Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi is the ultimate flavor-packed snack—sweet, spicy, and crunchy all in one bite. Whether you’re craving a quick appetizer, a vegetarian treat, or just looking for a new way to enjoy halloumi, this air fryer recipe delivers it fast and fuss-free. In this post, we’ll show you how to make your halloumi perfectly crispy without deep frying, how to balance honey and chilli for a bold glaze, and why the air fryer might just be your new favorite way to cook cheese. Get ready to turn simple ingredients into something surprisingly addictive. Let’s get cooking!
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Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi is sweet, spicy, and crisp—perfect for snacking, wraps, or mezze platters.
Ingredients
1 block halloumi cheese (about 225g) 2 tablespoons honey ½ teaspoon red chili flakes ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional) Pinch of salt Toasted sesame seeds and spring onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Slice halloumi into cubes or strips about ½-inch thick. 2. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. 3. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. 4. While cooking, warm honey and stir in chili flakes, paprika, and lemon juice. 5. Toss hot halloumi in glaze or drizzle over top. 6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. 7. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Optional: Dust halloumi lightly with cornstarch for extra crisp. Great with dips like tzatziki or garlic hummus. Best served fresh. Reheat leftovers in air fryer only.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 block halloumi
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: air fryer crispy honey chilli halloumi, spicy halloumi bites, air fryer cheese snacks
Why Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi Works So Well
Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi works so well because halloumi is built for heat. Unlike softer cheeses, it holds its shape when cooked, making it perfect for the fast, dry heat of an air fryer. The result? A golden crust with a soft, chewy center—without needing oil or deep frying.
The key to crispiness starts with how you prep. Slice your halloumi into ½-inch cubes or thick strips for even cooking. Pat them dry to remove moisture; this step helps the surface crisp instead of steam. For extra crunch, a light dusting of cornstarch before air frying can do wonders.
Craving something with a spicy kick? You’ll love my Chorizo Halloumi Chilli Pesto Spaghetti—it’s bold, satisfying, and bursting with no-fuss flavor.
Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look golden and slightly blistered. While it’s still hot, toss it in warm honey mixed with crushed red chili flakes. The heat helps the glaze stick, giving every bite that bold sweet-and-spicy finish.
If you love the bold flavor of halloumi, you’ll also want to try my Creamy Chicken Halloumi and Chorizo Pasta—a rich and satisfying dish perfect for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi
To make Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi truly shine, you need just a handful of ingredients—but each one plays a bold role in flavor. The glaze is sweet, spicy, and designed to cling perfectly to those golden halloumi edges without making them soggy.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for balance)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, fresh herbs
Step-by-Step: How to Glaze for Flavor Without Losing Crunch
- While your halloumi is air frying (375°F for 8–10 minutes), prepare the glaze.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey just until it flows easily—about 10 seconds in the microwave or 30 seconds on low heat.
- Stir in the chili flakes, paprika, and lemon juice. Let it sit for a minute to infuse.
- As soon as the halloumi comes out golden and crisp, transfer it to a bowl.
- Either drizzle the warm glaze over the pieces or gently toss them with tongs to coat evenly.
- Garnish immediately with sesame seeds or green onions if using. Serve while hot.
For a fresh and comforting twist, don’t miss my Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil—it’s packed with flavor and comes together
Serving, Storing & The Pan-Fry Debate
Is Halloumi Better in the Air Fryer or Pan?
When it comes to cooking crispy honey chilli halloumi, both the air fryer and the frying pan get the job done—but one wins on ease and mess-free results.
Pan-frying gives you a deep sear and slight caramelization, but it often requires extra oil and constant flipping. It can get smoky fast, and sticking is common without a good non-stick pan. On the other hand, the air fryer crisps halloumi evenly with no oil, no smoke, and no need to babysit. It’s faster, cleaner, and ideal if you want consistently golden results with less effort. For most people, the air fryer is the clear winner.
How to Serve & Store Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi
For serving, plate the glazed halloumi hot and fresh. It’s great as an appetizer, party bite, or even a side to salads or grain bowls. Want to get creative?
If you have leftovers (though you probably won’t), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back some crispness. Avoid the microwave—it softens the cheese too much.
Now that you know how easy and rewarding this Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi is, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation.
FAQs About Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi
How to cook honey halloumi in an air fryer?
Slice your halloumi into thick cubes or strips and pat them dry. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. While they cook, warm honey with chili flakes to make a glaze. Toss or drizzle the glaze over the crispy halloumi just before serving.
How do you make halloumi crispy in the air fryer?
The trick is to remove excess moisture. Pat the halloumi dry with paper towels before air frying. You can also lightly dust it with cornstarch for extra crunch. Cook at high heat (375°F–400°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is halloumi better in the air fryer or pan?
The air fryer offers quicker, more consistent results with less oil and cleanup. Pan-frying can give a deeper sear but requires more attention and can get messy. For ease, health, and texture, most people prefer the air fryer.
Conclusion: Why you should try this Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi
Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chilli Halloumi is the snack you didn’t know you needed—until now. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes, you get bold flavors, golden crisp edges, and no kitchen chaos. Whether you’re serving it at a party, tucking it into wraps, or enjoying it solo, this dish always delivers. Plus, with the air fryer, cleanup is a breeze and the results speak for themselves.
If you’re into sweet heat, my Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta brings that perfect balance of spicy and sticky, all tossed in a creamy, comforting bowl