These crispy Halloumi Fries are an absolute game changer and make the perfect appetizer and party food! They’re delicious and irresistibly crispy with a golden crumb. I'll show you how to make them in the air fryer, pan-fried or even oven baked 😊
I absolutely love halloumi cheese! It's one of my favorite cheeses and there are so many fun things you can make with it. If you haven't tasted it before, it's a salty squeaky cheese that doesn't melt once cooked. I came across halloumi sticks at a Greek restaurant once which were such a crowd pleaser, as you can pick them up, dip into a dipping sauce and dig in. So I thought, why not crumb them and turn them into crispy halloumi fries!!
I’ve tested and shared 3 cooking methods for the halloumi fries being the air fryer, pan-fry and also oven baked. They all work great, so you can cook them in any way that you like. Personally I prefer the air fryer method which are lighter and healthier, but you can't beat the pan-fry method especially for a crowd.
The end result are these deliciously crispy fries that have a crunchy coating and soft squeaky cheese on the inside which have the perfect texture...YUM! You can then dip them into your favorite sauce. Here I've made a sriracha aioli that's spicy and works so well with the salty cheese, marinara sauce works great too.
If you’re new to halloumi or want some new recipes to try, check out my honey halloumi bites and easy halloumi burger.
You can serve these halloumi fries as an appetizer at a party, BBQ or gathering. Trust me, everyone will be fighting for them and they’ll be finished in minutes! I love making a small batch and enjoying them as a snack for a movie night too. They're so addictive...that's the only problem hehe. Think of them as mozzarella sticks but better 😉
Some other crowd pleasing appetizers are my focaccia pizza, antipasto skewers and bread dipping oil.
Table of Contents
Why you'll love these Halloumi Fries
- Quick & Easy: Just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps. Anyone can make them!
- Irresistibly Crispy: With a golden crumb giving you the perfect crunch in every bite
- Different Cooking Options: Choose between air fryer, pan-fry or oven-baked. All turn out delicious and tasty
- Crowd-pleaser: Guaranteed to impress guests at a party, BBQ and even perfect for kids
What is Halloumi?
Halloumi is a cheese originating from Cyprus. It’s traditionally made with a mixture of goat and sheep's milk which is brined giving its signature salty flavor.
It has a high melting point and holds its shape once cooked, so it doesn't melt. It's perfect for pan-frying and grilling to make halloumi burgers and once cooked, it has a squeaky chewy texture, but in the best way!
It's also high in protein and calcium, so it's a wonderful meat substitute and great as an appetizer on a mezze table such as my honey glazed halloumi.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Halloumi cheese is of course the star of the show! Its a salty brined cheese from Cyprus with a high melting point, making it perfect for frying or baking
- Panko breadcrumbs are my preferred crumb as they’re light and airy creating a crispy coating. You can also use regular bread crumbs too
- Plain all-purpose flour is used to create a thin layer on the cheese before coating it with breadcrumbs. It adds an extra crunch to the halloumi fries. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed
- Eggs bind the flour and breadcrumbs to the cheese. To make it egg-free, you can also dip into milk
- Smoked paprika and garlic powder add a touch of smokiness and savory depth to the flour coating. Onion powder or cayenne pepper can be added for a little kick
- Extra virgin olive oil cooking spray is used for the air fryer or oven baked method giving a light oil coating. You can also drizzle or brush it on if you don't have a spray. For the pan-fry method, its best to use a higher smoke point oil such as canola oil, sunflower, avocado or vegetable oil.
How to make Halloumi Fries
I've tested these Halloumi Fries in 3 different cookings methods to see which is best. Below are my simple steps for each method.
Prepare Fries
Slice halloumi into thick cut fries (approx ½ inch / 1.50 cm)
Prepare dipping station using 3 separate bowls:
1. Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder with a good pinch of salt
2. Crack 2 eggs and whisk
3. Add panko breadcrumbs
One piece at a time, follow this order. Coat into the flour bowl
Then into the egg bowl
Then into the breadcrumbs. TIP - I recommend to use one hand for the wet dipping and the second hand for the dry coatings
Repeat the dipping steps with the remaining fries. Follow your preferred cooking method below
Pan Fry Method
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat, then add halloumi fries
After 2-3 minutes flip them and cook the second side for 1 minute
Place fries a plate with paper towels to remove excess oil
Enjoy with a dip in spicy sriracha aioli!
Air Fryer Method
Preheat to 400℉/ 200℃. Spray the bottom basket with olive oil, place fries in one single layer and spray them generously with olive oil. Cook for 6 minutes
Flip them, spray with oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden
Oven Method
Preheat to 400℉/ 200℃. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and add fries in a single layer. Spray generously with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes
Flip them, spray with olive oil and bake for 5 minutes until golden brown
Which cooking method is best?
