Love Chinese style salt and pepper chips? You are going to love this spin with Halloumi cheese in our Air fryer Salt and Pepper Halloumi fries. Its simple, nourishing while still bringing you favourite takeaway flavours at the comfort of your home.
Crispy halloumi fries and vegetables tossed in a blend of Chinese five spice salt and pepper seasoning.
About this recipe - Salt and Pepper Air fryer Halloumi fries
We absolutely love the classic Salt and Pepper potatoes and Salt and Pepper chips. It's a classic combo that's always a big hit at home, especially with the fantastic results we get from our air fryer. So, naturally, we decided to experiment a bit and introduce our Air Fryer Halloumi fries into the mix – a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste!
It's my take on the British takeaway favourite with a Chinese twist. Whether you prefer oven-baked or air-fried halloumi fries, this recipe is so good, you are going to make it over and over again.
So, let me show you how to make the best ever crispy halloumi side dish made in air fryer, and it is much quicker than roasting in the oven.
Why is it called Salt and Pepper Halloumi fries?
Halloumi sticks are tossed in a Chinese five spice salt and pepper seasoning, creating a tasty homemade version of the classic takeout favourite. My signature salt and pepper seasoning has salt, freshly ground black pepper or white pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, a touch of sugar, garlic powder, and chilli flakes for added flavour. This mix gives the perfect flavours for those who like a bit of spice with a hint of Chinese-inspired taste.
Takeaway salt and pepper seasoning spice blend has MSG but i like to skip it in my recipe.
Ingredients
- Halloumi: I use Cypriot Halloumi cheese block, easily available from my local supermarket. Feel free to sub with Tofu or Paneer.
- Mixed Peppers: For this recipe, I am using sliced Red and Green bell peppers. Add them in chunks if you fancy.
- Spring Onions (also known as Scallions): I prefer to chop them in two different ways for added texture. You can choose to slice them.
- Onion: I use cubes of white onion in this recipe for salt and pepper halloumi for a crunch. If you use diced onions, they will get a bit lost in the appetiser.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic is what I have used. Alternatively, use store-bought garlic paste for convenience.
- Chinese 5 Spice Powder: is the key ingredient of the recipe. It is a powdered combination of 5 whole spices - Star Anise, Cinnamon, Fennel Seeds, Black Pepper, and Cloves.
- Salt & Pepper: I prefer using sea salt and ground white pepper for these Easy Air fryer Halloumi fries. As the Chinese five-spice has ground black pepper, my preference is to use white pepper only. Use Black pepper if White is not available.
- Chilli: Red Chilli is spicy and adds the perfect heat to the recipe. Plus, I also use red chilli flakes in the seasoning mix.
- Flour: Just a little to coat the halloumi sticks.
- Oil: Any neutral-flavour oil - Sunflower or Vegetable oil can be used.
How to make Crispy Halloumi fries in Air fryer?
To make Salt and pepper Air fried halloumi fries, start by patting dry the halloumi sticks with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. Lightly coat them with flour, shaking off any extra.
Preheat your air fryer to 360F/ 180°C. Arrange the halloumi sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for perfect crispiness.
How to make Salt and Pepper Halloumi fries? : Step by Step
As the Halloumi fries crisp up in the air fryer, get the rest of your ingredients ready. Then, it's simply a matter of tossing veggies, fries, and spices together in a hot wok with oil.
Sauté the onions and garlic briefly for about 45 seconds. Next, add in the peppers, red chilli, and spices, continuing to sauté for another 45 seconds or so. Be mindful not to overcook, as you want to keep them nice and crunchy.
Finally, add the air-fried halloumi bites and spring onion greens, giving everything a good toss. Serve immediately, garnished with additional toppings and enjoy.
Serving Air fryer Salt and Pepper Halloumi fries
These salt and pepper fries are delicious on their own as a stand alone dish or enjoy it with a dipping sauce like a sweet chilli sauce, Sweet chilli mayo or tomato ketchup.
Pair with noodles or vegetable fried rice for a meal combo.
Consider serving atop of crispy lettuce.
Storing leftover salt and pepper halloumi fries
In the fridge: Halloumi cheese salt and pepper fries stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
In the freezer: Freezing is not advised as veggies may become soggy and lose texture.
Reheating: Microwave fries for 30-40 seconds. Avoid air fryer to prevent overcooking and chewiness.
Easy Salt and Pepper Halloumi fries recipe below
Ingredients
- 250 g Halloumi Cheese sliced into sticks
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 2 tablespoon vegetable Oil
- ½ white onion cut into chunks
- 2 spring onions separated into scallions and greens
- ½ red bell pepper sliced
- ½ green pepper sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Red chilli sliced
Seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½-1 teaspoon chilli flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180C. Pat dry halloumi sticks, coat them with flour. Arrange halloumi sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and air-fry halloumi sticks for 7 mins or until golden, flipping halfway through.
- In a bowl, mix spices and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok. Sauté onion and garlic for 45 secs.
- Add peppers, red chilli, and spices; sauté for another 45 secs.
- Add air-fried halloumi and spring onion greens; toss. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve Salt and Pepper Halloumi Fries, garnish with additional toppings of sliced chilli and scallions.
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