Ingredients

360g (12oz) haloumi cheese blocks (2 x 180g/6oz 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 (or ordinary paprika)

1 tsp ground white pepper (or black pepper)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or ordinary breadcrumbs)

1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt

1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt

1 garlic clove, finely grated

1/2 tsp lemon juice (or white vinegar)

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt (for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the garlic dipping sauce by mixing Greek yoghurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Step 2: Cut the haloumi into fries about 1.5cm (0.6″) thick. For uniform pieces, slice lengthwise into 5 strips, then cut each strip in half, yielding about 20 fries.

Step 3: Pat the haloumi dry with tea towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 4: Prepare three large bowls: one with whisked eggs, one with plain flour, and the third mixing panko breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, white pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt.

Step 5: Coat each haloumi fry in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Place onto a tray. Working with two fries at a time helps maintain the coating.

Step 6: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).

Step 7: Fry 5 haloumi fries at a time for about 1½ minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining fries.

Step 8: Alternatively, you can air fry or bake the fries; see notes on your air fryer or oven settings for best results.

Step 9: Serve the haloumi fries hot with the garlic yoghurt dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor; substitute with sweet paprika if preferred.

Allow the dipping sauce to rest so the garlic flavor mellows and the sauce thickens slightly.

Try baking in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway for a healthier option.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of haloumi?

Haloumi’s firm texture makes it ideal for frying without melting. Feta or other soft cheeses will not hold up well, so it’s best to stick with haloumi.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can easily bake the fries in a regular oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–20 minutes, turning them halfway to ensure crispiness.