Good reasons to make air fryer halloumi fries
Making halloumi fries is much healthier than deep frying them in oil. The cheese becomes golden and firm without being greasy. It is a great way to enjoy a salty snack with less mess in the kitchen. Most people love the unique texture and flavour of cooked halloumi.
Follow these simple steps for air fryer halloumi fries
Prepare cheese: Take the halloumi out of the packet and pat it dry with a paper towel. Cut the block into thick strips that look like chunky chips. Try to keep them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Place the halloumi strips into a clean bowl.
Season fries: Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese strips and toss gently to coat them. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried oregano and garlic powder over the cheese. Mix everything together so each piece is covered in the spices. You can use your hands or a spoon for this part.
Air fry: Place the seasoned cheese in the basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between the pieces so the hot air can circulate. Cook the halloumi fries at 200 degrees Celsius for about 8 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Serve: Check that the fries are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove them carefully from the basket as they will be very hot. Serve the fries immediately while the cheese is still warm and flexible. They pair perfectly with a sweet chilli dipping sauce or fresh lime.
Extra tips for air fryer halloumi fries
Always dry the halloumi thoroughly before adding the oil and spices to help them get crispy. If the cheese is too wet, it might steam rather than fry. Do not overcrowd the basket or the halloumi fries will stick together and stay soft. You can vary the spices by adding chilli flakes or onion powder depending on your taste.
Make sure to serve them straight away because halloumi can become rubbery as it cools down. If you want a bit more crunch, you can lightly coat the strips in a little flour or cornflour before air frying. Always keep an eye on the fryer as some brands cook faster than others.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also try
air fryer chicken with bacon,
air fryer frozen cod or
air fryer pizza buns.