After testing 3 different cooking methods, here’s what I think. The pan fry method provides the best golden color, crispness and only takes a few minutes to cook. The air fryer and oven methods however are healthier alternatives which use much less oil and still turn out super crispy.
Personally I prefer the air fryer method which are lighter and healthier, and they're also quicker to cook compared to the oven with the perfect crunch. But you can't beat the pan-fry method especially if making them for a crowd. All 3 methods turn out delicious, so give them a go and choose what's best for you xx
Tips and Tricks
- Slice the halloumi into thick fries approximately ½ inch / 1.50 cm. If you slice them too thin, they can crumble or break
- When coating the halloumi fries, keep one hand for the dry coating and the other for the egg coating. This will be so much cleaner and easier to work with
- For the pan-fry method, ensure the oil is hot and don't overcrowd the pan
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer and ensure there is space in between the fries. This will ensure they become crispy on all sides
- Keep an eye on the cooking for all methods and don't overcook the fries. You want them soft in the middle and not dry or overcooked
Storage Instructions
- Halloumi fries are best enjoyed fresh when they're hot and the most crispy
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in an air fryer, oven or even pan fry for a few minutes until warmed through
- I don't recommend freezing
FAQs
Halloumi has a strong salty flavor which is from the brine. It has a squeaky soft texture and captures dressing or marinades well. It can be fried, grilled or marinated with lemon juice and honey. Check out my honey glazed halloumi for some inspiration 😊
Halloumi fries are made from halloumi cheese which is sliced into thick strips and coated in seasoned flour, egg wash and finished with a crispy panko breadcrumb coating
Here I've served it with a sriracha aioli which gives it a spicy kick and works so well together. You can also serve them with a simple yogurt sauce, tzatziki or a marinara sauce
Halloumi cheese is high in protein, calcium and great for vegetarians. It's also high in sodium due to the brine, so it's best to enjoy in moderation. To keep the fries healthier and lighter, choose the air-fryer or oven baked method which uses less oil
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Halloumi Fries:
More Halloumi Recipes
Looking for more recipes like this? Try these:
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Halloumi Fries photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Crispy Halloumi Fries (Air Fryer, Pan Fry or Oven Baked)
Ingredients
- 14oz / 400g halloumi cheese
- 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil spray for air fryer / oven methods or oil for pan frying
Sriracha aioli for dipping
Instructions
- Slice halloumi into strips, similar to thick cut fries (approximately ½ inch / 1.5 cm in thickness)
- Make a dipping station with 3 separate bowls with the following:1. Add the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and stir to combine2. Crack the eggs and whisk3. Add the panko breadcrumbs
- One at a time, coat the halloumi fries into each bowl in the following order: Put into the flour and dust off the excess, then into the egg, then into the panko breadcrumbs. Press down on the panko crumbs to ensure they stick to the halloumi then place the crumbed fries on a plate *To make less mess, always use one hand for the wet dipping and the second hand for the dry coatings
- Repeat the above step for all of the halloumi pieces
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat to 400℉/ 200℃. Spray the bottom of the air fryer with olive oil then place the halloumi fries into the air fryer in one single layer, making sure they aren't touching (work in batches if needed)
- Spray them generously with the olive oil so they’re all coated then cook for 6 minutes until lightly golden brown
- Flip them over and spray the other side with oil spray and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until golden (total cooking of 8-10 minutes depending on your air fryer strength)
Pan Fry Method
- Heat your preferred oil in a deep saucepan to a medium-high heatI prefer to use a smaller saucepan and work in batches, starting with ¼ cup oil and increase as needed
- Test the oil is hot by adding a tiny sprinkle of flour and if it sizzles, its ready. Carefully add the halloumi fries one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan
- Cook for 2-3 minutes and once golden brown, flip them over and cook the second side for 1 minute or until golden
- Carefully remove off the pan and place onto a plate with paper towels to remove the excess oil. Repeat the above steps with the remaining halloumi then enjoy your pan-fried halloumi fries with a side of sriracha aioli and enjoy!!
Oven Baked Method
- Preheat to 400℉/ 200℃. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and add the halloumi fries in a single layer, making sure they aren't touching
- Spray them generously with a olive oil spray and bake for 10 minutes
- Flip them over and spray the second side with olive oil and bake for a further 5 minutes until golden brown
Anna says
You have always nice recipe.
Thank you Anna
Ayeh Manfre says
Thanks Anna xx