We go to EFL regularly - the airport is better than it used to be (it is now air conditioned) but it still gets very crowded airside in the summer. They have cut the departure lounge in half with passport control in the middle, so you can use both Shenghen and non-Schengen facilities, but both are pretty basic. There is CE check in but no other benefits. There is a taverna just outside the gates to the airport, and EFL regulars tend to go and sit there and have something to eat/drink until the aircraft is on approach (assuming you’re HBO).
This is the best advice. Check in, go to Ikaros and go through security once the plane has touched down.