fry at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes; I like to flip mine halfway through with tongs so they are evenly golden. They should be golden, not burnt. You can add 1 to 2 extra minutes IF you want the halloumi to be crispier.
Serve immediately on top of a salad or on its own with a drizzle of honey (if you like sweet).
Enjoy your crispy and gooey air fryer halloumi cheese.
Expert recipe tips:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated for golden, perfectly cooked halloumi. Skipping this step will increase cooking time.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: Make sure to pat the halloumi dry with a paper towel before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps it crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the halloumi halfway to achieve even crispiness on both sides.
- Slice to ½-Inch Thickness: Cut the halloumi into ½-inch thick pieces; thinner slices may shrivel and burn at the edges in the air fryer.
- Use Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray with olive oil or avocado oil for a crisp finish. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Halloumi is best enjoyed right out of the air fryer while it's still hot and crispy. If it cools down, it can become chewy.
What is halloumi cheese?
Halloumi (also called "grilling cheese") is a traditional sheep and goat's milk cheese from Cyprus. It is salty, squeaky, and creamy. Halloumi has a high melting point, making it perfect for air frying, grilling, and frying since it won't melt when cooked.
How to serve halloumi
Air fryer halloumi makes a fantastic appetizer or side dish. I love drizzling it with honey for that irresistible sweet and salty combo, serving it on its own or paired with fresh grapes. Halloumi is also perfect with hummus, tzatziki, on salads, in grain bowls, wraps, sandwiches, with eggs for breakfast, on a mezze platter, or alongside grilled vegetables, chicken, salmon, shrimp, or lamb. Here are some ideas:
- Orzo Pesto Salad - substitute the mozzarella with halloumi
- Kale Crunch Salad
- Balsamic Grilled Peach Salad
- Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Quinoa Sweet Potato Bowl
- Sweet Potato Falafel Recipe
- Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Turkey Meatballs with Lemony Rice
Frequently Asked Questions
What does halloumi taste like?
Halloumi is a salty, creamy, and mild cheese. It tastes like creamy sheep or goat's cheese but has a firmer texture. It is not as tangy and strong as feta.
What's the texture of air fryer halloumi?
Air fryer halloumi has a soft (not gooey or runny) center and a golden, crispy exterior. It doesn't melt when cooked.
Where to buy halloumi cheese?
Halloumi (also called "grilling cheese") can be purchased at any grocery store in the refrigerated cheese section. It is typically sold in an 8-ounce packaged block.
What's the best substitute for halloumi cheese?
If you plan on air-frying, grilling, or frying the cheese, kefalotyri is the best substitute for halloumi. Kefalotyri is a salty, white cheese made from sheep or goat's milk. It is harder in texture than halloumi but has a high melting point, making it the best substitute.
What is grilling cheese?
Grilling cheese is another name for halloumi. It is called grilling cheese since it doesn't melt when cooked because of its high melting point.
What's the best temperature to air fry halloumi cheese?
For best results, air fry halloumi at 380°F. If the temperature is too low, the halloumi won't crisp up, and if it is too high, it can burn.
How long do I air fry halloumi at 380°F?
Halloumi takes about 8 to 10 minutes to air fry at 380°F.
Is halloumi keto?
Yes, halloumi cheese is keto since it is low-carb.
Is halloumi vegan?
No, halloumi cheese is not vegan since it is made with sheep or goat's milk.
How to store and reheat air fryer halloumi:
Storing: I highly recommend portioning out and air-frying the amount of cheese you will eat. Air-fried halloumi is best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer. If you need to store extras, add them to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 - 5 minutes until warm again.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
- Goat Cheese & Pesto Crusted Chicken
- Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Halloumi
Ingredients
- 1 (8oz) block halloumi cheese
- Olive oil, avocado oil spray, or 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Cut the halloumi block into ½-inch thick slices. If you are using olive oil, lightly brush both sides with olive oil. If you are using spray, lightly spray both sides.
- Evenly space the halloumi pieces in the preheated air fryer basket. NO OVERLAPPING!
- Air fry at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, I like to flip mine halfway through with tongs so they are evenly golden. They should be golden, not burnt. You can add 1 to 2 extra minutes IF you want the halloumi to be crispier.
- Serve immediately on top of a salad or on it's own with a drizzle of honey (if you like sweet). Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation if you purchase a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Natalie says
My halloumi melted through the basket. Needs parchment paper and flipping midway.