Description
Crispy Halloumi Fries are a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack featuring thick strips of halloumi cheese coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and salty on the inside, these fries can be made in an air fryer, pan-fried, or oven-baked, catering to different cooking preferences. Served with a spicy sriracha aioli dip, they're a fantastic treat for cheese lovers looking for an easy yet impressive dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 oz / 400 g halloumi cheese
Breading Mixture
- 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
Cooking Oil
- Olive oil spray for air fryer and oven baking methods
- Oil for pan frying (such as vegetable or olive oil)
Dipping Sauce
- Sriracha aioli
Instructions
- Slice the Halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into thick strips about ½ inch (1.5 cm) wide, resembling thick-cut fries.
- Prepare the Dipping Station: Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt combined; one with whisked eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Fries: One at a time, dust halloumi strips in the flour mixture, shaking off excess; dip into the beaten eggs; then press into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry to minimize mess.
- Repeat Coating: Continue the breading process until all halloumi fries are coated and set aside on a plate.
- Air Fryer Method - Preheat: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket bottom with olive oil spray.
- Arrange Fries: Place halloumi fries in a single layer in the basket without touching. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook First Side: Spray fries generously with olive oil spray and air fry for 6 minutes until lightly golden.
- Flip and Cook Second Side: Turn fries over, spray the other side with oil, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy (8-10 minutes total).
- Pan Fry Method - Heat Oil: In a deep saucepan, heat about ¼ cup of your preferred oil over medium-high heat. Add more oil as needed for batches.
- Test Oil Temperature: Sprinkle a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry Halloumi Fries: Carefully add fries individually without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Flip and Finish Frying: Turn fries and cook the other side for about 1 minute until golden.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove fries using tongs and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with remaining fries and serve hot with sriracha aioli.
- Oven Baked Method - Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange and Bake: Place halloumi fries in a single layer on the tray, spray generously with olive oil, and bake for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Turn fries over, spray the other side with olive oil, and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- To reduce mess during breading, use separate hands for wet and dry coatings.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or frying pan to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on your equipment and halloumi thickness.
- Serve immediately for best texture; halloumi fries can lose crispiness if left to sit too long.
- Sriracha aioli pairs wonderfully with the salty and crispy halloumi for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
