Oh my gosh, you have to try this. For the longest time, I thought getting that perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside grilled halloumi was something I could only get at a restaurant. Then I discovered my air fryer! This method for Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled) is my absolute go-to for a quick, delicious, and honestly, kind of magical appetizer. It captures that classic Mediterranean salty, squeaky goodness with a gorgeous golden crust, but it’s so much easier than fussing with a grill pan. It’s my little secret for feeling fancy with almost zero effort.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled)
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back. Here’s why:
- Crazy quick: Done in under 10 minutes—faster than firing up the grill!
- Perfect crispiness: That golden, squeaky crust without the greasy mess.
- Almost no oil: Just a light brush keeps it healthy(ish) but still irresistible.
- Zero stress cleanup: No stuck-on cheese nightmares in the air fryer basket.
- Party hero: The easiest impressive appetizer that disappears in minutes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled)
Here’s the beautiful thing – you only need 4 simple ingredients to make this magic happen. I always say, when you start with good halloumi, you’re already 90% there. Just grab these:
- 200g halloumi cheese (sliced into ½ cm thick pieces – trust me, this thickness gives you the perfect balance of crisp outside and creamy inside)
- 1 tsp olive oil (just enough for brushing – you can use your fingers if you’re feeling lazy, no judgment here)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (that classic Mediterranean herbiness that just belongs with halloumi)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked is dreamy, but pre-ground works too when you’re in a hurry)
See? I told you it was simple. Now go check your fridge – you probably have most of this already!
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll be shocked how little you need for this! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (any size works, but don’t crowd the basket)
- A brush for oil (or your clean fingers in a pinch)
- A sharp knife for slicing (halloumi can be stubborn – use a chef’s knife with some muscle)
That’s it! No fancy gadgets required.
How to Make Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled)
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making halloumi in the air fryer is so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with other methods. Just follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
- Prep your halloumi: Slice it into those perfect ½ cm thick pieces. Too thin and they’ll dry out, too thick and they won’t crisp properly. Goldilocks thickness is key here!
- Season it up: Lightly brush both sides with olive oil – I use about 1 tsp total. Then sprinkle on that oregano and black pepper. The oil helps the seasoning stick and gives us that gorgeous golden color.
- Preheat matters: Don’t skip this! Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and let it run empty for 3 minutes. This gives us that instant crisp when the cheese hits the hot basket.
- Arrange carefully: Place the slices in a single layer with some breathing room. If they’re touching, they’ll steam instead of crisp. If you’re worried about sticking, give the basket a quick spritz of oil first.
- Cook to perfection: Set your timer for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. At the 3-4 minute mark, you’ll see them starting to turn golden. That’s when I flip them for even cooking.
- Serve immediately: Halloumi is at its absolute best piping hot from the air fryer. That first squeaky bite is pure joy!
Pro tip: Keep an eye on it after 6 minutes – air fryers can vary. You want golden brown, not dark brown (though if you like it extra crispy, go for it!). And if a piece sticks when flipping? No stress – just gently nudge it loose with a spatula.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled)
After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – no shame!), here are my can’t-live-without tips for halloumi perfection:
- Give it space: Overcrowding = steaming. Leave room between slices for that perfect crisp.
- Eat it hot: Halloumi waits for no one! It’s best straight from the air fryer when it’s at its crispiest.
- Thickness matters: Stick to ½ cm slices – any thicker and the inside won’t heat through before the outside burns.
- Oil insurance: If your air fryer tends to stick, a quick brush of oil on the basket works wonders.
- Watch closely: All air fryers run differently. Start checking at 6 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Trust me, follow these and you’ll get restaurant-quality halloumi every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled)
Oh, the possibilities! This crispy halloumi is like a blank canvas for deliciousness. My absolute favorite way? Drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chili flakes – sweet, salty, spicy perfection. Here’s how we love it:
- Dip it: Tzatziki, hummus, or even a quick garlic yogurt sauce make perfect partners.
- Salad superstar: Toss warm slices into a Greek salad or over roasted veggies.
- Pita party: Stuff it in warm pita with cucumber, tomato, and mint for a killer wrap.
- Bowl booster: Elevate any grain bowl – it’s amazing with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and greens.
Honestly? Sometimes I just stand at the counter eating it straight from the air fryer basket. No shame in my game!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled)
Let’s be real – halloumi is best fresh, piping hot from the air fryer. But if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s the trick: store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave – it’ll turn rubbery. Instead, pop it back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes to bring back that magical crispiness. It won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but it’s still dangerously good!
Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled) FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time, so let me save you some trial and error!
Can I use frozen halloumi? Oh honey, no! Frozen halloumi turns watery when it thaws. Always start with fresh, refrigerated cheese for that perfect texture.
Can I skip the oil? I wouldn’t. That light brush of oil gives us the golden crust and prevents sticking. Without it, you risk a dry, pale result.
How do I prevent sticking? Two words: oil lightly. Either brush the basket or spritz it before adding the halloumi. And don’t peek too early – let it form a crust first!
Why is mine rubbery? You probably overcooked it. At 8 minutes max, halloumi should be crispy outside with a slight give inside. Any longer and it toughens up.
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Halloumi (Grilled)
Now let’s talk numbers – because even deliciousness deserves some transparency! Keep in mind nutrition can vary by brand (some halloumi is saltier than others), but here’s the general breakdown per 100g serving:
- 320 calories (hey, it’s cheese – but totally worth it!)
- 26g fat (16g saturated – that’s what gives it that amazing richness)
- 20g protein (not bad for a snack that tastes this indulgent)
- 2g carbs (basically nothing – perfect for low-carb folks)
- 900mg sodium (halloumi’s naturally salty – maybe skip adding extra salt!)
Pro tip: If you’re watching sodium, look for low-salt halloumi varieties – they’re becoming more common in stores now!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi in Just 8 Minutes – Magical!
- Total Time: 13 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden halloumi cheese made in the air fryer. Quick and easy with minimal oil.
Ingredients
- 200g halloumi cheese
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the halloumi into ½ cm thick pieces.
- Brush lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle oregano and black pepper over the slices.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
- Place halloumi in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Halloumi can stick—lightly oil the basket if needed.
- Best eaten fresh for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean