How to cook halloumi cheese in air fryer or Ninja Foodi to golden brown and delicious. Sliced or cooked hasselback style with our special glaze it is delicious served warm or cold.
Our favorite way which we will share below is halloumi in air fryer but I will cover other methods as well along the way. You may have had this as a gooey bite at a restaurant and now want more, but at home. There are 3 great recipe ideas depending on how you want to cook it. (affiliate links present)
How to Cook Halloumi
If you’re a food enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of this. It is certainly a delicacy that boasts a high melting point. Makes it an excellent choice for grilling, baking or frying in a pan or Foodi. Its unique texture and ability to hold its shape when heated make it an ideal ingredient for a variety of dishes.
What is Halloumi Cheese?
This is a traditional cheese that originated in Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nation. It is a unique, semi-hard cheese known for its distinctive characteristics and versatility in cooking. One of the key features that sets this type apart from other cheeses is its high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying without losing its shape and texture.
in Air Fryer
I will share direction for this method below in the recipe card. Crispy air-fried halloumi is sure to delight your taste buds while maintaining a guilt-free cooking method. The only other time I put cheese into this device was to make air fryer baked brie, and that was amazing too.
For those looking to cut down on oil consumption, we love crispy but without frying in oil. The most excellent option if you ask us. You can use any brand but we have the Cosori, AirWave or Ninja Foodi at our house. For the latter you will use the lid that is attached and the air crisp button.
To begin with, whether you are deep or making pan fried halloumi, ensure it is cut into thick slices to preserve its structure breaking down during cooking. A medium heated pan is best for achieving that golden brown crust without overcooking the slices.
Deep Fried
- Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the pan and let it heat up.
- Once the pan is ready, carefully place the slices into it.
- you can add a sauce for flavor now if you like, soy sauce or teriyaki is popular.
- Allow each to cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and adjust the heat if needed. When they turn a gorgeous golden color, they are ready to be served.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a delightful kick and a drizzle of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
How long do you bake Halloumi in the oven?
- Preheat your oven to 390°F.
- Slice into thick pieces. You can adjust the size of the slices according to your preference, but thicker slices tend to hold their shape better during baking.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the pieces from sticking to the surface.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. This will help them bake evenly and allow air circulation around each slice.
- If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or black pepper
- Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
- Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from perfectly golden to overcooked quickly. The end result should become slightly puffy and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
Can you grill it?
Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the halloumi slices on the grill and cook them for around 2-3 minutes per side or until they develop beautiful grill marks. The direct heat from the grill intensifies the savory taste, giving it a smoky edge.
How to Serve
In addition to being used as a main ingredient in savory dishes, slices can also be enjoyed on its own, typically served in thin slices as part of your charcuterie board ingredients often accompanied by olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It is also commonly used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and as a vegetarian alternative to meat in many recipes.
Halloumi Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb halloumi
- 2 tbsp marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 pinch chili powder
- 4 slices salami, optional if you want to stuff
- 10 slices mozzarella , optional if you want to stuff
Instructions
- Cut the halloumi cheese into 1/2 ″wide pieces, not all the way through. If you want to stuff it slide a piece of salami and mozzarella in between the slices gently so it doesn't fall apart. Alternatively you could slice all the way thru and lay these on top inside the basket.
- Mix marinara sauce with honey and soy sauce. Stir in the spices. Brush the sauce on all sides of the stuffed halloumi, or on each slice if sliced.
- Line the bottom of the fryer with parchment paper. Set the cheese block filled or individual slices not overlapping on the parchment. Air fry at 360 degrees F for 10 minutes (for a block) 6-8 min (for slices) or until top is golden brown to your liking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan is ideal for frying halloumi because it minimizes sticking. Make sure the pan is hot before adding slices. Use a small amount of high-smoke point oil, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Avoid butter as it can burn easily.
Soaking halloumi before cooking is not strictly necessary, but it can be beneficial depending on your taste preferences and how you plan to use the cheese. Some choose to start with this step because it is brined and can be quite salty. Soaking it in water helps to draw out some of the excess salt, making the flavor milder.
Can you eat halloumi raw?
Yes you can however the flavor is rather bland left on it’s own. It is better pan fried, grilled, or air fried with a sauce over the top that caramelizes. This unique loaf offers a delightful experience for cheese enthusiasts and food lovers around the world. It really does have a truly unique taste, texture, and ability to hold up under heat too which makes it great for cooking in a variety of ways.
Where can you buy halloumi?
If you’re new to this type of cheese and wondering where you might be able to find it, try your local organic market. Trader Joe’s Halloumi often times is an excellent option if you have one in town. Theirs is of high quality, perfect for various cooking methods. Look for it in the cheese section of your local organic store or ask the manager if they can order you a block!
How is Hallumi Cheese Made?
The cheese is typically made from a blend of sheep’s, goat’s, and sometimes cow’s milk. The exact milk combination can vary depending on the region and the specific recipe used by different producers. The milk is heated and then coagulated using rennet, an enzyme that causes the milk to separate into curds and whey. The air fryer cheese curds are then gathered and formed into the traditional rectangular shape of halloumi cheese.
