Sizzling Golden Halloumi: Sweet Honey Drizzle Recipe

Crispy, golden air-fried halloumi dancing with sweet honey creates a Mediterranean-inspired delight that sparks instant culinary excitement.

This simple yet elegant cheese dish captures the essence of effortless cooking and bold flavors.

Salty, squeaky halloumi transforms when kissed by hot air, developing a perfectly caramelized exterior that crackles with each bite.

The honey adds a luxurious touch, balancing the cheese’s robust character with its delicate sweetness.

Each golden piece promises a harmony of textures that will surprise and enchant your taste buds.

Serve this irresistible appetizer as a quick snack or impressive starter that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Your next kitchen adventure awaits with this mouthwatering recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 2

What Goes Into Crispy Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey

• Halloumi Cheese: Robust Cypriot cheese with high melting point, perfect for crispy texture; choose fresh, firm block with minimal liquid for best results.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crisp exterior while adding subtle fruity undertones; select extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces warm, smoky depth to halloumi; opt for high-quality Spanish variety for authentic taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory background note without overwhelming cheese's natural character; use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and mild spiciness; freshly ground offers more intense flavor profile.

• Honey: Creates delightful sweet contrast against salty cheese; select raw, local honey for complex flavor notes.

Tools That Make Air-Fried Halloumi with Honey Drizzle

• Air Fryer: Essential for creating crispy, golden halloumi without excess oil.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for removing moisture from cheese before cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Use for tossing halloumi with seasonings and oil.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling hot halloumi slices.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for measuring spices and oil.
• Serving Plate: Ready to present your delicious crispy halloumi.

How to Make Crispy Halloumi with a Sweet Drizzle

• Prep the Cheese

Grab your halloumi and gently pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps create that perfect crispy exterior we’re aiming for.

• Season Like a Pro

Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the halloumi and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a crack of black pepper. Massage those flavors into every nook and cranny of the cheese.

• Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a sizzling 375F (190C). This high heat is the secret to getting that golden, crunchy outside.

• Create Crispy Magic

Arrange the seasoned halloumi in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Give each slice some breathing room so they can get beautifully crisp on all sides.

• Cook to Perfection

Slide the basket in and air fry for 4-5 minutes. Flip the cheese halfway through to ensure an even, gorgeous golden-brown color.

• Drizzle and Serve

Once done, transfer your crispy halloumi to a plate. Finish with a luxurious drizzle of honey, letting it cascade over the warm, crunchy cheese. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tasty Tweaks for Your Air-Fried Halloumi Creation

• Moisture Matters: Always thoroughly pat halloumi dry before air frying to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy edges.
• Cheese Placement: Arrange halloumi slices in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing hot air to circulate and create an even golden-brown crust.
• Vegan Twist: Substitute halloumi with firm tofu or plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version, adjusting cooking time slightly.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like za'atar, dried thyme, or chili flakes to create unique flavor profiles.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture, pairing with a fresh Mediterranean salad or as a delightful appetizer with extra honey drizzle.

Ways to Serve Halloumi with Honey Like a Pro

• Gourmet Appetizer Plate: Arrange the crispy halloumi on a beautiful wooden board with mixed olives, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-style presentation.
• Mediterranean Salad Topper: Slice the golden halloumi into strips and add them on top of a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a protein-packed meal.
• Brunch Delight: Serve the crispy halloumi alongside scrambled eggs, toasted sourdough, and a small dollop of fig jam for a luxurious weekend breakfast experience that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.
• Mezze Platter Partner: Create a stunning mezze spread by placing the honey-drizzled halloumi next to hummus, warm pita bread, and marinated artichokes for a vibrant and shareable appetizer spread.

How to Store and Reheat Air-Fried Halloumi the Right Way

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover halloumi in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it crisp and fresh in the refrigerator's main compartment.
• Reheating Magic: Quickly revive cold halloumi in the air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes, restoring its delightful crunch and warm texture without additional oil.
• Advance Prep Technique: Cut and season halloumi slices up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator to enhance flavor absorption and streamline meal preparation.
• Honey Handling Tip: Keep honey drizzle in a sealed glass jar at room temperature, which maintains its smooth consistency and prevents crystallization for up to 4 weeks, ready to enhance multiple meals.

Golden Air-Fried Halloumi With Honey Drizzle Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mediterranean delight halloumi fritters create a golden, crispy sensation in minutes. Salt-kissed cheese meets sweet honey, offering a perfect balance for cheese enthusiasts seeking quick, irresistible appetizers.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) halloumi cheese, cut into ½-inch thick slices or sticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or spray oil)
• 2 tbsps honey (for drizzling)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly blot halloumi slices with clean kitchen towels, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee maximum crispiness.
2. Seasoning: Massage olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper into cheese surfaces, ensuring comprehensive coating.
3. Air Frying Setup: Arrange seasoned halloumi slices in air fryer basket without overlapping, enabling uniform heat distribution at 375F (190C).
4. Cooking Process: Fry cheese for 5-6 minutes, rotating midway to achieve symmetrical golden-brown exterior with delicate caramelization.
5. Final Touches: Extract crispy halloumi using heat-resistant tongs, transferring immediately to serving plate and generously drizzling warm honey across surface.
6. Serving: Present immediately to maintain optimal temperature and crispness, perfect as a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or light dish.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat halloumi dry with kitchen towels to remove excess water, preventing soggy texture and ensuring maximum crispiness.
• Seasoning Strategy: Gently massage oil and spices directly onto cheese surfaces for even flavor distribution and enhanced taste profile.
• Heat Circulation Technique: Arrange slices without overlapping in air fryer basket to guarantee uniform cooking and consistent golden-brown results.
• Timing Precision: Watch closely during final cooking minutes to prevent burning, aiming for perfect amber caramelization without compromising cheese integrity.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 1130 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg