Air fryer halloumi
Forget the frying pan or grill! The air fryer makes halloumi better. It turns those firm little cubes into golden bites that are crisp outside and soft inside, all with barely any effort. A quick toss in butter, oil, and pepper is all it takes. Serve the air-fried halloumi over a fresh tomato and bean salad, and you have a real ace up your sleeve whenever you need a quick side or a light dinner.
Ingredients
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200 g
Halloumi cheese
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1 tbsp
Butter and rapeseed oil
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½ tsp
Black pepper
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Tomato and bean salad
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500 g
Mixed tomatoes
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1
Red onion
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400 g
Cooked black beans
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1 tbsp
Cold-pressed olive oil
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1 tbsp
Balsamic vinegar
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1 pot
Fresh basil
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1 tsp
Chilli flakes
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Flake salt
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Black pepper
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Pat the halloumi dry before air frying to get a crispy finish. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the cheese from steaming and becoming rubbery. Also, you do not need to wash halloumi before cooking, as this can wash away some of its salty flavour. Simply take the halloumi out of its packaging, drain off the brine, and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Cut the halloumi block into 1–1½ cm thick slabs for consistent cooking. Then, cut these slabs into 2–2½ cm wide cubes. This helps each piece cook evenly in the air fryer.
Halloumi has a naturally firm texture that absorbs flavours really well. For extra flavour, toss the cubes with butter & rapeseed oil and black pepper, then add optional touches like chilli flakes, fresh basil, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Let it sit for 10–20 minutes before air frying.
Halloumi cooks better cold, so do not preheat your air fryer beforehand. Unlike many air fryer recipes, halloumi benefits from going into a cold air fryer basket. It helps it heat gradually, giving the cubes time to crisp on the outside without overcooking the inside.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer halloumi
If this is your first time making halloumi, we have put together a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about air fryer halloumi specifically. Keep on reading to learn more.
What is halloumi cheese?
Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus, usually made from a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk. But some also use cow’s milk. It has a firm, springy texture and high melting point, making it great for grilling or frying as it holds its shape well without falling apart.
What does halloumi taste like?
Halloumi tastes salty and tangy with a creamy richness. When air-fried, it develops a light caramelised sweetness on the surface while staying soft inside. It is saltier than mozzarella but gentler than feta, with a mild, milky note that makes it useful in many ways.
How to store air fryer halloumi?
Store air fryer halloumi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it cool completely before storing to avoid condensation. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp.
How to reheat air fryer halloumi?
Reheat air fryer halloumi in a preheated air fryer at 175 °C for 3–5 minutes. Spread the halloumi cubes in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through to ensure they heat evenly and regain crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the cheese rubbery. Alternatively, you can reheat the halloumi in the oven at 200 °C for 2–4 minutes.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1342 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 36.9 gram fibers |
| Protein | 25.1 | 82.9 gram |
| Fat | 48.9 | 74.2 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 26 | 85.9 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
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Crispy and golden halloumi from the air fryer
If you have ever tried halloumi, you know it is not your typical cheese. It is firm, salty, and a little squeaky, and instead of melting, it turns beautifully golden when cooked. Most people fry or grill it, but the air fryer honestly does it much better. The hot air gets the cheese crisp and perfectly brown on all sides in just a few minutes, without excess oil.
While some recipes rely on bold spices or heavy marinades, we like to keep it simple here. Just butter, rapeseed oil, and freshly ground black pepper. Halloumi carries plenty of flavour on its own, so there is no need a lot of extras. Just try it once, and you will see why we are such big fans. Plus, you can use it all kinds of ways, so add it to your favourite grain bowl, stuff it in a wrap, or toss it into a salad.
Serve it on top of a fresh tomato and bean salad
Our crispy air fryer halloumi comes with a fresh tomato and bean salad. It is full of colour and flavour with juicy tomatoes, sharp red onions, and hearty black beans. A drizzle of cold-pressed olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar tie it all together with a tangy richness that complements the salty cheese brilliantly. Meanwhile, basil leaves and a pinch of chilli flakes add that extra kick of freshness and warmth.
And here is a little bonus tip. Do not toss out the drippings from the air fryer! Those tasty bits of melted butter, oil, and pepper shine as your new on-the-fly dressing. Pour them into a bowl, whisk them together, and drizzle over the salad before mixing. It makes every bite even more delicious.
A cheesy side or light dinner
If you are after an easy side or a light dinner, air fryer halloumi is a brilliant pick. It is fast, tasty, and goes with almost anything. Serve it alongside air fryer vegetables, air fryer chicken wings, and air fryer salmon with soy sauce. Halloumi is also a great topping for couscous, quinoa, or even avocado toast if you are feeling creative, and it pairs really well with dips like tzatziki, hummus, or a cool yoghurt dressing. Because it cooks in minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
Easy ways to add extra flavour
Though we keep it simple in this recipe, halloumi also takes well to a little extra flavour. If you want to mix things up, try adding different spices, herbs, or simple marinades before air frying. A pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder adds warmth and depth, while chilli flakes or cayenne bring gentle heat.
If you want to opt for a fresher note, toss the cubes with lemon zest, thyme, oregano, or rosemary before cooking. These herbs balance the saltiness of the cheese and add a Mediterranean touch. You can also marinate the halloumi in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed garlic for 15–20 minutes before air frying to infuse it with extra aroma and richness.
For a sweeter note, honey is an excellent option. Drizzle a little over the warm cheese just before serving, or mix honey with lemon juice and chilli flakes for a sticky, spicy glaze.
