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