Best Air Fryer Halloumi (Slices & Fries)

If you’re a fan of halloumi cheese, then you know how incredibly delicious and versatile it can be. Whether you enjoy it grilled, fried, or baked. Halloumi always has a way of adding that extra something to any dish.

But have you ever tried cooking halloumi in an air fryer? If not, you’re in for a treat! Air frying halloumi is now the only way I cook halloumi. It’s quick, easy, and delivers perfectly crispy results every time.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for air frying halloumi slices and homemade halloumi fries. I also provide some helpful tips to ensure your halloumi turns out perfectly every time.

Why cook halloumi in an air fryer?

Quick and Easy – Halloumi is a great addition to a salad or a substitute for a beef/chicken burger. That is why it is amazing that you can cook it in 8 minutes in an air fryer. Simply slice the halloumi, put it in the air fryer, and air fry it.

Crispy – Your air fryer will crisp your halloumi perfectly. While the interior will remain soft, moist, and gooey. You can use the timer on your air fryer to avoid overcooking the halloumi.

Easy clean up– A quick wipe round of the air fryer basket with a damp cloth and you are done. No bulky grill or frying pan to clean. Using an air fryer liner will reduce clean-up time even more.

How long does it take to cook halloumi in the air fryer?

It takes 8 minutes in an air fryer set at 400 F (200 c) to cook slices of halloumi in an air fryer.

If you like your halloumi to be crispy adjust the timings to serve up halloumi air fried to your preference.

What ingredients do I need to make halloumi fries?

• A block of halloumi
• Plain flour
• Ground black pepper (optional)
• Smoked paprika (optional)

What equipment do I need to cook halloumi in an air fryer?

To air fry halloumi in an air fryer, all you need is…

• Kitchen tongs – To turn and remove halloumi once cooked.
• Air fryer liner – Parchment paper, aluminum foil, or silicone to reduce clean-up time.
• Knife and chopping board – To slice the halloumi.

If you are making halloumi fries, you will also need…

• A small bowl or shallow dish – To put the flour and seasoning in

How to make homemade halloumi fries?

Step 1 – Make the fries

Slice the halloumi block to give you sticks of halloumi cheese.

Step 2 – Mix the seasoning

Add the flour, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika to a bowl or shallow dish. Mix.

Step 3 – Cover

Roll each halloumi stick in the flour and seasoning mix until all sides are evenly covered.

Then follow the below steps for cooking halloumi in an air fryer (ignore step 2).

How to cook halloumi in an air fryer

Cooking halloumi in an air fryer could not be easier. You will not cook it any other way once you have cooked it in your air fryer. Follow these simple steps for crispy air-fried halloumi…

Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c).

Step 2 – Slice the halloumi

Use a sharp knife to slice the block of halloumi, I find a thickness of quarter to half an inch (0.6-1.2 cm) perfect.

Step 3 – Prepare the basket (Optional)

Once the air fryer has pre-heated, add an air fryer basket liner (if using). Parchment paper, aluminum foil, or silicone are all great options. 

Step 4 – Add halloumi

Place the sliced halloumi or halloumi fries in the basket of the air fryer. Leave space between slices and do not stack slices on top of each other.

Step 5 – Cook

Air fry the halloumi for 8 minutes.

Step 6 – Turn

After 4 minutes use the kitchen tongs to turn each slice of halloumi (or fries).

Step 7 – Check

After the full 8 minutes check that the halloumi is golden brown and cooked to your preference.

Step 8 – Extra Time (optional)

If you like your halloumi extra crispy, air fry it for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 9 – Serve

Once the halloumi is cooked to your preference use tongs to serve up your halloumi. Enjoy.

Top tips

Preheat – To serve up perfectly air-fried halloumi that is crispy on the outside preheat the air fryer.

Single layer – Do not stack or put the sliced halloumi too close together. If you do the hot air will not be able to crisp all sides of the halloumi sticks.

Liner – To reduce your clean-up time and stop the halloumi from sticking use an air fryer liner.

Turn – By turning your halloumi slices after 4 minutes your halloumi will be crispy on both sides.

Serving with

Halloumi is a great substitute for meat so I regularly use it for burgers or in wraps. I also love serving up halloumi as part of a salad. Here are some ideas for how you could use your air-fried halloumi…

• Grilled Halloumi Salad: To make a refreshing and healthy salad. Add slices of grilled halloumi to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and spring onion.
• Halloumi Burger: Swap out the beef patty for a grilled halloumi slice in your next burger for a low-cost vegetarian option.
• Halloumi Wrap: Layer grilled halloumi with hummus, lettuce, and tomato in a whole wheat wrap for a satisfying lunch.
• Halloumi Tacos: Fill soft corn tortillas with grilled halloumi, black beans, avocado, and salsa for a tasty vegetarian taco.

Halloumi is also a great side dish. Simply cut the halloumi into sticks, cook as described above, and serve with a dipping sauce. Sweet chili sauce is a favorite in our house.  

Common questions

How do I store leftover air fried halloumi?

Halloumi is best served warm and straight after air frying. But if you have some leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wait for the halloumi to cool to room temperature and put it in an airtight container.

How do I reheat air fried halloumi?

If you have put halloumi in the fridge, reheat it in an air fryer at 340 F (170 c) for 2 minutes.

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