Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey

This crispy air-fried halloumi transforms ordinary cheese into a delightful appetizer in just minutes. The contrast between the golden crunchy exterior and the soft, salty interior creates an irresistible bite that's elevated with a touch of sweet honey.

I discovered this recipe while hosting an impromptu gathering and needed something quick yet sophisticated. The combination of crispy halloumi with honey drizzle has since become my signature appetizer that friends specifically request when they visit.

Ingredients

• Halloumi cheese block. This firm Cypriot cheese has a high melting point making it perfect for frying. Look for bright white blocks without any discoloration.
• Olive oil or olive oil spray. Helps achieve that golden exterior and prevents sticking. Extra virgin adds a subtle flavor but regular olive oil works well too.
• Honey for drizzling. Adds a wonderful sweet contrast to the salty cheese. Raw local honey provides the best flavor profile.
• Optional fresh herbs. Mint or thyme sprinkled before serving adds a beautiful aromatic element. Choose fresh over dried for the brightest flavor.

How To Make Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle

Prepare the halloumi

Remove the cheese from packaging and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This crucial step ensures maximum crispiness. Slice the block into half-inch pieces using a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Season and oil

Lightly coat each slice on both sides with olive oil using either a silicone brush or a quick spray. The oil should just barely glisten on the surface without pooling. This light coating is essential for that perfect golden exterior.

Arrange in air fryer

Place the halloumi slices in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket ensuring they don't touch each other. Proper spacing allows the hot air to circulate around each piece creating that desirable crispy exterior.

Air fry to perfection

Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes flipping carefully with tongs at the 4 minute mark. Watch closely as cooking times may vary between air fryer models. The perfect halloumi will have a golden brown exterior but still maintain its shape.

Serve immediately

Transfer to a serving plate while still hot and drizzle with honey. The contrast between the warm cheese and sweet honey creates a memorable flavor experience. Serve within minutes of cooking for the best texture.

My favorite aspect of this recipe is how the honey slowly melts into the hot cheese creating pockets of sweet goodness in each bite. This dish reminds me of summers in Greece where I first tasted the magical combination of salty cheese and sweet honey at a small seaside taverna.

Perfect Pairings

This crispy halloumi works beautifully alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens and bright acidity balance the richness of the cheese creating a complete light meal. For a more substantial offering pair with warm pita bread and a selection of Mediterranean dips like hummus or tzatziki.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your halloumi isn't crisping properly check that your air fryer is fully preheated before adding the cheese. Another common issue is excess moisture which prevents browning. Make sure to thoroughly pat the cheese dry before cooking. Should your halloumi brown too quickly reduce the temperature to 360°F and extend the cooking time slightly for more even results.

Storage Notes

While best enjoyed immediately after cooking leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat place in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. The texture won't be quite as crispy as fresh but the flavor remains delicious. I recommend adding the honey only upon serving rather than before storage.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I cook halloumi in an air fryer without oil?

While a small amount of oil helps achieve the best crispiness, you can reduce it to a minimal spray. Halloumi has natural fat content that helps it crisp up, but a light coating of oil ensures even browning and prevents sticking.

→ What can I serve with air-fried halloumi besides honey?

Air-fried halloumi pairs wonderfully with many accompaniments! Try it with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of za'atar, fresh herbs like mint, a side of olives, or even a dollop of fig jam or pomegranate molasses for different sweet-savory combinations.

→ How do I know when the halloumi is perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked air-fried halloumi should have a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges, while still maintaining some chewiness inside. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly. The cheese should not melt completely but rather develop a crisp crust.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?

Halloumi is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when it's still warm and at its crispiest. However, you can slice the cheese ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. For parties, consider cooking batches as needed rather than preparing far in advance.

→ What other cheeses work well in an air fryer?

Firm, high-melting point cheeses work best in air fryers. Besides halloumi, you can try kefalotyri, bread cheese (juustoleipä), queso para freír, or paneer. Avoid soft cheeses that will melt too quickly. Each cheese will have slightly different cooking times based on moisture content.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative to this dish?

For a dairy-free version, try using extra-firm tofu cut into similar sized slices. Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, marinate with nutritional yeast, salt, and lemon juice for a cheese-like flavor, then air-fry until crispy. Finish with honey or agave syrup for a similar experience.