Spam In The Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Spam is a Hawaiian staple that was introduced to the islands during World War II as a quick and easy way to feed soldiers. It has since become a versatile and inexpensive food beloved by Hawaiians and has even been turned into a local delicacy. It can be cooked in an air fryer in just 10 minutes, with no need for excess oil, and can be served in many different ways.

How to cut Spam for the air fryer

Spam can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil and in large batches. It is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways.

To cut Spam for the air fryer, it is recommended to cut the Spam block into 8 equal slices. This thickness ensures that the Spam does not overcook and become too hard. To get 8 slices, lay the Spam on its side and cut it in half, and then half again. This will give you 4 slices, and then cut each slice in half again to get 8 slices.

You can also cut the Spam block in half to get 2 large slices, which can be further cut into smaller pieces if desired. This method may result in a shorter cooking time, as thinner slices may cook faster.

When placing the Spam slices in the air fryer basket, ensure they are spread out and not overlapping. This allows for even cooking and browning.

You can also cut Spam into cubes or strips for dishes like fried rice or spam fries.

How long to cook Spam in an air fryer

Cooking Spam in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to prepare this Hawaiian classic. It is also versatile and can be served in many different ways.

To cook Spam in an air fryer, first cut the Spam block into 8 slices. The number of slices you cut your Spam into can vary, but 8 slices are recommended to ensure that the slices do not overcook and get too hard. Plus, 8 slices will fit perfectly in a Cosori air fryer.

Next, place the Spam slices into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping. Close the basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. If you do not wish to preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 370 or 380 degrees Fahrenheit and place the Spam inside while it heats up.

At the 6-minute mark, open the basket and flip the Spam slices. Close the basket and continue cooking for the remaining 6 minutes. For crispier results, you can increase the cooking time slightly.

When the Spam is finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.

You can serve your air-fried Spam in numerous ways. It can be served with rice and nori to create katsu musubi, with white rice and a fried egg, or chopped up for a salad. You can also pair it with pan-fried potatoes or use it as the meat in your fried rice or noodle soup.

How to serve air-fried Spam

Air-fried Spam is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spam Musubi

This Hawaiian classic is a delicious and easy way to serve air-fried Spam. To make it, simply cook your Spam in the air fryer as usual, and then assemble the musubi by layering short-grain rice, furikake seasoning, and the cooked Spam. Cut nori seaweed sheets into strips and use them to wrap the rice and Spam together. You can also add vegetables such as cucumber, avocado, green onion, and a fried egg.

Spam Sandwich or Burger

Air-fried Spam makes a great sandwich or burger filling. Try it with some melted cheese, or with a fried egg and bread of your choice. You could also add some vegetables like lettuce, tomato, or onion for extra crunch and flavour.

Spam and Eggs

For a hearty breakfast, serve your air-fried Spam with some scrambled or fried eggs. This classic combination is sure to satisfy any appetite. You can also add some sweet cream pancakes for a touch of sweetness to balance out the savoury Spam and eggs.

Spam Fries

Cut your Spam into thin strips and air fry them until crispy. These can be served as a side dish or appetizer, and they're especially tasty when dipped in a spicy mayo-Sriracha sauce. You can even bread the Spam fries before air frying for an extra crispy texture.

Spam with Rice and Noodles

Air-fried Spam goes well with rice and noodles. Try it with fried rice, scrambled eggs, and frozen vegetables, or serve it with ramen or egg noodle soup. You can also wrap Spam and rice in dried seaweed to make a convenient handheld snack.

With its salty and savoury flavour, air-fried Spam is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. So get creative and enjoy this Hawaiian favourite!

Air-fried Spam vs. pan-fried Spam

Air-fried Spam and pan-fried Spam are two different ways to cook the popular Hawaiian dish. Both methods produce a crispy, golden Spam, but the air-fried variety is healthier, quicker, and easier to clean up.

To air fry Spam, you will need an air fryer, of course! Simply arrange the Spam slices in a single layer in the basket and cook for around 10 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping the slices halfway through. You can add a sauce or seasoning of your choice for the last 2 minutes of cooking. The air fryer method is convenient as you can cook several slices at once without the need for excess oil, which means less mess and less clean-up. The air fryer also ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout.

Pan-frying Spam is a more traditional method and involves cooking the Spam in a skillet on the stovetop. This technique requires a larger amount of oil, which can be messy and time-consuming to clean up. It is also more hands-on as you need to flip the slices regularly to ensure even cooking. However, pan-frying may be preferable if you are cooking smaller portions or want to achieve a deeper golden colour and a crispier texture.

Both methods produce delicious results, and the choice between air-fried and pan-fried Spam ultimately comes down to personal preference. Air-fried Spam is a healthier, quicker, and less messy option, while pan-frying may give you a crispier texture and a more traditional flavour.

For a classic Hawaiian dish, serve your crispy Spam with rice and nori to create Spam katsu musubi, or with white rice and a fried egg for a heartier meal.

How to make Spam Musubi in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook Spam in an air fryer. Here is a recipe for making Spam Musubi, a popular Hawaiian dish, in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Spam
• Short-grain rice
• Nori seaweed sheets
• Furikake (a Japanese seaweed seasoning)
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Mirin

Instructions:

First, cut the Spam into 8 equal slices. You can do this by laying the Spam on its side and cutting it in half, then half again, and half again. Next, make the marinade by mixing together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin. Place the Spam slices in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.

Now, it's time to cook the Spam. Place the Spam slices into the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out and not overlapping. Set the air fryer to 380 or 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. If you want crispier Spam, you can increase the cooking time slightly.

While the Spam is cooking, start assembling the musubi. Using the cleaned Spam can or a musubi mold, add about 4 tablespoons of short-grain rice into the mold. Sprinkle with furikake and then place the cooked Spam on top. Cut the nori seaweed sheets into 4 pieces and fold them around the rice and Spam.

Your Spam Musubi is now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can also get creative with your servings by adding vegetables such as cucumber, avocado, green onion, or a fried egg.

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