Haloumi Fries

Haloumi fries are a delicious and unique twist on traditional fries. Made from haloumi cheese, these crispy bites are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. They are easy to prepare and offer a burst of flavor that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make haloumi fries. First, they are a fantastic option for those who love cheese and want a fun, different way to enjoy it. Second, they’re quick to cook and only require a few ingredients, making them perfect for a last-minute appetizer or snack. Lastly, they pair beautifully with the garlic dipping sauce, creating a delicious combination that everyone will love.

How to Make Haloumi Fries

Making haloumi fries is simple. Follow these easy steps to create a crispy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 360g / 12oz haloumi cheese blocks (2 x 180g/6 oz blocks)
• 2 cups canola oil (or other natural oil)
• 2 large eggs (whisked)
• 1/2 cup plain/all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp Italian herbs
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika (substitute ordinary paprika if needed)
• 1 tsp ground white pepper (substitute black pepper if needed)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or ordinary breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt
• 1 garlic clove (finely grated using a microplane)
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice (substitute white vinegar if needed)
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt

Directions

1. Garlic Dipping Sauce: Mix the garlic, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.

2. Prepare Haloumi: Cut the haloumi into fries about 1.5cm (0.6″) thick. The length will depend on the shape of the haloumi. You can cut it into 5 slices lengthwise, then cut each slice in half to make uniform fries, yielding about 20 pieces.

3. Dry Haloumi: Pat the haloumi sticks mostly dry using tea towels.

4. Prep Bowls: In three separate bowls, place the whisked eggs in one, the flour in another, and mix the breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, white pepper, and salt in the third.

5. Crumb Haloumi: Dip each haloumi fry into the flour and shake off the excess. Then dip it in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Place the coated fries on a tray. It’s best to do two at a time. You can also toss the haloumi in the breadcrumbs to avoid too much handling.

6. Fry Haloumi: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Fry 5 haloumi sticks at a time for about 1.5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined tray and repeat with the remaining haloumi.

7. Air Frying or Baking: Refer to Note 5 for alternative cooking methods.

8. Serve: Enjoy your haloumi fries hot with the garlic dipping sauce!

How to Serve Haloumi Fries

Haloumi fries are best served straight from the fryer while they are hot and crispy. Pair them with the garlic dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost. You can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce or any of your favorite dips.

How to Store Haloumi Fries

If you have leftovers, store the haloumi fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them chewy.

Tips to Make Haloumi Fries

• For extra flavor, try adding different seasonings to your breadcrumb mixture, like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying; this will help achieve that perfect crispiness.
• If you want to make a gluten-free version, substitute the regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Variation

You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as paneer or mozzarella, to create your own take on this dish. Additionally, for a spicy version, consider adding chopped jalapeños to your dipping sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can try other cheeses that fry well, like paneer or mozzarella, but note that the texture and taste will be different.

2. How do I keep the fries crispy after frying?
After frying, place the fries on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately for the best texture.

3. Can I make haloumi fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can air fry haloumi fries at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through. Adjust cooking time based on your specific air fryer model.

Haloumi Fries

These crispy haloumi fries are a delicious snack or side dish that offers a unique twist on traditional fries, perfect for cheese lovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Haloumi Fries

• 360 g haloumi cheese blocks (2 x 180g/6 oz blocks) Cut into fries
• 2 cups canola oil (or other natural oil) For frying
• 2 large eggs (whisked) For coating
• ½ cup plain/all-purpose flour For coating
• 1 tbsp Italian herbs For flavor
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika Substitute ordinary paprika if needed
• 1 tsp ground white pepper Substitute black pepper if needed
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or ordinary breadcrumbs) For coating
• ¼ tsp cooking/kosher salt For coating

For the Garlic Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup plain Greek yoghurt
• 1 clove garlic (finely grated using a microplane)
• ½ tsp lemon juice Substitute white vinegar if needed
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp cooking/kosher salt

Instructions

 

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

• Mix the garlic, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Prepare the Haloumi

• Cut the haloumi into fries about 1.5cm (0.6 inches) thick.
• Pat the haloumi sticks mostly dry using tea towels.

Set Up Breading Stations

• In three separate bowls, place the whisked eggs in one, the flour in another, and mix the breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, white pepper, and salt in the third.

Bread the Haloumi

• Dip each haloumi fry into the flour and shake off the excess.
• Then dip it in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
• Place the coated fries on a tray.

Fry the Haloumi

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
• Fry 5 haloumi sticks at a time for about 1.5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined tray and repeat with the remaining haloumi.

Serve

• Enjoy your haloumi fries hot with the garlic dipping sauce!

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding different seasonings to your breadcrumb mixture, like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying. If you want to make a gluten-free version, substitute the regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Keyword Cheese Snacks, Crispy Fries, Dipping Sauce, Easy Appetizer, Haloumi Fries