Air-Frying Gammon: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Yes, you can cook gammon in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to cook gammon, without the usual faff of boiling and roasting. You can also use an air fryer to cook a variety of other meats, including turkey, beef, and pork belly. Air-fried gammon is versatile and can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta, or as part of a roast. You can also glaze your gammon with honey, mustard, or maple syrup.

Gammon joint preparation

Gammon joints are a great option for a Sunday meal or a weeknight feast. Cooking a gammon joint in an air fryer is an easy and versatile way to prepare this dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a gammon joint in an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to note that this preparation method is for an uncooked gammon joint. Gammon joints are often pre-cooked in many countries, so ensure your joint is raw to avoid undercooking.

Take the gammon joint out of the fridge 30 minutes to 45 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Remove any packaging and string from the joint. You can leave the rind on or remove it, depending on your preference. If you choose to keep the rind, you can score it with a knife later for a crispy texture.

Glazing:

You can glaze your gammon joint or leave it unglazed. A classic honey and mustard glaze can be made by combining honey (or agave) with Dijon, English, or wholegrain mustard. You can also experiment with other glaze options, such as marmalade, redcurrant jelly, orange juice, or maple syrup. Brush the glaze all over the gammon before cooking or add it towards the end of the cooking process for a crispy finish.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 170°C (340°F) for 5 minutes. Wrap the gammon joint loosely in foil to prevent burning and place it in the air fryer basket. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your joint. As a rule of thumb, aim for 25 minutes of cooking time per 500g, plus an additional 20 minutes. For example, a 750g joint would cook for a total of 45 minutes (25 minutes per 500g + 20 minutes).

For a 1.1kg joint, you can follow a similar process but increase the cooking time. Cook at 180°C for 25 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 25 minutes. If adding a glaze, remove the gammon from the air fryer for the last 5 minutes, glaze it, and then return it to the air fryer for the final 5 minutes.

To check if your gammon is cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 70°C to 75°C. Alternatively, insert a sharp knife into the thickest part of the joint; if it slides in easily, the gammon is cooked.

Once cooked, remove the gammon from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful gammon joint!

Air fryer settings

Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, so you should adjust your cooking time accordingly. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer for about 4 to 5 minutes, but this may differ depending on your model. Check your air fryer's instructions to determine if preheating is necessary and for how long.

When it comes to temperature settings, the recommended temperature for cooking gammon in an air fryer varies across different sources. Some sources suggest cooking at a lower temperature of 160°C or 170°C (340°F) for 35 to 40 minutes. Others recommend a higher temperature of 180°C or 190°C (375°F) for 20 to 45 minutes. The ideal temperature and cooking time will depend on the size of your gammon joint and the specific model of your air fryer.

It is worth noting that the weight and size of your gammon joint will impact the cooking time and temperature. A larger joint will require a longer cooking time and may need to be cooked at a lower temperature to ensure even cooking. Always ensure that the gammon joint is not touching the sides of your air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.

Additionally, consider using a digital thermometer to check the doneness of your gammon. The ideal internal temperature for cooked gammon is between 62°C (145°F) and 70°C. The temperature may rise slightly when you add the glaze, so keep that in mind.

Lastly, don't forget to let your gammon rest after cooking. A good rule of thumb is to let it rest for 10 minutes, and if your joint is larger than 1.5kg, extend the resting time to 15 minutes before slicing.

Cooking time

The cooking time for gammon in an air fryer depends on the weight of the joint. A general rule of thumb is 25 minutes per 500g of raw meat, plus an extra 20 minutes. For example, a 500g gammon joint should be cooked at 180°C (356°F) for 35 minutes, then for a further 10 minutes without foil. A 750g joint should be cooked at 180°C for 20 minutes on each side, with a glaze added for the final five minutes. For a 1kg joint, increase the cooking time to 25 minutes on each side.

If you are cooking a larger joint, you may need a bigger air fryer. Ensure the joint fits easily in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer for five minutes at 170°C (340°F). Then, place the gammon in the basket and cook for 40 minutes. The cooking time depends on the weight of the joint, so check the recipe notes. The gammon is cooked when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 62°C (145°F). The temperature will rise when you add the glaze. The ham should be easy to pierce with a knife. If it is not cooked, continue to cook until it reaches the right temperature.

If you are cooking a gammon steak, the process is different. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for one hour, brushing with more glaze every 20 minutes. The gammon is cooked when a thermometer reads 70°C. Remove the gammon and leave to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Glazing

To begin the glazing process, first, remove the gammon from the air fryer and unwrap the foil. Then, use a sharp knife to carefully remove the rind and most of the fat, leaving a thin layer of fat on the meat. Scoring the fat in a diamond or cross-hatch pattern is a common technique to create a decorative presentation. You can stick cloves in each diamond or intersection of the cross-hatch pattern before glazing to add extra flavour and a festive touch.

After scoring the fat, it's time to apply the glaze. Use a brush to liberally coat the top and sides of the gammon with your chosen glaze. You can also sprinkle on some cloves or other spices if desired. Once the gammon is glazed, return it to the air fryer and increase the temperature to get the skin crispy. Cook for an additional 5-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness.

The ideal internal temperature for cooked gammon is between 60°C to 75°C. To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the meat. If the gammon has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking and check the temperature every 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. Finally, once the gammon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving suggestions

Gammon cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sandwiches: Air fryer gammon is perfect for sandwiches. You can add lettuce, mustard, maple syrup, or pineapple salsa to enhance the flavour. For a heartier option, try a ham, cheese, and egg bagel sandwich with chilli jam or red onion chutney.

Salads: Chop up the gammon and add it to a salad for a protein boost. The versatility of ham allows you to pair it with various ingredients, such as chicken or turkey, to create a well-rounded meal.

Pasta: Air fryer gammon can be sliced and tossed into a pasta dish. It goes well with a variety of sauces and vegetables. For a gluten-free option, try a ham and mushroom pasta.

Roast Dinner: You can include air fryer gammon as part of a traditional roast dinner. It makes a tasty alternative to roasted ham and can be served with all the usual trimmings.

Sides: If you're serving gammon as the main course, consider pairing it with sides like garlic bread, diced air fryer potatoes, or crispy smashed broccoli, all cooked in the air fryer for added convenience.

Leftovers: Don't forget about leftovers! Air fryer gammon can be used in a variety of dishes, such as a chicken and ham pie, pea and ham soup, or simply sliced and served cold in a soft bread roll for lunch.

With its ease of preparation and versatility, air fryer gammon is a great option for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, such as Christmas dinner.

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