Air Fried Halloumi Fries

Air Fried Halloumi Fries with Dressing and Pomegranate Garnish: A Crispy Delight

Air-fried halloumi fries are an easy hack for those who want a healthier alternative to this traditionally deep-fried snack. I first tasted these crispy treats at Cheese Fest in Edinburgh, where the halloumi fries stood out among the many cheese-centric offerings. Inspired by this delicious experience, I decided to recreate the dish at home, and it has since become a favourite snack. Paired with a tangy dressing and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds really takes this dish to the next level.

The Appeal of Halloumi

Halloumi, a semi-hard cheese originating from Cyprus, is celebrated for its unique chewy texture and high melting point. This characteristic allows it to maintain its shape when cooked, making it ideal for frying or grilling. The cheese delivers a savoury, slightly tangy flavour that intensifies when crisped up in the air fryer, providing a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.

Air Fried Halloumi Fries Vs Deep Frying: A Healthier Alternative

Air frying has transformed the way we can prepare dishes that would normally be deep fried. By using hot air circulation, air fryers achieve a crispy texture with minimal oil. This significantly reduces the calorie content compared to traditional deep-frying. This method retains the delicious crunch of fried foods while cutting down on unhealthy fats, making it an excellent choice for preparing halloumi fries. Please note Air Fryers do not work with wet batters this will make a mess and still needs to be cooked using hot or oil.

Health Benefits of Halloumi and Ingredients

Halloumi cheese, while rich in protein and calcium, also contains a relatively high amount of sodium and fat. By air frying instead of deep-frying, you significantly cut down on added fats, making the dish a healthier option. Greek yogurt in the dressing adds protein and probiotics, improving the dish’s nutritional value. Pomegranate seeds contribute antioxidants, enhancing the overall health benefits.

Air Fried Halloumi Fries

Recipe by TheFeelGoodCookCourse: Makeaway

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 225g halloumi cheese (1 cup, cut into fry-shaped sticks)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 cup (60g) plain flour (for coating)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon tahini

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the halloumi fries: Cut the halloumi cheese into fry-shaped sticks. Set up a station for coating: place the plain flour in a shallow dish, and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the fries: Dredge each halloumi stick in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coat.
• Air fry: Place the halloumi fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
• Prepare the dressing: While the fries are cooking, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, tahini, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Garnish and serve: Once the halloumi fries are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with the yogurt dressing, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, and garnish with chopped parsley.