Air Fryer Halloumi Cheese Recipe

Halloumi cheese: A semi-hard cheese known for its high melting point, making it ideal for frying or grilling. It has a salty flavor and a firm texture.

Olive oil: Used to brush the halloumi cheese slices, helping them achieve a golden, crispy exterior while cooking.

To achieve an even golden and crispy texture, make sure to flip the halloumi slices halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides are cooked uniformly. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation, which is crucial for that perfect crispiness.

• halloumi cheese - Substitute with paneer: Paneer has a similar firm texture and can be grilled or fried without melting, making it a good alternative.

• halloumi cheese - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can be marinated to mimic the flavor of halloumi and has a comparable texture when cooked.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it suitable for air frying.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and also has a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for air frying.

• Allow the halloumi cheese to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the cheese soggy.
• Place the cooled halloumi slices in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For freezing, lay the halloumi slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date and use within 2 months for the best quality.
• To reheat from frozen, place the slices directly in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Preheat your oven to 180°c (350°f). Place the leftover halloumi cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and reheat the halloumi cheese slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they regain their golden color and crispy texture.

• Reheat in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 180°c (350°f). Place the halloumi cheese slices in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.

• Microwave method: Place the halloumi cheese on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• Use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 180°c (350°f). Place the halloumi cheese slices on the rack or a baking sheet and heat for 5-6 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making the halloumi cheese golden and crispy.

• Basting brush: A tool used to apply the olive oil evenly on both sides of the halloumi slices.

• Knife: Used to slice the halloumi cheese into ½ inch thick pieces.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the halloumi cheese.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the halloumi slices halfway through the cooking process.

• Serving plate: To serve the cooked halloumi cheese immediately.

• Measuring spoon: To measure out the 1 tablespoon of olive oil accurately.

Preheat in advance: Preheat your air fryer while you prepare the halloumi cheese to save time.

Use a brush: Brushing olive oil on the halloumi slices ensures even coating and speeds up the process.

Single layer cooking: Arrange halloumi slices in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

Flip efficiently: Use tongs to flip the halloumi halfway through cooking for a quicker and safer process.

Serve immediately: Have your dipping sauce ready so you can serve the halloumi hot and fresh.