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Keto Halloumi Fries 🧀

Published: · Updated: by · 1 Comment

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Get ready to meet your new favorite keto appetizer - our mouthwatering Keto Halloumi Fries! This recipe is a delectable game-changer, especially when you're craving something crispy, golden, and oh-so-cheesy.

KETO HALLOUMI FRIES in bowl with toppings

We think one of the reasons we personally love this recipe so much is because it combines the flavor profiles of two of our favorite cuisines from around the world. Greek and Indian, but another big reason we love it is that it’s fried cheese…how could it not be delicious?

This recipe is super simple, too, and gives you the option to dress yours up however you’d like. We used Indian toppings, but could you add jalapeños and guac for a Mexican twist, or keep it 100% Mediterranean and throw some olives and tzatziki on top?

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Preparation and cooking overview

Creating these Keto Halloumi Fries is a flavorful adventure that's delightfully simple! In under 20 minutes, you'll be crunching into these golden, irresistible bites, marveling at how quickly you brought such deliciousness to life.

Chef's note

Have fun exploring the versatility of these halloumi fries! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and dips that cater to your unique taste buds. Remember, switching to a keto lifestyle doesn't mean bidding farewell to your favorite foods. It's about discovering healthier, equally delicious alternatives that leave you feeling great without sacrificing flavor.

Keto Halloumi Fries being dipped into indian style yogurt based sauce
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🧀 Ingredients for this keto halloumi fries recipe

  • 250g (9 oz) halloumi cheese
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient substitutions

  • If you don't have almond flour, you can substitute it with coconut flour or a combination of coconut and flaxseed meal.

Additional ingredients

  • Pair these delectable fries with your favorite dipping sauce - think low-carb marinara, spicy buffalo, creamy garlic, or homemade tzatziki. It's all about finding that perfect match!
  • Remember, it's crucial to pick sauces from a keto-friendly brand, so you can savor every bite without stepping away from your healthy lifestyle goals.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Halloumi Fries recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • A baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • A sharp knife
  • A cutting board
  • A medium-sized shallow bowl

Tools substitute options

If you don't have all of the above tools, don't worry! You can use the following substitute options:

  • Baking dish instead of a baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil instead of parchment paper
  • A cheese slicer instead of a sharp knife
  • A plate or a countertop instead of a cutting board
  • A large mixing bowl or a casserole dish instead of a medium-sized mixing bowl

How to make Keto Halloumi Fries: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Frying
  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Cut the halloumi into sticks resembling the shape of fries, about ¼ inch in thickness.
  2. In a shallow dish, beat the eggs with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in another shallow bowl.

Cooking instructions

  1. Dip each halloumi cheese fry into the beaten egg mixture, then coat well in the spicy paprika almond flour mixture for a good crispy coating.
  2. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the fries to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  4. Fry on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove the cooked halloumi from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
  6. Serve hot, and enjoy.

Baked halloumi fries

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Dip each cheese stick in the beaten eggs, then coat well in the almond flour mixture. Place the coated fries on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Air fryer method

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Dip each cheese stick in the beaten eggs, then coat well in the almond flour mixture.
  3. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.
  4. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or your gluten-free halloumi fries air fryer way is ready to serve.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and the cooking equipment used. Always check the doneness of the fries by visual inspection.

Chef's pro tip

For the ultimate fry-frying experience, go for a non-stick pan or a well-loved cast-iron skillet - they're champions at preventing stickiness. The golden ticket to the best taste and texture? Serve these fries hot and fresh out of the pan, when they're at their crispy, flavorful best!

Keto Halloumi Fries piled high with pickled red onions, a yogurt raita, cucumber, serranos, cilantro, fresh herbs, and cucumber

How to make it healthier

  • Use a healthier oil: While we recommend using avocado oil for frying, you could also try using coconut oil, ghee, or another healthy fat. Avoid a deep fryer to have less oil in your dish.
  • Make your dipping sauce: While store-bought dipping sauces can be convenient, they are often high in sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Instead, make healthier dipping sauce using ingredients like Greek yogurt, avocado, or fresh herbs.
  • Opt for organic ingredients: Choosing organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised ingredients whenever possible can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and ensure you get the most nutrient-dense ingredients.
  • Use less salt: Salty halloumi fries are high in sodium and will increase the net carbs of your diet, so try to use less salt.
  • Cut down on portion sizes: While these keto fries are a delicious treat, it's important to remember that they should be enjoyed in moderation. Cutting down on portion sizes can help you keep your calorie and carb intake in check.

