Have you ever tried Air Fryer Halloumi Fries? You will love this version as it gives air frying gives a mild, salty, and tangy flavor—stronger when air-fried, you also get similar effect when you frill Halloumi.
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—halloumi fries are the perfect savory snack or appetizer. And when made in the air fryer, you skip the oil-laden mess of traditional frying while still getting that irresistible golden crunch. Halloumi are mild and slightly rubbery with a squeaky bite.
Quick to make and packed with flavor, these air fryer halloumi fries are a game-changer for cheese lovers looking for a fast, satisfying dish.
What are Halloumi Fries?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese traditionally made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, although some versions include cow’s milk. Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is known for its high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling, frying, or air frying without losing its shape.
Because of its resistance to melting, it’s a favorite cheese for making dishes like halloumi fries, grilled halloumi burgers, and even vegetarian barbecue skewers.
Key Features of Halloumi:
- Texture: Firm and slightly rubbery with a squeaky bite.
- Flavor: Mild, salty, and tangy—stronger when pan-fried or grilled.
- Usage: Excellent in savory dishes—used in salads, sandwiches, fries, skewers, and wraps.
Why Use the Air Fryer for Halloumi Fries?
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for making halloumi fries because it delivers crispy, golden edges without the need for deep frying.
You’ll use significantly less oil while still achieving that delicious texture halloumi is known for.
Plus, air frying keeps the prep mess-free, minimizes cleanup, and gets your fries on the table faster—perfect for busy weeknights or quick party bites.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
- Use block-style halloumi: Pre-cut versions may be too thin and break apart during cooking.
- Coat evenly: Make sure every piece is thoroughly dredged in the flour and spice mix for that perfect crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: This ensures each fry crisps up nicely on all sides.
- Flip halfway through: To get even browning on both sides, flip the fries during cooking.
Personalizing the Recipe
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat.
- Herb variations: Try swapping in thyme or oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Cheese swaps: If you can’t find halloumi, try queso blanco or paneer (though texture and saltiness may vary).
Ingredients
- Halloumi, cut into strips – The star ingredient, known for its salty flavor and high melting point, perfect for frying. Mild, salty, and tangy flavour—stronger when air-fried.
- All-purpose flour – Creates a crisp, golden crust.
- Olive oil – Helps the fries brown and adds richness.
- Paprika – Brings subtle heat and color.
- Granulated garlic – Infuses flavor into the coating.
- Dried herbs – Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
- Salt – Balances the flavor and enhances the seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, paprika, garlic, dried herbs, and salt.
Coat the Halloumi: Roll each halloumi strip in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil. Lay the coated halloumi strips in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
Air Fry First Side: Cook for 7 minutes until golden on one side.
Flip and Finish: Carefully flip each piece and drizzle or spray with olive oil. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until crispy and evenly browned.
Serve Immediately: Remove from the air fryer and enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce like tzatziki, spicy mayo, or harissa yogurt.
Different Methods of Preparation
While the air fryer is the best for convenience and crispness:
- Oven-Baked: Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Fried: Shallow fry in a non-stick pan with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Grilled: Brush with oil and grill until charred and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dipping trio: spicy mayo, harissa yogurt, and tahini.
- Add to wraps, bowls, or mezze platters.
- Pair with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a refreshing touch.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Not recommended for freezing due to halloumi’s texture change.
FAQ’s
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the halloumi and refrigerate it up to 8 hours before frying.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
Is halloumi the same as mozzarella?
No. Halloumi holds its shape when fried; mozzarella melts more easily.
Why did my halloumi fries stick to the basket?
Make sure to grease the basket well or use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
Ingredients
- 2 cups halloumi cut into strips
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried herbs
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic, herbs, and salt in a bowl.
- Roll halloumi strips in the dry mix until well coated.
- Grease air fryer basket, add halloumi in a single layer.
- Air fry for 7 minutes, flip, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces.
Crispy, cheesy, and completely addictive—air fryer halloumi fries are a must-try snack or appetizer. Whether you serve them as a side dish or the star of your meal, they’re guaranteed to impress. And thanks to the air fryer, they’re ready in under 15 minutes with minimal oil and cleanup. Happy snacking!
