Ella Walter
Canned luncheon meat, or SPAM, is a beloved food product, especially in Hawaii and among Asians. It was introduced to Hawaii in the 1940s during World War II as an easy and fast way to feed soldiers and has since become a staple in Hawaiian cooking. SPAM is known for its salty, savoury, sweet, and meaty flavour, and its long shelf life. It is also versatile and can be served in many different ways, including in sandwiches, with rice and nori to create katsu musubi, or with pan-fried potatoes. SPAM can be cooked in an air fryer in just 10 minutes, without the need for excess oil, making it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Spam in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 360°F - 400°F |
| Preheat time | 2 minutes |
| Spam slice thickness | 1/4-inch |
| Number of slices | 6-12, ideally 8 |
| Marinade | Brown sugar, shoyu or soy sauce |
| Cooking temperature | 370°F - 400°F |
| Cooking time | 8-12 minutes |
| Flip time | 5-7 minutes |
| Sauce application | Last 2 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Musubi, sandwich, salad, fried rice, ramen, egg noodle soup |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut and prepare your spam for the air fryer
To prepare your Spam for the air fryer, start by opening your can of Spam and slicing it into thin, even slices. The number of slices you cut your Spam into is up to you, but most sources recommend about 8 slices. This ensures that the slices are not too thick, which can lead to overcooking, and that they fit in the air fryer.
Once you have sliced your Spam, you can choose to marinate it before cooking. To do this, mix brown sugar and soy sauce in a shallow pan and place the Spam slices in the sauce for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can simply season the slices with your favourite spices and seasonings. If you want to add a sauce to your Spam, you can do this during the last 2 minutes of cooking by brushing it onto both sides of the slices.
If you are cooking Spam fries, cut the slices into fries, about 1/3 inch thick, after slicing the Spam. You can also choose to rinse your Spam before cooking, but this is a matter of personal preference.
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The optimal temperature and time settings
To cook Spam in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F. The cooking time varies depending on the number of slices and the desired crispiness level. For eight slices, 10 minutes at 400°F is a good starting point, with the option to add an extra minute or two for crispier results. For one slice, you may want to reduce the cooking time to around 10 minutes or less.
It is important to flip the Spam halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning. This means flipping at the 5-minute mark for 10-minute cooks and adjusting accordingly for different cooking times.
If you are making Spam Musubi, a Hawaiian snack, you will want to brush sauce onto both sides of the Spam during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The sauce can be made by mixing brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin.
For reheating leftover Spam, the air fryer can be set to 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Frozen slices of Spam can be reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer at the same temperature for 5-6 minutes.
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How to get the perfect crisp
To get the perfect crisp, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 380°F, depending on your preference. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your Spam slices. Cut the Spam into 8 equal slices, ensuring they are about 1/4-inch thick. You can also choose to marinate the slices in a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar for a few minutes to enhance the flavour and achieve a caramelized exterior.
Once your air fryer is preheated, place the Spam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out and not overlapping. Close the basket and set the timer for the desired cooking time. For most air fryers, cooking Spam for 10 minutes at 400°F will result in a nice crisp. However, if you are cooking at a lower temperature of 380°F, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes.
Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and flip each slice of Spam. This step is crucial for achieving an even, golden brown colour on all sides. After flipping, close the basket and continue cooking for the remaining time. For an extra crispy texture, you can air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on the Spam to prevent burning.
When the Spam slices are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Placing the cooked Spam on a paper towel-lined plate will help absorb any excess oil. And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy Spam slices that are ready to be enjoyed with your favourite dipping sauces or as part of a delicious recipe, such as Spam Musubi or a sandwich.
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Marinating and seasoning your spam
If you prefer a drier seasoning, you can simply sprinkle spices onto your Spam slices before air frying. Recommended spices include garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Just remember that Spam is already quite salty, so be careful not to overpower its natural flavour with too much additional salt.
When marinating, you can also experiment with different combinations of sauces and spices to find your favourite flavour. For example, you could try a combination of soy sauce and garlic powder, or teriyaki sauce with black pepper. The possibilities are endless!
Additionally, consider the thickness of your Spam slices. Thicker slices may require a slightly longer marinating time to allow the flavour to penetrate the meat. Also, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices, so thicker slices may take a couple of extra minutes in the air fryer.
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Serving suggestions and creative recipes
Air fryer SPAM is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. It can be enjoyed as a savoury, salty, and meaty snack on its own, or as part of a larger meal.
A popular way to serve air fryer SPAM is in the style of Katsu Sando, a Hawaiian classic. To make this, simply serve the SPAM with rice and nori to create Katsu Musubi, or with white rice and a fried egg. You can also wrap the SPAM and rice with dried seaweed, with or without egg, with sauce or furikake, to make a convenient handheld snack or meal.
Another option is to get creative with your SPAM and use it as an ingredient in other dishes. For example, you can chop it up and add it to a salad, or pair it with pan-fried potatoes. You can also use SPAM as the meat in fried rice, along with scrambled eggs and frozen vegetables. SPAM can also be served with ramen or an egg noodle soup.
If you're feeling adventurous, try making SPAM fries! Cut the SPAM into thick matchsticks and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until desired crispiness is achieved. Serve the warm fries with your favourite dipping sauces.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with seasonings and spices. While some people enjoy their SPAM as is, you can enhance the flavour by adding your favourite seasonings. Just add a touch of oil so that the herbs stick to the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F and let it preheat for about 2 minutes.
Air fry Spam for 8 to 12 minutes.
Cut your Spam into 8 equal slices.
Place the Spam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Flip the slices halfway through the cooking time. For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Spam cooked in an air fryer can be served in many ways. You can serve it with rice and nori to create Spam Musubi, with white rice and a fried egg, or in a sandwich. You can also chop it up for a salad, or pair it with pan-fried potatoes.