Time-saving tips

  • Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the cheese.
  • Preheat the oven while preparing the cheese sticks so it's ready to go when you're done.
  • If you're short on time, skip the homemade dipping sauce and use store-bought low-carb marinara or ranch dressing.
  • Make an extra batch of halloumi fries to savor them later!

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • The delicious halloumi cheese can be sliced and coated in the spices up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to bake.
  • The dipping sauce can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

What to have with halloumi sticks?

This snack can be served on its own or with various side dishes. Here are some serving ideas to make your snack lavish:

  • Dipping sauces: You can serve these fries with dipping sauces to dip halloumi strips, such as garlic aioli, ranch dressing, hot sauce, or a homemade tomato-based dipping sauce.
  • Salads: A fresh salad can be a great addition to the keto cheese fries recipe. You can make a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, or add some avocado and feta cheese for extra flavor.
  • Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and eggplant can complement the salty and crispy halloumi fries. You can serve them as a side dish or mix them with the fries for an extra flavor.
  • Meat dishes: If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can pair it with some grilled chicken, steak, or lamb chops. These meats will add some protein to your meal and balance out the fries' saltiness.
  • Soups: A bowl of soup can complement the fries, especially on a cold day. You can make creamy tomato soup, a hearty vegetable soup, or a spicy chili to serve alongside the fries.

Storage and reheating instructions

Leftover storage

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Leftover reheating methods and best practices

You can reheat coated halloumi strips in a few ways, but for keeping that crave-worthy crispiness, the oven method definitely takes the crown!

Oven method

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the leftover fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Bake the fries for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fries cool for a few minutes before serving.

Microwave method

  • Place the leftover halloumi fries on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Cover the plate with a damp paper towel.
  • Microwave the fries for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.
  • Check the fries frequently to ensure that they are not overcooked.

Note: Reheating in the microwave may cause the fries to become soggy, so the oven method is preferred.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And just like that, we've created our Keto Halloumi Fries! It's a straightforward, crowd-pleasing dish that infuses the flavors of Greece and India into a keto-friendly appetizer. Who could resist such an enticing fusion?

As you savor the crispy, golden exterior and the tangy, salty burst of fried cheese, you'll realize that this is not just food - it's an experience. An experience that transcends age, as kids and adults alike fall in love with every bite. So why wait? Head to your kitchen, channel your inner chef, and bring this beloved recipe to life. Let's make every meal a celebration with these irresistible halloumi fries!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is allowed on a keto as it is low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein.

Yes, you can. It also gives a crunchy and crispy texture. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying because it uses hot air to cook food instead of oil.

The number of carbs varies depending on the recipe and the serving size. In our recipe, each serving contains 8.2g of total carbs.

If you try this recipe share your version(s) with me on Instagram and be sure to tag @castiron_keto

📖 Recipe

KETO HALLOUMI FRIES in bowl with toppings

Keto Halloumi Fries (Indian Style)

KETO HALLOUMI FRIES (Indian Style!) – these easy fries are cheesy, sturdy, and perfect for layering on all sorts of delicious toppings.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Indian, Mediterranean
Keyword: 30-minute, cheese, easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 261kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Halloumi cut into fry size sticks.
  • 1 cup avocado oil for frying

Indian Style:

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ cup pickled red onion
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • 2 serranos thinly slices
  • 2 tablespoons minced herbs cilantro + mint

Sauce:

  • ¼ cup cilantro
  • ⅛ cup mint
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 serrano
  • Squeeze of lemon
  • ½ cup full-fat yogurt
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Make the sauce by combining all of the ingredients and
  • Place the oil in a 10.5” cast iron skillet and heat over medium until it reaches 350° F.
  • Gently drop the halloumi into the hot oil frying for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Remove and place on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Indian Style:

  • For the sauce, simply blend all of the ingredients together until smooth, refrigerate until ready to use.
  • When ready to serve top the fries with the toppings and sauce.

Notes

Nutritional info is for the Indian style fries

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Halloumi Fries (Indian Style)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 261 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 4mg1%
Sodium 697mg30%
Potassium 108mg3%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 213IU4%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 612mg61%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Becki's Whole Life says

    I'll have to try this as I've had the same issue with Mozzarella sticks, but still love the flavor. Love the Indian twist!

    Reply

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