15-Minute Air Fryer Halloumi (Breaded Halloumi Fries)

These air fryer halloumi fries are the perfect appetizer to impress your guests! Salty and stretchy halloumi cheese is breaded with flour, eggs and breadcrumbs, and sprinkled with nigella seeds. Air fry until crispy and dip in honey! This fool proof recipe is ready in 15 minutes!

What Happens when you Air Fry Halloumi?

Halloumi is a type of cheese commonly used across the Middle East, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Its a semi-hard cheese that is actually made mainly in Cyprus from sheep or goat milk.

Halloumi is known to be a "squeaky" cheese, because yes, its sort of squeaky when you eat it. It has a high melting point and therefore is great for frying or grilling. Its quite salty as well and therefore serving it with something sweet or acidic is a great idea.

Halloumi is typically fried in oil until golden brown and crispy and served right away as an appetizer or breakfast dish. It's also thrown onto the grill and used as a meat alternative or to top salads.

When you air fry halloumi, you will get the same results as when frying it, except it will be less oily. Simple as that!

I have tried air frying it as-is and also breading it. Both are delicious, but I love the breaded version, and I'm sharing that version in this recipe. The best part is adding nigella seeds to the breading which takes it to the next level.

Ingredients You'll Need to Make Air Fryer Halloumi

For this air fryer halloumi recipe, you'll need the following:

• Halloumi cheese, of course. I suggest buying a small block of firm halloumi that you can cut into strips.

• Flour, eggs and breadcrumbs for the breading. Your regular suspects! You can also use panko breadcrumbs.

• Nigella seeds - this is the only seasoning you need. If you wish, you can also add any other spices you like, but no need to use any salt.

• Honey for dipping. You can also use hot honey if you like spice!

How to make Air Fryer Halloumi, Step by Step

Start by squeezing out all the moisture from the halloumi using paper towels, as best as you can. It helps to put something heavy on top of the halloumi after wrapping it and leaving it for a few minutes.

Then, cut the halloumi into approximately ½ inch strips. They don't have to be perfect.

Next, prepare the breading station. Mix together the breadcrumbs with the nigella seeds in a shallow dish. Crack the eggs in a shallow bowl and whisk. Place the flour in a shallow dish.

Now its time to bread the halloumi. Start by dipping the halloumi in the flour first, making sure to coat all sides. Then, dip it in the egg wash, then dip it in the breadcrumb mixture.

Ensure you pat the breadcrumbs into the halloumi to create a thick layer.

Once breaded, place them in the air fryer in a single layer and spray with oil.

Air fry the halloumi at 380F for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve them immediately while still warm, with a side of honey for dipping.

FAQs and Other Variations:

Do you need to soak Halloumi? For this recipe, you don't! Halloumi is typically soaked to get rid of the salty taste. However, I love salty halloumi, especially when paired with a sweet dip.

You can also try adding other herbs and spices to the breadcrumbs, like:

• Za'atar: this is a middle eastern blend of sesame seeds, sumac, thyme and oregano which will add great flavour, instead of the nigella seeds.
• Italian Seasoning: Another one to try for a different flavour profile, especially if you have it on hand.
• Cayenne pepper or chilli flakes: This is great for anyone who loves a bit of heat, which will work well with the saltiness and sweetness of this dish.

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