Air fryer Halloumi fries are a quick and easy snack, ready in under 15 minutes. Made with Halloumi, spices and flour, these fries are crispy on the outside with a salty, cheesy center. Perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce!
When I crave Nandos restaurant Halloumi sticks but can't make it to the restaurant, I make these halloumi fries in the air fryer at home. They're quicker to make, delicious, and just as satisfying. Just like my many of my vegetarian air fryer recipes, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and a great way to enjoy the same flavors!
Personally, I love to dip mine into a tangy relish. But sometimes I switch things up with a healthy dill yogurt sauce, creamy sour cream and chive dip or my homemade Indian mint sauce.
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Why you'll love this recipe?
- You'll need only 7 ingredients.
- These Halloumi bites are air-fried, using very little to no oil, making them a lighter and healthier option.Plus, they're loaded with protein. I always find ways to use them like my Salt and Pepper Halloumi fries or make Halloumi fajitas traybake .
- Make in under 15 minutes from scratch.
- Ideal for vegetarians. For a gluten free halloumi fries, use gluten free flour in the recipe.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for full ingredient details and quantities.
- Halloumi cheese: I have used full fat Vegetarian halloumi but you can opt for a lighter one too. This salty flavor grilling cheese is easily available in the dairy section of your local superstores.
- Seasoning: I like to use a combination of garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Since halloumi cheese is naturally salty, you can decide whether or not to include additional salt. You can also use smoked paprika or Kashmiri red chilli powder for a bit of spice and color like I use in my air fryer paneer tikka recipe.
- Oil: I use sunflower oil low-calorie cooking spray. You can also sub with olive oil or sunflower oil to brush on.
How to make Air fryer Halloumi fries?
Step 1: Combine the flour and seasoning in a bowl.
Step 2: Pat dry the Halloumi sticks. Coat the Halloumi sticks with seasoned flour.
Step 3: Arrange the halloumi sticks in air fryer basket.
Step 4: Preheat the Air fryer at 180C for 2 minutes. Air fry for 7 - 8 minutes in total, flipping once in between or until they turn golden brown.
Sandhya's Pro Tips
- Avoid overcooking the seasoned halloumi sticks in the air fryer, as excessive cooking can make them turn chewy.
- Enjoy these fries while they're still warm, right after preparation, to savour their best flavor and texture.
- Arrange the sliced halloumi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap to ensure even cooking.
- Keep in mind that air-fried Halloumi sticks may have a slightly drier texture compared to deep-fried ones due to the absence of eggs or excessive oil in the recipe. To balance the texture and moisture, always serve them alongside a dip or a refreshing salad.
Serving Suggestions
- With your your favorite dips: Pair with Sweet Chilli Mayo, Sour Cream and Chives dip, Kebab Shop Garlic Yogurt sauce, or a Vegan Burger sauce.
- Inside a Pita Pocket: Stuff the air-fried Halloumi sticks with lettuce, Shirazi salad, pickled jalapenos, and garlic yogurt sauce.
- Add it to your breakfast spread: It includes air-fried Halloumi sticks, hard-boiled eggs, air fried sausages, sautéed mushrooms, and breakfast potatoes for a hearty and delicious morning meal.
Storing leftovers
Any leftover Halloumi fries can be stored in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chilled fries into the air fryer basket and air fry for 4-5 minutes.
Recipe FAQ's
You can slice halloumi into slabs or thin fries. I typically cut mine into 1 cm thick sticks, yielding around 6-8 fries. Thinner slices turn out crispier, while thicker ones result in a crispy exterior with a softer center. After cutting, pat the fries dry with a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture.
You don't have to preheat the air fryer, but it helps. Think of it like preheating an oven for baked buffalo cauliflower wings—it ensures an even cooking temperature. Preheating your air fryer for just 2 minutes before cooking halloumi fries ensures they crisp up evenly and consistently at the right temperature.
Not all halloumi is vegetarian because it’s traditionally made with goat's and sheep's milk, often containing animal rennet. I always check the label to ensure it's suitable for vegetarians. There are also vegan halloumi options available in supermarkets, which I use as an alternative.
I personally prefer to toss the halloumi in a seasoning mixture and flour. By doing so, we have crispy halloumi sticks with delicious flavors. Alternatively you can also use panko breadcrumbs.
Absolutely! I sometimes use panko breadcrumbs, and they add an extra crispy texture to the halloumi fries, making them even more delicious.
More easy Vegetarian Air fryer side dish recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pack Halloumi cheese sliced (225g)
- ¼ cup plain flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat with kitchen towel to absorb the extra moisture.
- Combine the flour and seasoning in a bowl.¼ cup plain flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon italian herbs, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat the air fryer at 180C for 2 minutes.
- Coat the Halloumi sticks with seasoned flour and arrange into the air fryer basket in a single layer.1 pack Halloumi cheese
- Air fry for 7 - 8 minutes in total, flipping once in between.Serve.
Notes
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- Avoid overcooking the seasoned halloumi sticks in the air fryer, as excessive cooking can make them turn chewy.
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- Enjoy these fries while they're still warm, right after preparation, to savour their best flavor and texture.
-
- Arrange the sliced halloumi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap to ensure even cooking.
-
- Keep in mind that air-fried Halloumi sticks may have a slightly drier texture compared to deep-fried ones due to the absence of eggs or excessive oil in the recipe. To balance the texture and moisture, always serve them alongside a dip or a refreshing salad.
Debbie says
These halloumi fries were so good, with Nandos spicy jam