Air Fryer Spam: How Long To Fry?

Spam is a beloved food product, especially in Hawaii and among Asians. It is a canned cooked spiced pork that was introduced to the market in 1937 and gained popularity during World War II. It is now available in over 41 countries worldwide. Spam is usually sliced and fried, grilled, or air-fried, and served with a variety of side dishes or incorporated into dishes like sandwiches, salads, or rice bowls. Air-frying is a popular method as it only takes about 10 minutes and results in a crispy exterior and soft interior.

How long for Spam in an air fryer?

How to cut Spam for the air fryer

To cut Spam for the air fryer, it is recommended to slice the Spam into 8 equal pieces. This can be done by cutting the Spam block in half, then cutting each half in half again, and then cutting each of those pieces in half again. This will give you 8 slices, which is said to be the perfect amount to fit in the air fryer without overlapping. Plus, this thickness means the Spam won't overcook and get too hard.

If you are making Spam fries, you can cut the Spam into fries instead of slices. The cooking time will remain roughly the same.

How long to cook Spam in the air fryer

Spam is a tinned, pre-cooked meat, usually made from pork, that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a popular dish in Hawaii, where it was introduced during World War II, and is also enjoyed in many other countries.

To cook spam in an air fryer, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This should take around five minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, cut your spam into slices. The number of slices you cut will depend on how crispy you like your spam and how many people you are serving. A good rule of thumb is to cut the spam block in half, and then keep cutting each piece in half until you have eight slices. This amount should fit in most air fryers and will take around 10-12 minutes to cook. If you want your spam to be extra crispy, you can cook it for slightly longer, and if you are cooking more slices, you may want to reduce the cooking time.

How to Cook Spam in the Air Fryer

Once your air fryer is preheated, place your spam slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. You can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if you don't preheat your air fryer. You can also spray the spam with a bit of oil before cooking to help it get extra crispy, although this is not necessary as spam already contains a lot of fat.

Serving Suggestions

Spam is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can eat it as it is, or add it to a salad or sandwich. It is also a popular ingredient in Hawaiian dishes such as Spam Musubi, where it is wrapped in rice and nori seaweed. You can also add a sauce to your spam, such as a brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil mixture, or simply dip it in ketchup or hot sauce.

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Spam is a quick and easy dish to make in an air fryer, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. It is a convenient and inexpensive meal or side dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Should you preheat the air fryer first?

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect, crispy texture and rich flavour in your dishes. It ensures even cooking and gives your food a golden-brown finish without compromising the juiciness. While some recipes don't specify the need for preheating, it can make a significant difference in certain cases.

The primary purpose of preheating is to bring the air fryer's cooking chamber to the desired temperature before adding your ingredients. This process kickstarts the Maillard reaction, ensuring even cooking and that coveted golden-brown finish. It also reduces cooking time, making it more energy-efficient. For example, when cooking steak or burgers, preheating the air fryer helps achieve that desirable grill-like browning and sear.

However, preheating is not always necessary. Certain foods are better off without preheating the air fryer. If you're cooking something delicate, like shrimp, or foods that will be cooking for a long time, such as a whole chicken or a baked potato, you don't want to preheat the air fryer. In these cases, the food will cook at a slower rate, preventing burning or drying out.

Additionally, if you're making a dish that you typically don't preheat the oven for, such as some baked goods, it's best to avoid preheating the air fryer. However, if you're making cookies and usually preheat the oven, you should preheat your air fryer as well.

When it comes to cooking SPAM in an air fryer, preheating is generally recommended. Set your air fryer to 400° F (200° C) and let it heat up for about five minutes. Then, place the SPAM slices in a single layer in the basket and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Preheating the air fryer will help achieve that slightly crispy exterior while keeping the SPAM soft and juicy on the inside.

What temperature to cook Spam in the air fryer

Spam is a hugely popular canned cooked spiced pork product that was introduced to the market in 1937. It gained further popularity during World War II, when it was brought over to Hawaii as an easy and fast way to feed soldiers. It has since become a staple in Hawaiian cooking and is enjoyed across the world in over 41 countries.

Cooking Spam in an Air Fryer

Air frying is an excellent way to cook Spam, as it requires little to no oil and produces a crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior. To cook Spam in an air fryer, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will take around five minutes.

Preparing the Spam

Before placing the Spam in the air fryer, you can slice it into 1cm (0.4-inch) slices or cut it into fries. You can also opt to marinate the Spam in a mixture of brown sugar and shoyu (Japanese soy sauce) for 10-15 minutes beforehand to add a smoky, sweet flavor.

Cooking Time and Process

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the Spam slices or fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the Spam halfway through the cooking process. For crispier results, you can increase the cooking time slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried Spam can be served in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed as a savory breakfast option with fried eggs and homemade fries or incorporated into sandwiches, such as a classic grilled cheese with cheddar cheese and butter. It also pairs well with side dishes like sweet potato fries or a simple green salad.

Customization

You can further customize your air-fried Spam by adding your favorite spices and seasonings. A touch of oil will help any herbs or spices stick to the surface. Additionally, if you prefer your Spam extra crispy, you can spray it with a bit of oil before air frying.

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:

Hawaiian-style

Spam is extremely popular in Hawaii, and for good reason—it's inexpensive, versatile, and easy to cook. A classic Hawaiian breakfast consists of Spam, fried eggs, and white rice. You can also serve it with rice and nori to create katsu musubi, a fun take on sushi. Or, chop it up and add it to a salad.

Sandwiches

Spam is an excellent sandwich filling. Try a classic grilled cheese with a couple of slices of Spam and cheddar cheese, or use it instead of breaded pork to make sandwiches like katsu sando.

Salads

You can easily add Spam to a wide range of salads. It goes well with a simple green salad or a potato salad.

Sides

Spam is delicious when served with sweet potato fries or pan-fried potatoes. You can also serve it with fried mushrooms, hash browns, and baby spinach for a classic full breakfast.

Frequently asked questions