Air Fryer halloumi cheese

A simple side dish or appetiser featuring halloumi cheese cooked in an air fryer until golden brown and crispy.

Ingredients

• 225g halloumi cheese (1 standard block)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, mixed herbs, or dried oregano (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh lemon wedges (optional serving suggestion)
• Pita bread or flatbread (optional serving suggestion)
• Fresh salad greens (optional serving suggestion)
• Sour cream or tzatziki (optional serving suggestion)

Instructions

1. Remove the halloumi from its packaging and pat it completely dry using kitchen paper or a clean cloth. Slice the halloumi into pieces approximately 1cm (½ inch) thick.
2. Lightly brush both sides of each halloumi slice with olive oil. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, mixed herbs, or dried oregano for added flavour. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and preheat for 2 minutes.
4. Place the halloumi slices in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer, ensuring the slices don’t touch or overlap.
5. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and crispy. Flip the slices halfway through cooking (around the 5-minute mark) using tongs.
6. Transfer the cooked halloumi to a serving plate and serve hot. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the slices if desired.

Notes

Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. For best results, flip the slices halfway through cooking. Intensity Guide: 7-8 minutes for soft interior/light golden exterior; 8-10 minutes for crispy outside/warm squeaky inside; 10-12 minutes for extra crispy/deeply golden. Halloumi can also be enjoyed at room temperature or cold.