How to Make Halloumi Fries – Tender, crispy, and melty fried halloumi cheese sticks are a snap to make in the air fryer or oven! You can pair these Mediterranean mozzarella sticks with zesty dipping sauces for a satisfying snack or appetizer.

Close view of fried halloumi cheese sticks on a plate with ramekin of marinara.

Why We Love Air Fryer Halloumi Fries

These easy Air Fryer Halloumi Fries make the most amazing quickie cheese sticks. With only 4 simple ingredients!

Tender pieces of slightly sweet and salty halloumi are lightly breaded with flour and seasonings, without any egg wash or binder needed. Place them in the air frying basket and give a lil’ spray of cooking oil, and cook for less than 10 minutes. Then try your best to let them cool at least for a minute or two (trust me, it will be hard to wait) before dunking them into your favorite dipping sauces.

No air fryer? No problem! Halloumi fries are easy to bake in the oven, too.

Top down halloumi fries with marinara sauce on a plate.

What is Halloumi?

Halloumi is a classic cheese originally from the Mediterranean region around Greece. Traditionally it is made with goat or sheep’s milk, but sometimes cow’s milk is also used.

Why is halloumi cheese great for grilling and cooking?

The texture of halloumi is firm and stretchy, without being too melty. It holds up great to being cooked at high heat!

If you can’t find halloumi, look for other cheese varieties often labeled grilling cheese.

Hand holding bitten cheese stick to camera.

4 Ingredients You Need

These fried halloumi sticks only require four ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Halloumi cheese – 1 package per every 4 servings
  • All-purpose flour – can be gluten-free, if preferred
  • Garlic powder – a great hit of savory flavor to balance the slightly sweet and salty fried halloumi
  • Oil cooking spray – high heat and neutral flavored

Want to spice things up? Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture!

Package of halloumi on white background.

How to Make Fried Halloumi

First, set out a medium bowl. Combine the flour and garlic powder. Mix well.

Place the block of halloumi on a cutting board. Slice into ¼ – ½ inch thick fries, roughly 18 cheese sticks.

Pieces of raw halloumi sticks on a cutting board.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Toss the halloumi fries in the flour mixture.

Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fryer Holloumi Cheese Sticks Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Raw cheese sticks tossed in a bowl with flour and spices.

Place in a single layer in the air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the fries with cooking oil spray.

Top down view of sticks in the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 7-9 minutes, without flipping.

Fried cheese sticks in air fryer basket.

How to Bake Halloumi Cheese Sticks

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the halloumi fries in the flour mixture. Spread the halloumi fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then spray the tops of the fries with cooking oil spray.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden.

Finished fried halloumi cheese sticks in a shallow bowl with ramekin of marinara sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • Dice up the fries and place them on top of your favorite salads for a crunchy and creamy topping!
  • Keep enough space in between each fry in the air fryer or oven so that they can really crisp up! If fries are touching each other, they won’t get crispy.
  • To prep these fries ahead of time, bread the halloumi sticks and place on a baking sheet and leave in the fridge. Then once you are ready to serve, just pop them into the oven or place in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Warm, crisp, and cheesy halloumi fries are perfect to dip in any of your favorite bold and flavorful sauces! Try them with:

Hand dipping homemade halloumi fries into marinara sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do halloumi sticks taste like?

Think of the best fried cheese sticks you’ve had… Boom, they taste just like that! Lightly crisp on the outside, slightly melty but not too soft or stringy on the inside, and deliciously flavorful.

Can I substitute halloumi for another cheese?

If you can’t find halloumi, paneer would be a good replacement! Paneer is a more mild cheese made of cow’s milk but it would hold up in the air fryer without melting too much and would be delicious!

Are halloumi fries healthy?

Are they healthy? Well, no. But are they healthier than traditional deep-fried cheese sticks? Yes, definitely! Cooking in the air fryer or oven baking uses just a teeny tiny bit of oil, so these halloumi fries are crispy without being greasy and soggy.

How long does it take to cook halloumi in the air fryer?

They only air fry for 7-9 minutes total, with no need to flip.

How do you make a gluten-free halloumi fries recipe?

Swap regular all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free blend to easily make this a GF-friendly recipe.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover halloumi fries will keep well for up to a day or two in the fridge. Let them cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container… You don’t want them to dry out!

Reheat in the air fryer for just a few minutes to get the cheese sticks warm and crisp again.

Hand holding bitten halloumi fry to camera.

Looking for More Easy Finger Food Recipes?

Print Recipe
5 stars (2 reviews)
Leave a Review »

Halloumi Fries (Air Fryer or Baked)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Tender, crispy and melty fried halloumi cheese sticks are a snap to make in the air fryer or oven! Pair with zesty dipping sauces for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set out a medium bowl. Combine the flour and garlic powder. Mix well.
  • Place the block of halloumi cheese on a cutting board. Slice into ¼ – ½ inch thick fries.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Toss the halloumi fries in the flour mixture. Place in a single layer in the air fryer. Spray the tops of the fries with cooking oil spray. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, without flipping.
  • In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the halloumi fries in the flour mixture. Spread the halloumi fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spray the tops of the fries with cooking oil spray. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden.

Notes

Want to spice things up? Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture!
Leftover halloumi fries will keep well for up to a day or two in the fridge. Let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container… You don’t want them to dry out!
Reheat in the air fryer for just a few minutes to get the cheese sticks warm and crisp again.

Nutrition

Serving: 2oz, Calories: 208kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 681mg, Potassium: 11mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin C: 0.003mg, Calcium: 568mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Greek, Mediterranean
Author: Sommer Collier
Making this recipe?Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!

Share This Recipe With Friends!