Air-Fryer Scrapple: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Scrapple is a popular breakfast meat in the Mid-Atlantic states, particularly in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. It is made from scraps of pork meat, cornmeal, and spices, and is usually pan-fried. However, cooking scrapple in an air fryer is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease, speed, and delicious results. Air-fried scrapple is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a similar texture to bacon. In this article, we will explore the best methods for cooking scrapple in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.

Slicing the scrapple

When slicing the scrapple, it is recommended to cut the block in half first, and then cut each half again in the middle. You can then cut each quarter in half again to create eight even pieces. Each piece will be one serving. It is important to note that the number of slices you get from a block of scrapple may vary depending on the size and shape of the block.

It is also important to consider the size of your air fryer when slicing the scrapple. To ensure even cooking, the slices should fit comfortably in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some space between them. Overcrowding the basket should be avoided as it can cause the scrapple to stick together and prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking.

Once you have sliced the scrapple to your desired thickness, you can place the slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out nicely. You can spray the basket with oil beforehand to prevent sticking, especially if your scrapple is on the softer and mushier side. However, this step is not necessary as scrapple has a decent fat content and will not stick or crisp excessively.

Spacing out the scrapple slices

When placing the scrapple slices in the air fryer, be sure to space them out. This is important because it allows the hot air to circulate between the pieces, ensuring they cook all the way through and achieve the desired crispiness. If the slices are placed too close together, they may stick together and not cook evenly.

It is recommended to cook around six slices at a time in your air fryer to avoid overcrowding. You can cut the scrapple block into eight even pieces, each around 1/4" thick, or between 1/4" and 1/2" thick if you prefer a thicker slice. Thicker slices may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through and crispy.

To prevent the scrapple from sticking to the air fryer basket, use air fryer liners. You can also spray the basket with oil before placing the scrapple slices inside. However, this is not necessary as scrapple has a decent fat content and will not stick or crisp excessively.

By spacing out the scrapple slices and following these tips, you can ensure your scrapple cooks evenly and achieves the perfect crispiness in your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking scrapple in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the scrapple slices and the level of crispness desired. For thinner slices of scrapple, set the air fryer to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer a thicker slice of scrapple, use a slightly higher temperature setting and increase the cooking time.

When cooking scrapple in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the slices are evenly spaced and not overcrowded in the basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking. It is also recommended to use air fryer liners to prevent the scrapple from sticking to the basket.

For scrapple slices that are approximately 1/4 inch thick, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, flip the scrapple slices and cook for an additional 3 minutes. This will result in crispy scrapple that is golden brown in color.

If you prefer your scrapple to be thicker, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For slices that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick, cook for 10-15 minutes before flipping, and then continue cooking for a few minutes until done to your desired level of crispness.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the number of scrapple slices being cooked at once. Always keep an eye on the scrapple while it is cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.

Flipping the scrapple

When cooking scrapple in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook it in slices rather than as a whole loaf. This allows for even cooking and browning on both sides. To flip the scrapple slices in the air fryer, use a spatula or tongs to carefully turn each slice over. Be gentle, as scrapple is loose and fragile before it crisps up.

The timing of the flip is crucial. For thinner slices of scrapple, a single flip after about 10 minutes of cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient. This will allow the scrapple to cook through and become crispy without burning. For thicker slices of scrapple, you may need to cook the first side for a bit longer, up to 15 minutes, before flipping.

It is also important to ensure that the scrapple slices are not overcrowded in the air fryer. Leave enough space between the slices so that you have room to flip them without them sticking together. This will also help ensure even cooking and browning.

Additionally, when flipping the scrapple, be mindful of any oil or grease in the air fryer. Use a grease screen to reduce spatter if necessary. The scrapple should be nudged with a spatula to check if it is sticking to the cooking surface. If the scrapple slides around freely, it is ready to be flipped.

Serving suggestions

Scrapple is typically served as a breakfast side dish, often sliced and fried until crispy. It is a great addition to any breakfast or brunch spread and can be served like other breakfast meats such as bacon, pork roll, sausage, or turkey bacon.

You can serve it with eggs and toast, or as part of a breakfast sandwich. You can also serve it alongside pancakes. One popular recipe to cook with scrapple is Creamed Chipped Scrapple.

Scrapple is often served with condiments like ketchup, maple syrup, honey, mustard, or apple butter. You can also serve it with traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dips like apple butter, jelly, or maple syrup.

If you want to experiment with seasonings, you can season the scrapple slices with herbs, spices, or seasoning blends for added flavor before air-frying.

Frequently asked questions