Halloumi is one of those cheeses that I just can’t stop eating! If I’m not careful, I’ll easily devour a whole block in one sitting. So, to keep myself in check, I came up with this delicious recipe for crispy honey chilli halloumi. This recipe has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it totally irresistible. The crispy outside, thanks to the air fryer, combined with the tangy honey-chilli sauce, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and super fun to eat. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Method
Cutting the Halloumi
Start by cutting your block of halloumi into cubes. You can decide the size of the cubes depending on how crispy you want each bite. If you prefer a more crunchy exterior, you might want to go for slightly smaller cubes. I recommend cutting them into bite-sized pieces, around 1-2 inches in size, to ensure a good balance of crispy outside and soft inside.
Coating the Halloumi
The next step is to coat the halloumi cubes to achieve that perfect crunchy exterior. Begin by rolling each cube in flour. This helps the egg wash stick to the cheese. Afterward, dip each piece into the beaten egg. The egg wash is essential for ensuring that the breadcrumbs will adhere properly to the halloumi. Once each cube is coated in egg, it’s time to roll them in panko breadcrumbs. The panko gives the halloumi its light, crispy texture once it’s cooked. Make sure the cubes are well-coated with breadcrumbs, as this is what will give you that satisfying crunch when you bite into them.
Air Frying the Halloumi
Now, it’s time to cook the halloumi in the air fryer. Lightly spray the halloumi cubes with Frylight (or any oil spray of your choice) to ensure they crisp up perfectly. Set your air fryer to 190-200°C (375-400°F), and place the coated halloumi cubes into the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer, as this will prevent the cubes from cooking evenly. Air fry the halloumi for about 11-12 minutes, or until the cubes are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure the cubes are cooking evenly.
Preparing the Honey Chilli Sauce
While the halloumi is air frying, you can prepare the honey chilli sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce. Stir the mixture well until the honey is fully incorporated with the sweet chilli sauce. This sauce is key to adding the perfect balance of sweetness and a slight kick to the halloumi. Once the halloumi is crispy and golden, it’s time to brush this tangy sauce onto each cube.
Garnishing the Halloumi
After brushing the honey chilli sauce on each cube, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the halloumi cubes. These seeds add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the crispy texture and sweet-spicy sauce.
Serving
Finally, your crispy honey chilli halloumi is ready to be served! These bites are perfect for snacking on their own, or you can pair them with some fresh salad, toasted pita bread, or a dollop of yogurt to balance out the heat from the sauce. I love serving them as a fun appetizer, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser at parties
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Frylight spray
- Small bowl for the sauce
- Large bowl for the coating
- Cooking brush
- Knife and cutting board
Honey Chilli Halloumi
Cuisine: CyprusDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes12
minutes22
minutesIngredients
1 block of halloumi
100g panko breadcrumbs
3 tbsp flour
1 beaten egg
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Directions
- Cut the halloumi into cubes. You can decide how big or small you want them depending on how crispy you like each bite!
- Coat the cubes: First, roll each cube in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. It should be well-coated for that perfect crunch.
- Air fry: Spray your cubes with Frylight (or any other spray oil) and place them in the air fryer. Set it to 190/200°C and cook for 11-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Honey chilli sauce: In a small bowl, mix together honey and sweet chilli sauce. When your halloumi is crispy and ready, brush this delicious sauce onto each cube.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Serve and enjoy! These crispy bites are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Coating carefully: Make sure each cube is well-coated with the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs mixture. This is key to getting that perfect crispy outside.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: If you place too many cubes in at once, they won’t cook evenly. It’s better to cook them in batches for the best results.
- Check during cooking: Different air fryers have slight variations in temperature, so check the halloumi a minute or two before the suggested cook time to ensure they don’t overcook
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this crispy honey chilli halloumi on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with:
- A side of salad (for a fresh contrast)
- Toasted pita bread or flatbread (to scoop up the sticky sauce)
- Steamed vegetables (for a healthier twist)
- A dollop of yogurt or sour cream (for a cooling effect against the spicy sauce)
Fun Fact
Did you know? Halloumi originates from Cyprus and is traditionally made from sheep’s milk. It’s known for its unique ability to hold its shape when grilled or fried, making it perfect for crispy dishes like this one!
Conclusion
This honey chilli halloumi recipe is my new favorite way to enjoy halloumi! It’s crispy, sweet, and spicy, and it can be made in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, a quick appetizer, or a unique side dish, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of crispy cheese and tangy sauce will definitely leave you craving more!
