Heavenly Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle Recipe

Halloumi, that squeaky Mediterranean cheese, takes center stage in this crispy air-fried halloumi with honey drizzle that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Salty and golden-brown edges emerge from the air fryer, creating a mouthwatering contrast of textures.

Cyprus’ beloved cheese transforms into a crisp, irresistible treat with just a few simple ingredients.

Quick preparation means you can have this appetizer ready in minutes, impressing everyone at the table.

Delicate golden cubes await a luxurious honey cascade that adds sweet complexity to the savory base.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and smoothness that will make your taste buds dance.

You’ll want to serve this immediately, while the halloumi is hot and the honey glistens invitingly.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so extraordinary.

Reasons to Love Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle

• Air-frying cuts down on excess oil while delivering that irresistible crispy texture, making it a smarter alternative to traditional frying methods.
• The combination of smoky paprika, zesty garlic powder, and sweet honey drizzle creates a mouthwatering taste profile that'll excite your taste buds with every bite.
• Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course that appeals to vegetarians and cheese lovers alike, making it ideal for dinner parties or casual family meals.

Ingredients for Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle

• Halloumi: A firm, salty cheese from Cyprus that holds its shape when heated, perfect for air frying with a crispy exterior.

• Olive Oil, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Creates a flavorful coating that enhances the cheese's natural taste and helps achieve a golden, crispy surface.

• Honey: Provides a sweet contrast to the salty halloumi, adding a beautiful glaze and depth of flavor to the dish.

Simple Instructions for Making Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey

Step 1: Preheat Air Fryer

Heat the air fryer to 375F (190C) to ensure a perfectly golden and crispy exterior for the halloumi.

Step 2: Prepare Halloumi Slices

• Gently pat the halloumi slices dry using a paper towel
• Remove any excess moisture to help achieve maximum crispiness

Step 3: Season Halloumi

• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly coat the halloumi slices with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer

• Place the seasoned halloumi slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket
• Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

• Air fry the halloumi for 5-6 minutes
• Flip the slices halfway through cooking
• Look for a golden-brown and crispy exterior

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

• Transfer the crispy halloumi to a serving plate
• Drizzle with honey for a sweet and savory finish
• Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley

Step 7: Enjoy Immediately

Serve hot and savor the crispy, golden halloumi with its delightful honey glaze.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Halloumi Every Time

• Moisture-Proof Drying: Thoroughly pat halloumi with paper towels to eliminate excess liquid, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior when air-fried.
• Seasoning Sensation: Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for a flavor-packed coating that enhances the cheese's natural taste.
• Temperature Precision: Preheat air fryer to exactly 375F (190C) to achieve the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.
• Spacing Strategy: Arrange halloumi slices in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing hot air to circulate and create an even, golden-brown crust.
• Honey Harmony: Drizzle warm honey over the crispy halloumi just before serving to balance the salty cheese with a touch of sweet, caramelized goodness.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Air-Fried Halloumi

• Store leftover halloumi in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
• Warm halloumi at 350F for 2-3 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
• Quickly heat slices for 15-20 seconds, but expect slightly softer texture compared to air fryer reheating.
• Halloumi tastes most delicious when consumed immediately after cooking, so try to enjoy right away for optimal crispiness.

Pairing Suggestions for Crispy Halloumi with Honey

• Pair the crispy, salty halloumi with a bright, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the cheese's richness and complement its tangy profile.
• Serve alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and mint to balance the warm, crispy cheese and add a refreshing contrast.
• Drizzle additional honey over the halloumi and serve with toasted sourdough bread or warm pita to create a delightful appetizer that balances sweet and salty elements.
• Create a quick tzatziki or garlic aioli dip that enhances the smoky paprika notes and provides a cool, creamy counterpoint to the crispy halloumi texture.

Flavor Variations for Air-Fried Halloumi Dishes

• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Substitute halloumi with firm tofu or plant-based cheese, marinated in similar spices for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the spice coating for extra heat and excitement.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace smoked paprika with dried oregano, thyme, and za'atar for a more traditional herb-infused flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air-Fried Halloumi

• What is halloumi cheese?

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese from Cyprus made from a mix of goat’s and sheep’s milk. It has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or air frying without losing its shape.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if halloumi isn't available?

While halloumi is unique, you can substitute with queso fresco or paneer. These cheeses have similar firm textures that can withstand high cooking temperatures.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, halloumi is a vegetarian-friendly cheese. This recipe is an excellent protein option for vegetarians looking for a crispy, flavorful dish.

• How do I prevent the halloumi from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before placing the halloumi slices. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an even, crispy cook.

Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mediterranean magic meets crispy air-fried halloumi with honey drizzle in this irresistible culinary journey. Golden cheese melts with sweet nectar, inviting you to savor a delightful bite of pure Mediterranean bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) halloumi cheese, cut into ½-inch thick slices or sticks

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or spray oil)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare halloumi by thoroughly blotting slices with clean kitchen towels, ensuring maximum moisture removal for optimal crispiness.
2. Gently massage olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper into cheese surfaces, coating each slice comprehensively.
3. Arrange seasoned halloumi slices inside air fryer basket, positioning them without overlapping to guarantee uniform heat circulation.
4. Slide basket into preheated air fryer chamber set at 375F (190C), allowing precise golden-brown transformation.
5. Cook cheese for approximately 5-6 minutes, flipping midway through cooking process to achieve symmetrical crispness on both sides.
6. Monitor closely during final minutes to prevent potential burning, aiming for delicate amber-colored exterior with slight caramelization.
7. Once perfectly crisp and golden, carefully extract halloumi from air fryer using heat-resistant tongs.
8. Transfer immediately to serving plate, creating elegant presentation.
9. Drizzle warm honey generously across crispy cheese surface, allowing liquid gold to cascade and enhance natural cheese flavors.
10. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness, ideal as appetizer or light Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Moisture Removal is Key: Pat halloumi slices thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results in the air fryer.
• Spice Customization: Experiment with different spice blends like za’atar, dried herbs, or chili flakes to match your flavor preferences and culinary style.
• Dietary Adaptation: For gluten-free diets, confirm halloumi is certified gluten-free, and use alternative honey like maple syrup for vegan options.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the crispy exterior and enjoy the warm, melty texture of the cheese.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg