Air-Fryer Scrapple: A Tasty, Quick Breakfast Treat

Scrapple is a traditional American food product that originated in the Pennsylvania Dutch and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is made from pork scraps combined with cornmeal and spices. It is typically pan-fried and served for breakfast. But can you cook scrapple in an air fryer? Yes, you can! Air frying achieves a delectable crunch and is a healthier, quicker, and more convenient method of cooking scrapple.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking scrapple in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the scrapple slices and the type of air fryer being used.

For 1/4-inch thick slices, it is recommended to set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time for this temperature setting is around 10 minutes on one side and an additional 3 minutes on the other side. If you are using an air fryer that requires preheating, you should preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the scrapple slices.

For thicker slices, such as 1/2-inch thick scrapple, a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit is suggested for a shorter duration of 15 minutes. However, if you prefer your scrapple to be well-browned, you can set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook it for about 10 minutes, and then broil it on high for 4-5 minutes.

When cooking scrapple in an air fryer, it is essential to arrange the slices in a single layer with no overlapping to ensure even cooking. Additionally, flipping the scrapple only once during the cooking process helps prevent it from falling apart and promotes even browning.

Slicing the scrapple

When slicing the scrapple, it is important to cut it evenly so that all the pieces cook at the same time. It is also recommended to slice the scrapple before freezing it. This way, you can take it out of the freezer and cook it directly from the frozen state. By slicing it beforehand, you also ensure that the scrapple freezes evenly and is easier to work with.

To ensure even cooking, it is important to place the scrapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some space between them. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each slice and cook them uniformly. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the slices from getting crispy.

When placing the slices in the air fryer, be careful not to disturb them too early or flip them too soon. Scrapple is very loose and fragile before it crisps up, and flipping it prematurely can cause it to fall apart. Therefore, it is generally recommended to cook the scrapple for about 10 minutes on one side before flipping it over and cooking for an additional 3 minutes.

Placing the scrapple in the air fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent cooking. Set your air fryer to around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 3-5 minutes. A preheated air fryer will help you get that desirable golden brown exterior.

Next, slice the scrapple evenly. The recommended thickness is around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Thinner slices will yield more pieces and may cook faster, so consider the number of servings and your desired level of crispness. You can also cut the scrapple into scrapple fries for a fun variation.

Now, it's time to arrange the scrapple in the air fryer basket. Place the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or touch. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each slice, promoting even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Finally, set the air fryer temperature and timer. For crispy scrapple, a temperature of 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) is ideal. Cook for 8-10 minutes, and consider flipping the slices halfway through to ensure both sides get evenly crispy. However, some people prefer not to flip the scrapple, as it can be delicate and may fall apart before it crisps up.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your scrapple slices, so stay nearby and keep an eye on it during the final minutes of cooking.

Flipping the scrapple

Scrapple is a traditional American food product that originated in Pennsylvania, Dutch, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is made from pork scraps combined with cornmeal and spices. The mush of pork scraps is then formed into a loaf, cooked until solidified, and sliced into individual servings. Scrapple is typically pan-fried until golden brown before serving.

When cooking scrapple in an air fryer, you can choose to flip the slices or not. Some people choose not to flip their scrapple in the air fryer as both sides cook evenly without the need for constant flipping. However, if you want to ensure that both sides of the scrapple get crispy, you can flip the slices halfway through the cooking time.

To cook scrapple in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-5 minutes. Cut the scrapple into slices of your desired thickness, usually around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place the scrapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't touching to allow for even cooking.

If you choose to flip the scrapple, set the air fryer between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the scrapple for 8-10 minutes. After this time, flip the scrapple slices over and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The scrapple is done when it is golden brown and crispy.

Serving suggestions

Scrapple is typically served as a breakfast side dish. It is often sliced and fried until crispy, then served with eggs, toast, or a breakfast sandwich. It can also be served with pancakes or potatoes.

Scrapple is a type of pork-based meatloaf or sausage patty, typically made from pork scraps, such as the head, heart, liver, and other leftover parts, combined with cornmeal and various spices. It is known for its crispy exterior and soft, savoury interior.

When cooking scrapple in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the slices are even, so they cook at the same time. The air fryer should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time is typically around 9-10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the slices and the desired level of crispiness.

• Serve with traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dips like apple butter, jelly, or maple syrup.
• Offer ketchup, mayonnaise, honey, mustard, or applesauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
• Experiment with seasonings before air frying by adding herbs, spices, or seasoning blends to the scrapple slices for added flavour.
• Serve with a salad or avocado slices for a healthier option.
• Create a breakfast sandwich by spreading apple butter or maple syrup on a piece of toast and topping it with air-fried scrapple.
• For a heartier breakfast, serve with scrambled eggs and toast, or a side of pancakes.
• For a sweet and savoury combination, top the scrapple with honey or maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• For a more indulgent option, serve the scrapple with melted cheese on top, or between two slices of bread with a slice of cheese and toast in a sandwich press or panini maker.
• Offer a selection of condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, honey, mustard, or maple syrup, and let your guests or family members customise their scrapple the way they like it.

Frequently asked questions