Halloumi is made for the air fryer — it turns golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft and squeaky inside, with no oil needed. Slices or fries, it's done in about 10 minutes.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does halloumi take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry halloumi at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden on the edges.
Q: Do you need oil for halloumi?
A: No — halloumi has enough fat to crisp on its own. A light spritz just speeds up the browning.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slices (1cm) | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 min |
| Fries / batons | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 min |
| Cubes | 200°C / 400°F | 7–9 min |
The recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
Ingredients
- 1 block halloumi (≈225g)
- 1 tsp cornflour (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Spray of oil
Method
- Cut halloumi into 1cm batons and pat dry.
- Dust with cornflour and paprika.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Air fry 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.
248 kcal
16g protein
3g carbs
19g fat
2.1g salt
Tips & dips
- Pat it dry first so it browns rather than steams.
- Serve straight away — halloumi firms up as it cools.
- Dips: sweet chilli, tzatziki or harissa yoghurt all work. More ideas in our vegetarian recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you air fry halloumi without oil?
Yes — halloumi has enough natural fat to crisp on its own. A light oil spray just speeds up browning.
Why is my halloumi rubbery?
It's been cooked too long or served after cooling. Pull it at golden and eat it straight away.
Can you coat halloumi for extra crunch?
A light dusting of cornflour before air frying gives a crisper shell without deep frying.