Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle Recipe

Halloumi cheese adds a delightful crunch when air-fried to golden perfection.

Crisp edges and soft centers make this dish irresistible.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each delectable bite.

Soft honey provides a sweet contrast to the salty cheese.

Simple ingredients create magical moments at your table.

A quick technique turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that feels like a gourmet treat.

Why Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle Tastes Amazing

  • Unlock Crispy Perfection: Achieve restaurant-quality golden halloumi with minimal effort using the air fryer, transforming a simple cheese into a restaurant-worthy appetizer.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different honey varieties or add herbs like thyme or rosemary to create a personalized taste experience that suits your mood and palate.
  • Master Quick Entertaining: Impress guests with a sophisticated yet incredibly simple dish that takes just minutes to prepare, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings or unexpected company.
  • Zero Mess, Maximum Taste: Eliminate traditional frying hassles by using the air fryer, which delivers crispy results without excessive oil splatters or complicated cleanup, perfect for home cooks seeking convenience.

What You’ll Need For Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle

Main Protein:
  • Halloumi Cheese: A firm, salty Cypriot cheese that becomes golden and crispy when cooked at high temperatures.
Cooking Spray and Oil:
  • Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the halloumi from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Sweet Topping:
  • Honey: Provides a delightful sweet contrast to the salty halloumi and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How To Make Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer

Warm up your air fryer to a perfect golden-making temperature of 380°F. This precise heat ensures your halloumi will transform into crispy, delectable morsels.

Step 2: Slice Cheese Strategically

Take your halloumi block and slice it into uniform half-inch thick pieces. Precision matters for even cooking and maximum crunchiness.

Step 3: Create a Light Coating

Gently coat each halloumi slice with a whisper-thin layer of olive oil. This helps achieve that irresistible golden exterior and prevents sticking.

Use a brush or spray bottle for an even application.

Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer

Place the halloumi slices in the air fryer basket with breathing room between each piece.

Avoid overcrowding to ensure each slice gets perfectly crisp from all sides.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry the halloumi for 8 to 10 minutes.

Flip the slices midway using tongs to guarantee an even, gorgeous golden color. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Enhance Crispiness

For extra crunch lovers, add 1 to 2 more minutes of cooking time. The cheese should look beautifully golden and have crisp edges.

Step 7: Serve with Sweet Finale

Transfer the hot, crispy halloumi to a serving plate. Drizzle with honey for a delightful sweet-salty contrast that elevates the entire dish.

Tips For Better Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle

  • Pat halloumi slices dry with paper towels before air frying to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent excess moisture.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even heat circulation and crisp edges on each slice.
  • Experiment with different honey varieties like lavender or wildflower honey to add unique flavor dimensions to the dish.
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or oregano after cooking for an aromatic Mediterranean-style enhancement.
  • Store leftover halloumi in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain its crispy texture.

Fun Twists On Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle

  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Sprinkle dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary on halloumi before air frying for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Chili Kick: Dust halloumi slices with smoked paprika and chili flakes before cooking to add a zesty, warm heat to the cheese.
  • Zesty Lemon Pepper: Grate fresh lemon zest and crack black pepper over halloumi before air frying for a bright, tangy seasoning.
  • Balsamic Glaze Option: Drizzle balsamic reduction over crispy halloumi after cooking for a rich, sweet-tart finish that complements the salty cheese.

What Goes Well With Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle

  • Elevate Flavor Combinations: Pair crispy halloumi with a zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the cheese's richness while complementing its salty profile.
  • Create Mediterranean Mezze Moment: Serve alongside cool cucumber tzatziki, fresh pita bread, and a light Greek salad to enhance the Cyprus-inspired cheese experience.
  • Contrast Sweet and Savory: Use lavender-infused honey for drizzling, adding floral complexity that balances the halloumi's salty, crispy texture and creates a gourmet appetizer sensation.
  • Match Herbal Accompaniments: Sprinkle fresh thyme or chopped mint over the halloumi to introduce bright, aromatic notes that elevate the cheese's natural flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

How To Store Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover halloumi in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
  • Reheating in Air Fryer: Warm halloumi at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain crispness.
  • Microwave Option: Heat slices for 20-30 seconds, but expect softer texture compared to air fryer reheating. Best used when crispness is not a priority.
  • Skillet Rewarming: Quickly pan-fry slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, restoring some original crispiness.

FAQs For Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle

  • Why does halloumi squeak when you bite it?

Halloumi has a unique protein structure that creates a squeaky texture against your teeth, especially when it’s fresh and at room temperature.

  • Can I use frozen halloumi in the air fryer?

Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy results and prevent excess moisture.

  • Is halloumi healthy?

Halloumi is high in protein and calcium but also contains significant saturated fat, so enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

  • What makes halloumi different from other cheeses?

Halloumi has a high melting point due to its unique production method, allowing it to be grilled or fried without melting completely, which is unique among cheeses.

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Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle Recipe

Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

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

Description

Sizzling “crispy air-fried halloumi with honey drizzle” brings Mediterranean magic to your kitchen, melding golden cheese with sweet liquid gold. Cheese lovers find pure delight in this simple yet elegant dish that promises crisp edges and luxurious flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese:

  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) block halloumi cheese

Oil and Cooking Spray:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Olive oil spray

Garnish and Drizzle:

  • Honey for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Warm the air fryer to 380°F (190°C), ensuring an even heating environment for optimal crispiness.
  2. Transform the halloumi block into uniform ½-inch thick slices, creating a consistent texture for cooking.
  3. Apply a delicate layer of olive oil or spray across both surfaces of each halloumi slice to enhance golden browning.
  4. Position the halloumi pieces strategically in the air fryer basket, maintaining space between slices to guarantee thorough circulation of hot air.
  5. Carefully cook the cheese at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, utilizing tongs to gently rotate pieces midway through cooking process.
  6. Monitor the halloumi’s color transformation, aiming for a rich golden exterior that signals perfect crispness without burning.
  7. For enthusiasts desiring extra crunch, extend cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent over-browning.
  8. Transfer the hot, crispy halloumi immediately to serving plate, capturing its peak temperature and textural integrity.
  9. Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by gracefully drizzling honey across the surface, creating a sweet-savory contrast that complements the cheese’s salty character.

Notes

  • Slice halloumi uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture across all pieces.
  • Use minimal oil to prevent excessive greasiness while maintaining a crisp exterior.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper hot air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Experiment with different honey varieties like lavender or wildflower for unique flavor profiles that complement the salty halloumi.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 1560 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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