Frying Spam In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can fry spam in an air fryer. It's a convenient and easy way to cook the beloved luncheon meat with minimal ingredients and effort. Simply cut the spam into slices or cubes and place them in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes. You can also bread the spam or cut it into fries for a crispy treat.

How to cut Spam for the air fryer

There are a few different ways to cut Spam for the air fryer, depending on your desired outcome.

Firstly, you can cut the Spam into slices. The number of slices you cut it into can vary, with some people suggesting between 6 and 12 slices. However, a popular method is to cut the Spam block in half, then half again, and then half again, resulting in 8 uniform slices. This number of slices is also recommended as it fits perfectly in the air fryer.

Another option is to cut the Spam into cubes, which can be a good option if you want to make Spam fries. You can also cut the Spam into thicker slices and then cut it into fries.

If you want to get creative, you can even turn the Spam block on its side and cut it into slices, resulting in a different shape than traditional slices.

How long to cook Spam in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook Spam in an air fryer! It's an easy and fast way to cook up a Hawaiian classic without the need for excess oil.

The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your Spam and how many slices you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking 8 slices, you could cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping the slices halfway through. If you like your Spam crispier, you could increase the cooking time to 12 minutes.

If you are cooking Spam fries, you could try cooking them for 6 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for another 4 minutes or until they reach your desired crispness.

How to cook Spam in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While you are waiting for it to heat up, you can prepare your Spam. It is recommended to cut the Spam into 8 equal slices, but you can also cut it into cubes or fries. If you want to add extra flavour, you can marinate the Spam in a mixture of brown sugar and shoyu (a Japanese-style soy sauce) for 10-15 minutes.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the Spam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out and not overlapping. Then, simply cook for your desired time and enjoy!

How to make Spam crispy in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Spam
• Brown sugar
• Shoyu (Japanese-style soy sauce)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Cooking oil (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the Spam: Cut the Spam into 8 equal slices. You can do this by first cutting the block in half, then cutting each half into two, and then cutting each of those pieces in half again.
• Make the marinade (optional): In a shallow pan, mix together brown sugar and shoyu. Place the Spam slices in the marinade and leave to sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 370-400°F and allow it to heat up.
• Air fry the Spam: Place the Spam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out and not overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, increase the cooking time slightly.
• Serve: Remove the Spam from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• Get creative with your serving options! Spam is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Try it with rice and nori to create Spam musubi, or with white rice and a fried egg. You can also chop it up and add it to a salad, or pair it with pan-fried potatoes.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, you can season the Spam with your favourite spices and herbs. Just add a touch of oil so that the seasonings stick to the surface.
• Don't forget to flip the Spam halfway through the cooking time to ensure crispy and evenly cooked results.

What temperature to cook Spam in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook Spam in an air fryer. It is an easy and fast way to cook Spam without using too much oil. Here is a guide on how to cook Spam in an air fryer, including the ideal temperature and cooking time.

How to Cook Spam in an Air Fryer:

Firstly, cut the Spam into 8 equal slices. You can do this by cutting the Spam block in half, then cutting one of the halves in half again, and so on until you have 8 slices.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can make a marinade or sauce to add extra flavour to your Spam. A simple sauce can be made by mixing brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the Spam slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and flip the Spam slices. Close the basket and continue cooking for the remaining time. If you want crispier Spam, 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.

Serving Suggestions:

Spam is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas:

• Spam Musubi: Using a cleaned Spam can or a musubi mold, add short-grain rice, top with furikake, and then add the cooked Spam. Wrap with nori seaweed sheets.
• Sandwich: Serve Spam in a sandwich with scrambled eggs or other fillings.
• Rice Bowl: Serve Spam over rice with vegetables such as cucumber, avocado, green onion, nori, and furikake. You can also add an egg.
• Salad: Chop up the cooked Spam and add it to a salad.
• Potatoes: Pair Spam with pan-fried potatoes.
• Spam Fries: Cut the Spam into fry shapes and cook in the air fryer until crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce.

Tips:

• You can add spices or seasonings to your Spam before cooking. If you do this, it is recommended to add a small amount of oil so that the herbs stick to the surface.
• For crispy and evenly cooked results, be sure to flip the Spam halfway through the cooking time.
• If you want to reduce your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium Spam.

What to serve with air-fried Spam

Air-fried Spam is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Rice

Spam can be served with rice in a variety of ways. You could make a musubi by moulding rice into a rectangle, sprinkling furikake on top, and wrapping it in nori (seaweed). You could also serve spam with rice and a fried egg, or make a donburi bowl with teriyaki sauce and quick-pickled vegetables. Fried rice is another option—you could add pineapple for a Hawaiian twist, or go for a kimchi fried rice.

Noodles

Spam can be served with ramen or egg noodle soup, or used as the meat in fried rice noodles.

Bread

Spam can be served in a sandwich or on a Hawaiian roll with spicy mayo and a fried egg. Cornbread is another option—you could add jalapenos for a hint of heat.

Salads and vegetables

Avocado salad, cucumber salad, coleslaw, and sautéed spinach are all good options to serve with Spam. Crispy green beans are another tasty choice—just toss them in olive oil, season, and roast. Grilled pineapple is a surprising but delicious pairing, and sweet potato fries or regular French fries also work well.

Other dishes

Other dishes that go well with Spam include scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, creamed corn, and baked beans.

Frequently asked questions