Frying Spam In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Spam is a beloved food product, especially in Hawaii and among Asians. It is often used in dishes like Spam Musubi, Spam Fried Rice, and Spam Sliders. You can cook it in an air fryer, and it will be crispier than if you cooked it in a skillet on a stovetop. It is also healthier than traditional frying methods because you don't need to add any oil.

How to cut Spam for an air fryer

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

Firstly, it is recommended to cut the Spam into slices. This is a quick and easy way to prepare the meat for the air fryer. The number of slices you cut your Spam into is up to you; some people suggest between 6 and 12 slices, but the "magic number" is often considered to be 8. This is because 8 slices will fit perfectly into a Cosori air fryer, and they will not be too thin and overcook. To get 8 slices, cut the Spam block in half, then take one of the halves and cut it in half again. Take one of these smaller pieces and cut it in half once more, and repeat with the remaining pieces until you have 8 slices.

If you want to make Spam fries, you can cut the Spam into thin strips, similar to the shape of fries. You can even bread these and cook them in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can turn the Spam and cut it again to make it into cubes.

Marinades and sauces for air-fried Spam

Marinades and sauces are a great way to add flavour to your air-fried Spam. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Marinades

A simple yet effective marinade can be made by mixing brown sugar and shoyu (a type of Japanese soy sauce) in a shallow pan. Place your Spam slices in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This will give your Spam a smoky and sweet flavour. You can also experiment with other ingredients such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or even a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Sauces

For a spicy kick, you can make a dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and ketchup. This sauce pairs well with the salty and savoury flavours of Spam. Alternatively, you can serve your air-fried Spam with classic condiments such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, or spicy mayo.

Air-fried Spam cooking times and temperatures

Air-frying is a great way to cook Spam, yielding a crispy texture without the need for excess oil. Here is a guide to cooking times and temperatures for air-fried Spam.

Preparation

Slice the Spam into 8 equal slices. You can also cut the slices into fries for a crispier texture.

Cooking times and temperatures

Preheat your air fryer to 370–400°F (188–204°C). Place the Spam slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.

Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. For crispier Spam, increase the cooking time slightly.

Serving

Remove the Spam from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it as-is, or get creative with dishes like Spam Musubi, Spam sliders, or Spam fried rice.

Serving suggestions for 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

A popular Hawaiian snack, Spam Musubi is made by layering rice, furikake, and spam, and then wrapping it in nori seaweed sheets. You can also add some sauce to your Spam Musubi for extra flavour. This could be a simple combination of brown sugar and soy sauce, or something more complex.

Sandwiches

Air-fried Spam is a great sandwich filling. You could make a classic Spam and egg sandwich, or get creative with your ingredients.

Rice and Noodles

Spam pairs well with rice. Try it with white rice and a fried egg, or fried rice with scrambled eggs and frozen vegetables. You can also serve Spam with ramen or egg noodle soup.

Salads

Chop up your air-fried Spam and add it to a salad. This could be a simple side salad or a more substantial meal, such as a Hawaiian Mac Salad with Spam.

Potatoes

Air-fried Spam goes well with potatoes. Try it with pan-fried potatoes, sweet potato fries, or taro fries.

Dipping Sauces

Air-fried Spam makes a great snack, especially when served with dipping sauces. Try spicy mayonnaise, ranch, or ketchup.

Breakfast

Crispy Spam fries are an excellent side dish for breakfast or brunch. Serve them with classic breakfast meats like bacon or sausages, or enjoy them with a fried egg.

The history of Spam in Hawaiian cuisine

Spam is an integral part of Hawaiian cuisine. It was introduced to the islands during World War II as an easy, fast, and inexpensive way to feed soldiers. By the end of the war, Spam was adopted into Hawaiian local culture, with dishes like Fried Spam and rice becoming popular meals.

Hawaii consumes about 7 million cans of Spam per year, despite its relatively small population of 1.42 million. It is beloved by locals and has become a staple in Hawaiian cooking due to its versatility, long shelf life, and salty, savory taste. It can be served in many different ways, including as a sandwich with scrambled eggs, wrapped in seaweed with rice, or fried and served with rice and a fried egg.

The unique flavour of Spam quickly found its way into other aspects of Hawaiian cuisine, and it is now considered an essential part of the islands' culinary landscape. It is so beloved that there is even an annual Spam Jam food event, where attendees can sample treats like Spam-flavoured macadamia nuts.

Spam's popularity in Hawaii can be attributed to its history, affordability, and adaptability in various dishes. It holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of Hawaiians, and its presence in the islands is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people.

Cooking Spam in an Air Fryer

Air frying is a popular method for cooking Spam, as it results in a crispy texture without the need for excess oil. To achieve the perfect crispiness, it is recommended to slice the Spam into equal pieces, marinate it in a mixture of brown sugar and shoyu (Japanese soy sauce), and air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The air fryer's ability to cook multiple slices at once without the need for additional oil makes it a convenient and mess-free option for preparing this beloved Hawaiian staple.

Frequently asked questions