Crispy air fryer halloumi made with halloumi cheese and olive oil. Golden outside, soft inside, and ready in minutes.
Table of Contents
This air fryer halloumi recipe exists because of a pub in England and a decision I almost didn’t make. I was tired, slightly cold, and scanning a menu that looked like it hadn’t changed since 1998. Fried halloumi was listed under “small plates,” and I remember thinking, eh, sure. No expectations. Then it arrived. Golden. Steaming. Salty in that perfect, unapologetic way. One bite in and I was done for. It was crispy, warm, and squeaky (in a good way). The kind of food that makes you pause mid-conversation.
When I got home, I kept thinking about it. I tried recreating it in a pan, and it was fine—but messy, loud, and honestly more effort than I wanted after work. One evening, scrolling through the news and half-watching whatever was on TV, I glanced at my air fryer and thought, could it work here too? I wasn’t 100% sure. Halloumi can be dramatic. But it worked. And now this air fryer halloumi recipe shows up whenever I want something comforting that feels a little special without turning into a whole project. Ever had a recipe sneak into your life like that?
Why you’ll Love this Air Fryer Halloumi?
There’s something about halloumi in the air fryer that feels almost unfair. It crisps without melting. It browns without fuss. And it doesn’t need breadcrumbs or batter to feel indulgent. This air fryer halloumi recipe is quick enough for a snack, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough to become dinner if you add a salad or flatbread. Is it better than the pub version? I don’t know. Depends on the day, the mood, and whether it’s raining outside. But it is cleaner, faster, and way more realistic for real life.
Ingredient Notes
With a recipe this simple, every ingredient shows up loud and clear.
- Halloumi Cheese – The star. Firm, salty, and built for heat. Pat it dry like you mean it—moisture ruins crisp edges faster than you’d think.
- Olive Oil – Just enough to help it brown and taste rich without drowning it. This isn’t deep frying, it’s persuasion.
- Cooking Spray – Not glamorous, but it keeps the cheese from sticking and saves your sanity later.
How to Make Air Fryer Halloumi Recipe?
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). I used to skip this step, back when I believed rules were optional. They’re not, at least not with halloumi. It wants heat immediately.
- Slice the halloumi into six even slices, then cut each slice in half. You’re aiming for pieces that are easy to grab, flip, and “accidentally” eat straight from the basket. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This part feels boring, but it matters more than you’d expect.
- Brush all sides lightly with olive oil. Lightly. If it’s dripping, it’s too much. Spray the air fryer basket, then place the halloumi pieces inside in a single layer. They should not touch. Halloumi needs space. Crowding leads to steaming, and steamed halloumi is… fine, but not what we’re going for.
- Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, watching closely near the end. You’re looking for golden edges and a slight crisp on the outside. Don’t overcook. This is important. Too long and the cheese turns rubbery, which feels like a personal betrayal. Serve immediately, while it’s hot and at its peak.
Storage Options
Fresh is best. No argument there. But if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back some crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture softens a lot—sometimes okay, sometimes disappointing. Depends on expectations, honestly.
Variations & Substitutions
Once you’ve made this air fryer halloumi recipe once, ideas start popping up whether you asked for them or not.
- Herb Finish – Fresh mint, parsley, or basil right before serving adds brightness.
- Sweet-Salty Moment – A drizzle of balsamic glaze or hot honey is surprisingly good.
- Spicy Version – Chili flakes or smoked paprika for warmth without overpowering.
- Lemon Finish – A squeeze of lemon wakes everything up.
- Oil Swap – Avocado oil works just as well if that’s what you’ve got.
Do you follow recipes exactly, or do you drift halfway through? I drift. Almost always.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Halloumi?
Air fryer halloumi is friendly. It doesn’t need much, but it loves good company.
- Fresh Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes cut through the salt beautifully.
- Salads & Bowls – Add it to greens or grain bowls for instant comfort.
- Flatbread or Pita – Perfect for scooping and stacking.
- Dips – Tzatziki, hummus, or yogurt-based sauces work every time.
- As an Appetizer – Pub-style, no explanation needed.
FAQ:
Can I make this air fryer halloumi recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the cheese, but cook it right before serving. It’s happiest fresh.
Why did my halloumi turn rubbery?
Almost always overcooking. Halloumi needs restraint.
Does this work in any air fryer?
Yes, mostly. Just watch it the first time—air fryers all have opinions.
Should I soak the halloumi first?
You can if you want less salt, but I usually don’t. I like its bold side.
If you’ve ever stood in the cheese aisle holding halloumi and wondering what do people actually do with this?, this air fryer halloumi recipe is your answer. It’s simple, comforting, a little nostalgic, and quietly impressive. If you make it, tell me—did it remind you of a trip, a meal, or a moment too? I’d genuinely love to know.
Air Fryer Halloumi Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Cooking spray for the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) to ensure even and consistent cooking.
- Slice the halloumi cheese into six equal slices, then cut each slice in half to create uniform pieces. Pat all pieces dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve optimal browning.
- Using a pastry brush, lightly coat all sides of the halloumi pieces with olive oil.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the halloumi pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden brown on the outside. Monitor closely toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, as halloumi can become rubbery if cooked too long.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
