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