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

Spam is a beloved food product, especially in Hawaii and among Asians. It is a canned pork product that is inexpensive, versatile, and easy to cook. One way to cook it is in an air fryer, which can yield crispy and juicy results. To cook spam in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, slice the spam into 8 equal slices, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can marinate the slices in a mixture of brown sugar and soy sauce or shoyu for a few minutes before frying to enhance the flavor. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. You can serve spam with rice and nori to create katsu musubi, or with white rice and a fried egg.

How to cut Spam for the air fryer

To cut Spam for the air fryer, it is recommended to cut the Spam block in half and then cut each half in half again to get 8 slices. This is the magic number as it ensures the Spam doesn't overcook and get too hard. Plus, all 8 slices will fit perfectly in the Cosori air fryer.

If you want thicker slices, you can cut the Spam block into 6 slices, or for thinner slices, you can cut the block into 12 slices.

Once you have cut the Spam into your desired number of slices, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out and not overlapping.

You can also cut the Spam into cubes to make Spam fries or cut it into larger pieces to make Spam sandwiches.

For a classic Hawaiian dish, cut the Spam into slices or cubes and serve it with rice and nori to create Spam katsu musubi. You can also add a fried egg on top or serve it with pan-fried potatoes.

Air fryer temperature and time

It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure consistent results. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to allow a few minutes for it to reach the desired temperature. Once the air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with cooking the Spam.

The cooking time for Spam in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the desired level of crispness. On average, it takes about 10 to 12 minutes to cook Spam in an air fryer. For thinner slices, 10 minutes should be sufficient, resulting in juicy and crispy meat. If you prefer your Spam with a bit more crunch, you can increase the cooking time to 12 minutes.

It is essential to flip the Spam slices halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. To do this, simply pause the air fryer after about 5 to 6 minutes, open the basket, and use tongs or a fork to turn the slices over. Then, close the basket and resume cooking until the time elapses.

Adjustments to the temperature and time settings can be made based on personal preferences and the specific model of the air fryer. Some air fryers may cook faster or slower, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the Spam during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Marinades and seasonings

A popular marinade for Spam is a mixture of brown sugar and soy sauce, also known as shoyu. Place the Spam slices in this sauce and let them soak up all the flavours for 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to get creative, you can add other ingredients to this marinade, such as sesame oil and mirin.

If you're making Spam fries, you can season the breadcrumbs for an extra kick of flavour. Simple salt and black pepper will do the trick, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix different seasonings to find your perfect blend.

When it comes to adding your seasonings to the Spam, it is recommended to add a touch of oil so that the herbs stick to the surface. You can also brush the sauce or glaze onto both sides of the Spam during the last 2 minutes of cooking, so it gets nice and crispy.

Remember, the beauty of cooking Spam in an air fryer is that you can get creative and make it your own. So, feel free to experiment with different marinades and seasonings to find your favourite way to enjoy this versatile dish.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer SPAM is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Classic SPAM Musubi

Create the classic Hawaiian dish, SPAM musubi, by serving the air fryer SPAM with rice and nori. You can also add furikake and a fried egg to this dish. Wrap the SPAM, rice, and nori together to make it a convenient handheld snack.

SPAM Sandwich

Make a delicious SPAM sandwich by pairing the air fryer SPAM with bread, scrambled eggs, and your favourite sandwich toppings. You can also add some sliced vegetables, such as cucumber, avocado, green onion, or nori.

SPAM and Eggs

Serve the air fryer SPAM with a fried egg on the side. You can also add some white rice and nori to create a heartier meal. This combination is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

SPAM Fries

Cut the SPAM into fry shapes and place them in the air fryer for a crispy treat. Serve these SPAM fries as a side dish or a snack. They can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy mayonnaise, ranch, or ketchup.

SPAM with Potatoes and Salad

Pair the air fryer SPAM with pan-fried potatoes and a fresh salad. This combination makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

SPAM with Noodles

Serve the air fryer SPAM with ramen or egg noodle soup. You can also add some vegetables and your favourite seasonings to create a hearty and comforting dish.

With its salty and savoury flavour, air fryer SPAM is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different serving suggestions and create your own unique SPAM combinations!

Reheating and storing

Spam cooked in an air fryer can be stored and reheated just like any other leftover food. When storing, make sure the cooked spam has cooled down to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Consume the leftover spam within 3-4 days.

When reheating spam in an air fryer, it is important to note that the reheating time will be shorter than the original cooking time. This is because air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens. The recommended temperature for reheating meat in an air fryer is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, your spam should take around 3-5 minutes to reheat.

To ensure your spam is reheated thoroughly, use a thermometer to check its internal temperature. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can manually check by piercing the spam with a knife. If the knife goes through without resistance, the spam is ready to be consumed.

It is also important to clean your air fryer after each use, even when only reheating food. Small food particles can accumulate over time, leading to unpleasant odors and smoke during future cooking sessions. At a minimum, wipe down the air fryer after each use and ensure it is cooled before cleaning the internal areas.

Frequently asked questions