Keto Halloumi Fries are a perfect appetizer and finger food to serve at a party or simply just for yourself. Crispy halloumi fries are breaded with a low carb pork rind breading that helps to keep them gluten free.
Deep fry in olive oil or make in the air fryer halloumi fries for maximum crunch. These low carb halloumi fries are a perfect treat with only 1g carbs per fry and diabetic friendly.
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What are halloumi fries?
Halloumi is a middle eastern Cypriot cheese that is semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk, and sometimes also cow's milk. It has a high melting point and so can easily be fried or grilled.
Halloumi fries are often coated with panko breadcrumbs for that crispy outer texture. In this case we are making keto halloumi fries so we use pork rind breadcrumbs instead for a crispy halloumi, fried until golden brown and served with a dipping sauce. They are kind of like mozzarella sticks with a middle eastern twist.
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Ingredients Used
Tasty halloumi cut into thick sticks and breaded with egg and pork rinds, seasoned with some garlic powder and paprika. Enjoy these delicious crispy halloumi fries.
- Halloumi: fried halloumi is great with eggs and bacon, we turn them into a tasty appetizer almost like mozzarella sticks.
- Pork Rind Crumbs: perfect for these keto halloumi fries for that ultimate crunch.
- Eggs: use the eggs to help bind the crumbs to the halloumi cheese.
- Garlic Powder, Paprika, Olive Oil
Recipe Card
Keto Halloumi Fries Air Fryer or Stovetop
RECIPE VIDEO
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 grams halloumi cheese slice halloumi lengthwise into 1 inch strips
- 4 oz crushed pork rind crumbs I used dill flavoured pork rinds
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup olive oil for frying, depending on your pan size you may need more or less
- Use my Breadcrumb recipe instead of pork rinds
Instructions
- Pat your halloumi dry and then cut into strips.
- Scramble 2 eggs in a bowl, crush the pork rinds, I used a blender, then place in a bowl with the garlic powder and paprika seasonings.
- Dip halloumi strips in the egg and then the pork rind cumbs, do this twice to double coat them.
- Use a shallow pan and fill with about ½ inch of olive oil.
- Set your stovetop element to medium/high.
- Once hot enough, place a halloumi stick into the oil. (see photo)
- After 1 minute or so, use two forks to flip the halloumi and brown on each side.
- Brown on each side until golden brown.
- When golden brown to your liking place on a dish lined with paper towel to soak any oil.
- (See the video instructions below if further clarification is needed)
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
How to make keto halloumi fries?
Pat halloumi dry with a paper towel and then cut into 1-inch thick strips. Next scramble two eggs in a bowl and place the pork rind crumbs, garlic powder and paprika in another bowl and mix until well combined.
Dip each halloumi strip into the egg mixture and then coat with the breadcrumbs. Dip again in the egg mixture and then once again coat with the breadcrumbs. This makes them extra crispy and well-coated. Place on a parchment-lined dish.
Fill a shallow saucepan with about ½ an inch of olive oil, just enough to cover up to half of the halloumi fries as you will flip them to fry the other side.
Turn your stove element to medium/high. To test it dip a piece of halloumi fry in the oil, if it sizzles, it's ready. Place a halloumi stick in the oil for about 1 minute then flip and fry for 1 more minute. Cook in batches. The fries should be golden brown. Transfer to a dish lined with paper towel.
Sprinkle with sea salt, dip in a marinara sauce or garlic sauce, and enjoy this halloumi fries recipe.
Halloumi Fries Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 400°F
Follow the directions above to coat the halloumi sticks. Once the air fryer is preheated spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and transfer the halloumi fries into the basket. Spray the keto halloumi fries with cooking spray.
Air fryer at 400°F for 4 minutes, flip and air fryer for another 4 minutes or until golden brown.
Baked Keto Halloumi Fries
You can also bake these low carb halloumi fries on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer for 15 minutes at 350°F, and flip halfway through.
Other air fryer recipes you might enjoy
Recipe tips
To avoid the fries from sticking to each other, don't let them touch when in the olive oil or the air fryer basket. Therefore cooking in batches works best for these keto halloumi fries.
Breading the dill pickle fries can be tricky, keep one hand dry and the other wet when breading, and it will make the process much easier.
For extra coating, you can lightly dredge the halloumi sticks with almond flour or coconut flour before dipping in the egg mixture.
- Serving: these fries are great dipped in ketchup or a ranch dressing, served with a burger like this Jalapeno Popper Burger.
- Storage: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm up in the oven at 325°F for 5 minutes.
Recipe variations
The flavour possibilities are endless with the adding different flavours to the breading or after they are fried, here are just a few:
- Spicy - make these low carb halloumi fries spicy by adding ⅛th teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lemon Pepper - why not make these fries a lemon pepper flavor and omit the dill by adding some lemon pepper seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Buffalo - these halloumi fries are great tossed in a pad of butter with some buffalo sauce once they are cooked.
These keto halloumi fries are also gluten free.
If you like these fries you will also enjoy these Low Carb Asparagus Fries.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover with a paper towel until you are ready to fry them.
If you can't find halloumi you can use paneer or any other firm white cheese that does not melt when heated.
Other air fryer recipes you might enjoy
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Geri Lawhon says
Sounds like a wonderful appetizer. Thanks for the idea.
ihackeddiabetes says
You’re welcome. It’s one of my favourite apps.
Cheryl says
I made these today and they are the best thing ever. I would assume I could use any flavoured pork rinds.
ihackeddiabetes says
Yes indeed. Any flavoured pork rinds will do.
Lynne says
I just got an order of assorted pork rinds from Buster Rhinos and I was wondering what to do with the dill pickle ones as they're not my favourite. I think this will be a great way to use them! Thanks you for the recipe 🙂
ihackeddiabetes says
Awesome. I think any flavour of pork rinds would work.