Air Fryer Halloumi (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 (8 oz) block halloumi cheese
02 - Olive oil spray or 1 teaspoon olive oil

→ Optional Serving Suggestions

03 - Drizzle of honey
04 - Fresh herbs like mint or oregano
05 - Lemon wedges for squeezing

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that air fryer preheated to 380°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the halloumi deliciously soft and melty. Most air fryers heat up pretty quickly, so this should just take a couple of minutes.
02 - While your air fryer is heating up, take your block of halloumi and slice it into pieces about ½-inch thick. The thickness is important here - too thin and they might overcook and become tough, too thick and the middle won't get that perfect melt. Now, give each slice a light coating of olive oil - either brush it on with a pastry brush or use an olive oil spray if you have it. This thin layer of oil helps the cheese develop that gorgeous golden crust we're looking for.
03 - Once your air fryer is hot and your halloumi is prepped, carefully place the cheese slices in the air fryer basket. Make sure they're laid out in a single layer without overlapping - this allows the hot air to circulate freely around each piece, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches rather than crowding the basket.
04 - Now for the magic! Air fry those beautiful halloumi slices at 380°F for 8-10 minutes total. About halfway through (around the 4-5 minute mark), open up your air fryer and use tongs to flip each piece over. This ensures both sides get that delicious golden color and crispy texture. Keep an eye on them toward the end - halloumi can go from perfectly golden to overdone pretty quickly. If you like your halloumi extra crispy, you can add another minute or two, but watch it closely!
05 - The best part - enjoying your creation! Transfer those crispy, golden pieces of halloumi to a serving plate right away. Halloumi is at its absolute best when it's fresh from the air fryer - still hot and slightly gooey in the middle with that wonderful crispy exterior. You can enjoy it just as is for a savory treat, or drizzle a little honey over the top for that amazing sweet-salty flavor combination that works so beautifully with halloumi. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if you're feeling fancy!

# Notes:

01 - Air fryer halloumi delivers all the delicious squeaky texture and flavor of pan-fried halloumi, but with less oil and in less time!
02 - Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk (and sometimes cow's milk) that has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or air frying.
03 - For a complete appetizer, serve your crispy halloumi with a side of warm pita bread and a fresh cucumber tomato salad.
04 - Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, though fresh is definitely best with this recipe.

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