Air Fryer Honey & Mustard Halloumi in Zucchini Blankets
Crispy-edged halloumi wrapped in thin zucchini ribbons, glazed with a sweet and tangy honey-mustard sauce, then air-fried until golden. A perfect appetizer, vegetarian snack, or light Mediterranean-style meal.
Servings
4 servings
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) halloumi cheese
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Honey Mustard Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley
- Chili flakes
- Lemon wedges
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Vegetable peeler or mandoline
- Toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Halloumi
Slice halloumi into:
- 8 rectangular sticks or cubes
Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Slice the Zucchini
Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline:
- slice zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons
Pat zucchini dry lightly to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl whisk together:
- honey
- Dijon mustard
- whole grain mustard
- lemon juice
- garlic powder
- smoked paprika
- chili flakes
until smooth.
Step 4: Wrap the Halloumi
Wrap each halloumi piece with:
- 1–2 zucchini ribbons
Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Step 5: Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to:
- 375°F (190°C)
Place wrapped halloumi pieces in a single layer.
Air fry for:
- 8–10 minutes
turning halfway through until:
- zucchini softens
- halloumi becomes golden
- edges crisp slightly
Step 6: Glaze & Finish
Brush generously with honey mustard glaze.
Air fry an additional:
- 1–2 minutes
until sticky and caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Greek yogurt dip
- hummus
- fresh salad
- pita bread
- roasted vegetables
Optional Variations
Try adding:
- prosciutto under zucchini ribbons
- fresh mint
- hot honey
- za’atar seasoning
- crushed pistachios
Storage
- Best eaten fresh.
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days.
- Reheat in air fryer 2–3 minutes for crispness.
Q&A
Q1: What is halloumi?
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese traditionally from Cyprus that holds its shape when cooked, making it ideal for grilling or air frying.
Q2: Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes.
Oven Method
Bake at:
- 425°F (220°C)
for:
- 12–15 minutes
turning halfway through.
Q3: Why pat the zucchini dry?
Removing moisture helps:
- prevent sogginess
- improve browning
- keep wraps secure
Q4: Can I use another cheese?
Halloumi works best because it doesn’t melt easily.
Possible substitutes:
- paneer
- bread cheese
- firm feta blocks
Q5: Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if using vegetarian-friendly halloumi.
Some brands use animal rennet, so check labels if needed.
Q6: How do I stop the halloumi from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking.
Halloumi is best when:
- golden outside
- soft inside
Q7: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes.
The recipe is naturally:
- low-carb
- gluten-free
- high-protein
Q8: What dipping sauces pair well?
Great options:
- tzatziki
- garlic yogurt sauce
- spicy mayo
- harissa yogurt
- hummus
Q9: Can I prepare these ahead?
Yes.
Wrap the halloumi ahead and refrigerate up to:
- 12 hours
Glaze and air fry just before serving.
Q10: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely.
Yellow squash works similarly and adds color variation.
Pro Tips
- Use thin zucchini ribbons for easier wrapping.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Brush glaze near the end to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Honey & Mustard Halloumi in Zucchini Blankets!
