Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi – Golden and Crunchy Greek Cheese

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi – Golden and Crunchy Greek Cheese
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 225 g (8 oz) Halloumi cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

A quick and easy recipe for crispy halloumi in the air fryer, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Time: 15 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy180°CMisc

Steps

1
Cut halloumi into 1 cm thick slices. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
Lightly brush halloumi slices with olive oil for extra crispiness. This step is optional but helps achieve a nice golden color.
3
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
4
Place halloumi slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Shopping list

225 g halloumi cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Recipe story

Halloumi cheese, originating from Cyprus, was made as early as the Middle Ages by shepherds seeking a cheese that wouldn't melt over fire. In Byzantine royal kitchens, it was prized for its unique texture, fried in olive oil and served with honey and aromatic herbs. Today, halloumi is a popular ingredient across the Mediterranean, and the air fryer offers a quick and healthy way to cook it.

Ingredient Secrets

Olive oil

Originating in the Mediterranean basin, olive oil was already produced in ancient Crete 5,000 years ago. In ancient Greece, it was considered a gift from Athena and used in lamps, cosmetics, and religious ceremonies. The Romans spread it throughout the empire, and in the Middle Ages, monasteries preserved the tradition of its production.