Air Frying Gammon Joints: Is It Possible?

Cooking a gammon joint in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can save time, effort, and washing up. It is also a cost-effective method of cooking, using less energy than a standard convection oven. Air fryers are smaller than ovens, so you are heating up a smaller appliance, and you can also free up valuable space in the oven. Gammon joints are available in a range of sizes and weights, and it is important to ensure that the joint fits comfortably in the air fryer basket, with some space around the outside to allow the air to flow and cook the meat evenly.

Cooking Gammon Joint in an Air Fryer

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for a gammon joint in an air fryer depend on the weight of the joint. For example, a 750g gammon joint should be cooked at 180°C for 20 minutes on each side, totalling 40 minutes. After cooking, the joint should be left to rest for at least 10 minutes. If you are adding a glaze, the joint should be removed from the air fryer five minutes before the end of the cooking time, glazed, and then returned to the air fryer for the final five minutes.

A 1.1kg gammon joint should be cooked at 180°C for 25 minutes on each side, totalling 50 minutes. Again, if you are adding a glaze, the joint should be removed from the air fryer five minutes before the end of the cooking time, glazed, and then returned to the air fryer for the final five minutes.

For a 1kg gammon joint, the cooking time is 1 hour at 180°C, plus 10 minutes uncovered. For a 1.5kg gammon joint, the cooking time is 1 hour and 20 minutes at 180°C, plus 10 minutes uncovered. The general rule is to cook for 25 minutes per 500g of raw meat, plus an extra 20 minutes.

The cooking time can also depend on the air fryer model. For example, a 3.7L air fryer can fit a 1.5kg gammon joint, while a 5.5L Cosori Air Fryer can fit a much larger gammon joint. A larger joint may require a different air fryer model, such as the Tower Air Fryer Oven. It is important to ensure that the gammon joint is not touching the basket or sides of the air fryer to allow for even cooking.

The gammon joint is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. If the gammon has not reached this temperature, it should be cooked for another 5 to 10 minutes and then checked again. Alternatively, the gammon is cooked when it is dark pink and piping hot all the way through, and a sharp knife can be inserted easily.

Glazing

Firstly, it is important to note that the gammon joint should be uncooked and not pre-soaked. The joint should be removed from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and brought to room temperature. Some recipes recommend removing the rind and leaving a thin layer of fat, which can be scored with a knife to help it crisp up during cooking.

To make the glaze, you can use a variety of ingredients such as honey, agave, mustard (Dijon, English, or wholegrain), dark brown sugar, redcurrant jelly, or orange juice. Simply mix your chosen ingredients together in a bowl.

The cooking time for the gammon joint will depend on its weight, but generally, it is recommended to cook for 25 minutes per 500g of raw meat, plus an extra 20 minutes. For a 750g joint, this would be 50 minutes, and for a 1kg joint, this would be one hour. The internal temperature of the gammon should reach 70-75°C when cooked.

To apply the glaze, remove the gammon from the air fryer about 5-10 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Unwrap the foil and brush the glaze over the joint. For a crispy finish, return the gammon to the air fryer and cook for the remaining time uncovered.

The glaze will add a delicious, sticky coating to your gammon joint, and the air fryer method ensures a succulent and tender result.

Choosing the right gammon joint

Firstly, the size of the gammon joint is crucial. The joint should fit comfortably in your air fryer with some space around it for air to flow and cook the meat evenly. The height of the air fryer basket can be more restrictive than its width and depth, so opt for a smaller joint if necessary. A 3.7L air fryer, for instance, can typically accommodate a 1.5kg gammon joint.

Secondly, consider the pork content and curing process of the joint. While any gammon joint will work, some people prefer joints with higher pork content. Additionally, the curing process affects the amount of added water in the joint, with more inexpensive cuts having more added water than the pricier ones.

Thirdly, decide between a smoked or unsmoked joint. This choice comes down to personal preference. If you like smoked bacon, you'll likely prefer a smoked gammon joint, and vice versa.

Lastly, look for a joint with a good layer of fat. While many joints these days have minimal fat and skin, a layer of fat can protect the meat during cooking and provide a crisp, appetising finish. You can remove most of the fat before serving if desired.

Remember to check the cooking instructions for your specific air fryer model, as some require preheating while others do not. Enjoy experimenting with different gammon joints to find the perfect one for your taste and cooking setup!

Preparing the gammon joint

Next, decide whether you want a smoked or unsmoked joint. If you enjoy smoked bacon, you'll likely prefer a smoked gammon joint, but if you prefer unsmoked bacon, go for an unsmoked joint. Remove the gammon joint from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and let it come up to room temperature. You can also remove the rind, leaving a thin layer of fat, and score this fat in a diamond or cross-hatch pattern to help it crisp up during cooking.

If you plan to glaze your gammon joint, prepare the glaze by mixing your chosen ingredients in a bowl. There are many glaze options, including honey and mustard, honey and dijon mustard, maple syrup and mustard, marmalade, redcurrant jelly and mustard, or honey and orange juice. You can also add cloves to the rind before glazing for a festive touch.

Finally, wrap the gammon joint in foil. Some recipes suggest brushing the glaze onto the gammon before wrapping it in foil, while others recommend adding the glaze later in the cooking process.

Air fryer basket size

When it comes to air fryer basket size, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the basket will depend on the model and brand of your air fryer. Different brands and models will have different basket sizes, so it's important to check the specifications of your particular air fryer.

Another factor to consider is the capacity of the air fryer. Air fryers typically range in capacity from 3 quarts to 10 quarts or more. A larger capacity air fryer will naturally have a larger basket size. If you're cooking for a family or group, a larger basket size may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you're cooking for one or two people, a smaller basket size may be adequate.

Additionally, the style of the basket can also impact the size. There are three main styles of air fryer baskets: mesh, perforated, and rack. A mesh basket has a wire mesh bottom that allows for more air circulation, while a perforated basket has holes punched through the base, providing more support for the food. The rack style is not a basket at all but a rack at the bottom of the air fryer drawer. This style usually has a smaller cooking area.

It's worth noting that while a larger basket size can accommodate more food, it's important to not overload your air fryer. Leaving some space around the food is crucial for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Lastly, consider the shape of the basket. Air fryer baskets typically come in square or round shapes, with some having rounded edges. The shape can impact how much food you can fit in the basket and how easily you can clean it.

In summary, when choosing an air fryer basket size, consider the model and brand specifications, the capacity, the style, and the shape of the basket. Additionally, remember to leave some space around the food for proper air circulation.

Frequently asked questions