Description
Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi is a delicious Mediterranean appetizer featuring halloumi cheese sticks air-fried to golden perfection. The cheese is lightly coated with olive oil and smoked paprika, then cooked until crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. Serve hot with lemon wedges and optional dips like honey or tzatziki for a flavorful, easy-to-make snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Halloumi Preparation
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, cut into ½-inch thick sticks or slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3–5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the halloumi evenly.
- Prepare the Halloumi: Pat the halloumi slices dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture. In a bowl, toss the halloumi with olive oil, smoked paprika if using, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the halloumi slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the pieces are not overlapping to allow air to circulate properly and cook the cheese evenly.
- Air Fry the Halloumi: Cook the halloumi for 8–10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Once cooked, serve the crispy halloumi hot with lemon wedges on the side. For added flavor, try dipping in honey, tzatziki, or chili jam. Enjoy the crispy exterior and soft, salty interior!
Notes
- Best enjoyed hot as halloumi’s texture softens upon cooling.
- Try different dips like honey, tzatziki, or chili jam to complement the salty cheese.
- No need to add extra salt since halloumi is naturally salty.
