Bacon Wrapped Halloumi Cheese Bites

Prepare the bacon wrapped cheese

1. Pat dry the 1 block halloumi cheese with a paper towel. Cut it in 12 rectangular, finger sized pieces, or half the size for 24 smaller square appetizers.
2. Wrap the 12 slices bacon tightly around each piece of cheese. Use whole strips for long pieces of cheese, wrapping around in a spiral if needed to cover the cheese, or half strips for square ones.
3. Skewer the bacon halloumi rolls with toothpicks if cooking in a frying pan to hold the bacon, this step is optional if air frying or baking in the oven.

Air fryer cooking instructions

1. Arrange the halloumi and bacon rolls in the air fryer basket with space in between them, and with the ends of the bacon strips facing down (if they're not skewered with toothpicks).
2. Set the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and cook until bacon is at desired crispness and halloumi is hot with golden tips - about 10-12 minutes for streaky or thin bacon / half strips and 15 minutes for thick cut bacon or back or Canadian bacon.

Oven baking instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Arrange the bacon halloumi rolls on the pan or roasting rack, with the ends of the bacon strips facing down if not held by toothpicks. Keep some space between the rolls.
3. Bake for 13–18 minutes until golden brown or bacon is at desired crispness. Flip the halloumi appetizers halfway through.

Pan frying instructions

1. Skewer the wrapped halloumi bites to secure the bacon with one or two toothpicks, so they don't unwrap as they are flipped around in the pan.
2. Add 2 tablespoons fat for frying (oil, ghee or lard) to a large skillet on medium high heat.
3. When the fat is hot, gently place the bacon wrapped cheese onto the pan.
4. Turn the heat to medium and fry until the bacon is crisp as you like and the halloumi is golden, turning the wraps around in the pan to cook evenly.
5. Transfer the appetizers to a plate lined with paper towels or a metal rack to drip away excess oil. Serve while hot.