Halloumi barely melts, which makes it perfect for the air fryer: it turns crisp and golden outside and stays squeaky within. A cornflour coat crisps them further, and a warm chilli honey poured over at the end is the finish everyone fights over.
Everything you need
- 225 g halloumi block
- 3 tbsp (24 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for spraying
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- ½ lemon, for squeezing
Single layer, always. Crowding the basket steams food instead of crisping it. Tap any ingredient to open its converter.
Method
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Pat the halloumi dry and cut it into fries about 1 cm thick. Dry surfaces crisp much better.
For this step
- 225 g halloumi block
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Toss the fries in the cornflour so they're lightly coated all over, then spray or brush with a little oil.
For this step
- 3 tbsp (24 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
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Preheat to 200°C / 400°F. Lay the fries in a single layer, not touching, and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until deep golden.
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Meanwhile warm the honey with the chilli flakes in a small pan or the microwave for 20 seconds, just until pourable.
For this step
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
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Pile the hot fries onto a plate, squeeze over the lemon, then drizzle with the hot honey. Serve at once while crisp.
For this step
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey
- ½ lemon
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Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
Cook's tips
- A light oil spray helps the cornflour turn crisp rather than powdery.
- Serve immediately. Halloumi firms up as it cools, so it's best straight from the basket.
Make it your own
- Add a pinch of dried oregano and serve with a garlic yoghurt dip.
- Swap hot honey for maple and smoked paprika for a different sweet-savoury hit.
Storing & reheating
Really best fresh. Re-crisp any leftovers at 200°C for 3 minutes; don't microwave, or they go rubbery.
Frequently asked
Can you air fry halloumi without breading?
Yes. Halloumi crisps well on its own, but a thin cornflour coat gives a crunchier shell and a prettier golden colour.
What temperature for halloumi fries?
200°C / 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway. Watch the last couple of minutes, as they colour quickly.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.