Air Fryer Halloumi Cheese
Air fryer halloumi cheese is a quick and easy appetizer or side dish that turns this unique cheese into crispy, golden bites with a warm, chewy center. This savory Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for snacking, salads, grain bowls, or serving alongside your favorite meals.
Do you like mozzarella sticks?
Who doesn’t, right?
We’re talking about one of life’s best things: fried melty cheese.
And this air fryer halloumi cheese is quite possibly better than that classic appetizers.
This is the Mediterranean version of the Italian American snack and it feels like a grown up take.
The air fryer gives it a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside warm and soft.
And it pairs well with everything from fresh vegetables and grilled meats to salads and pita bread.
Best of all, it cooks in just minutes, making it an easy appetizer, snack, or side dish whenever you need something a little different.
What is halloumi?
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
It is traditionally made from sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or a combination of the two.
The versions sold in grocery stores generally also include cow’s milk.
Halloumi has a high melting point meaning it doesn’t melt into near liquid and lose its shape when heated like mozzarella.
Instead, it develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior while warming on the inside but holding its shape.
Halloumi has a much saltier, slightly tangier flavor than mozzarella and is delicious on its own or just with a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
To make this you’ll need:
- Halloumi cheese– A 12 ounce block cut into 1/2″ thick slices. You can generally find this in the specialty cheese case.
- Olive oil– Extra virgin.
- Spices– Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Honey– To drizzle over it for serving.
How to Make
Air fryer halloumi cheese is very easy to make.
Just add a parchment paper liner to the basket of your air fryer.
Then brush the oil onto both sides of the cheese slices and sprinkle the smoked paprika and garlic powder evenly over both sides.
Put the cheese in the prepared basket.
Air fry the cheese at 350° for 4-5 minutes, just until golden brown on the top.
Use tongs to carefully flip the cheese over and air fry it for another 5 minutes, again just until golden brown and slightly crispy on the second side.
Serve warm with a sprinkle of pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey overtop.
Enjoy!
Storing
This is one of those dishes that is best right after you make it.
However if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat the cheese in the air fryer until warmed through before serving again.
Tips and Tricks
- Using a parchment paper liner is optional, but highly recommended for easier cleanup.
- If you are consider it might be too spicy, use less red pepper flakes or omit them totally.
- Make sure to slice the cheese to roughly the same thickness so it cooks evenly.
Other Mediterranean Appetizers
Air fryer halloumi cheese is a delicious Mediterranean inspired appetizer.
Make it and enjoy!
Looking for other Mediterranean appetizers?
Try these:
- Zucchini Bruschetta
- Nonna’s Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
- Carrabba’s Bread Dipping Oil
- Nonna’s Homemade Meatballs
- Marinated Mozzarella Cheese Balls
- Italian Bruschetta Style Salsa
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Air Fryer Halloumi Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz block halloumi cheese cut into 1/2" slices
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp honey for drizzling/serving
Instructions
- Add a parchment paper liner to the basket of your air fryer.
- Brush both sides of the cheese slices with oil, sprinkle the paprika & garlic evenly out over both sides, then transfer to the prepared basket.1 12 oz block halloumi cheese, 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Air fry at 350° for 4-5 minutes, just until golden brown.
- Using tongs flip the cheese over and cook for another 5 minutes, again just until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey overtop.1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp honey
Notes
- Using a parchment paper liner is optional, but highly recommended for easier cleanup.
- If you are consider it might be too spicy, use less red pepper flakes or omit them totally.
- Make sure to slice the cheese to roughly the same thickness so it cooks evenly.
Nutrition
