Crispy Halloumi Honey

This crunchy air-fried halloumi turns regular cheese into a tasty starter in just a few minutes. The mix of golden crisp outside and soft, salty inside makes an addictive bite that gets even better with a drizzle of sweet honey.

I stumbled on this idea during a last-minute get-together when I needed something fast but fancy. Now the mix of crunchy halloumi with honey has become my go-to snack that my friends always ask for when they drop by.

Ingredients

• Halloumi cheese block. This tough Cypriot cheese won't melt easily so it's great for frying. Go for pure white blocks that don't show any odd colors.
• Olive oil or olive oil spray. Creates that golden outside and stops sticking. Pure extra virgin adds nice flavor but standard olive oil does the job too.
• Honey for drizzling. Gives a lovely sweet balance to the salty cheese. Local raw honey tastes best for this dish.
• Optional fresh herbs. Adding mint or thyme right before serving brings a nice fragrant touch. Always pick fresh herbs instead of dried for the best flavor kick.

How To Make Crunchy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle

Get the halloumi ready

Take the cheese out of its package and dry it well with paper towels to get rid of extra moisture. This key step makes sure it gets super crispy. Cut the block into pieces about half an inch thick with a sharp knife for smooth edges.

Add oil

Put a thin layer of olive oil on both sides of each slice using a silicone brush or quick spray. The oil should just barely shine on the surface without gathering in puddles. This light coating helps create that perfect golden finish.

Set up in air fryer

Lay out the halloumi slices in one layer in your heated air fryer basket making sure they don't touch. Good spacing lets hot air flow around each piece to make that crispy outside you want.

Cook until crispy

Heat at 380°F for 8 minutes turning carefully with tongs halfway through. Keep an eye on them since cooking times can change between different air fryers. Perfect halloumi will be golden brown outside but still keep its shape.

Eat right away

Move to a plate while hot and pour honey over top. The mix of warm cheese and sweet honey creates an amazing flavor combo. Eat within minutes of cooking for the best texture.

What I love most about this snack is how the honey slowly sinks into the hot cheese making little sweet spots in every bite. This dish takes me back to my summers in Greece where I first tried the amazing mix of salty cheese with sweet honey at a tiny restaurant by the sea.

Great Matches

This crunchy halloumi goes really well with a basic arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery leaves and tangy dressing balance out the rich cheese for a nice light meal. For something more filling serve it with warm pita bread and some Mediterranean dips like hummus or tzatziki.

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Fixing Common Problems

If your halloumi isn't getting crispy make sure your air fryer is fully heated before you put the cheese in. Another common problem is too much moisture which stops browning. Be sure to really dry the cheese before cooking. If your halloumi browns too fast lower the heat to 360°F and cook it a bit longer for more even results.

Keeping Leftovers

While it's best right after cooking you can keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. To warm it up put it in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1 to 2 minutes until it's hot. It won't be as crispy as fresh but will still taste good. I suggest adding honey only when you're ready to eat not before storing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to skip the oil when air-frying halloumi?

Using a bit of oil helps make halloumi crispier, but you don’t need much. The cheese already has fat that helps it crisp, though a small oil spray can prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

→ What goes well with air-fried halloumi besides honey?

It’s super flexible! Add some lemon juice, sprinkle on za’atar, mix in mint leaves, or serve with olives. For a sweet twist, try fig jam or pomegranate molasses.

→ How can I tell when the halloumi is ready?

It’ll be crispy with a golden outside and soft, chewy middle when ready. If it browns too fast, reduce the heat. It shouldn’t fully melt but create a crisp crust instead.

→ Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

It’s yummiest fresh and warm, but you can prep the slices early and fridge them till cooking. For a crowd, cook in batches instead of making too far ahead.

→ What other cheeses are good in an air fryer?

Firm cheeses like kefalotyri, bread cheese, queso para freír, or paneer are great options. Avoid soft ones—they’ll melt too fast. Each has different cook times based on moisture content.

→ Is there a plant-based version of this dish?

Switch to extra-firm tofu! Press it to remove water, marinate with nutritional yeast, salt, and lemon juice for a cheesy taste, then air-fry it. Add honey or agave for a similar finish.