Air-Fried Spam: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Spam is a beloved food product, especially among Hawaiians and Asians. It was introduced to Hawaii during World War II as an easy and fast way to feed soldiers and has since become a staple in Hawaiian cooking. Spam is also a convenient food to have at home as it is shelf-stable and filling.

One of the easiest ways to cook spam is by using an air fryer. This method yields crispy spam without the need for oil. Here is a simple recipe for making spam in an air fryer.

How to cut Spam for the air fryer

To cut Spam for the air fryer, you'll want to slice the Spam into thin, even slices. The number of slices you cut your Spam into can vary, but it's important to ensure that they are not too thick, so they don't overcook and become too hard. A good number to aim for is 8 slices, which can be achieved by first cutting the Spam block in half, then cutting each half into quarters. This will give you 8 uniform slices that will fit well in the air fryer and cook evenly.

Another option is to cut the Spam into thin slices or fries, which can be cooked in the air fryer until crispy. If you choose to cut your Spam into slices, be sure to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

When slicing Spam, it is recommended to chill it in the refrigerator for an hour beforehand to help stiffen it, making it easier to slice and bread, if desired.

How to make a marinade for Spam

Spam is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to Hawaiian snacks like Spam Musubi. Here is a guide on how to make a delicious marinade for your Spam, which can be cooked in an air fryer, pan-fried, or grilled.

Ingredients

• 1 can of Spam (low sodium is preferable to reduce salt intake)
• Brown sugar
• Shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)
• Oyster sauce (optional)
• Soy sauce (optional)

Instructions

• Slice the Spam into 8 equal pieces. You can lay the Spam on its side and cut it in half, then half again, and once more until you have 8 uniform slices.
• In a shallow pan or bowl, mix the brown sugar and shoyu (soy sauce) together to create a quick marinade. You can also add a little oyster sauce to this mixture for extra flavour.
• Place the Spam slices in the marinade and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavours.
• If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F. You can also pan-fry the Spam if preferred.
• Arrange the Spam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or pan.
• Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping the Spam halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You can increase the cooking time slightly if you want crispier results.
• Remove the Spam from the air fryer or pan and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For a more complex flavour profile, you can add other ingredients to the marinade, such as garlic, ginger, sesame oil, or mirin.
• If you want to glaze the Spam instead of marinating it, you can cook the slices first and then brush on the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• When making Spam Musubi, you can add a sprinkling of furikake (Japanese seaweed seasoning) to the rice for extra flavour and texture.

How to cook Spam in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Spam
• Brown sugar
• Shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Mirin (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Shallow pan (optional)
• Tongs or a fork

Method

• Prep the Spam: Slice the Spam into 8 equal pieces and set aside.
• Make the marinade (optional): Add brown sugar and shoyu to a shallow pan and mix. Place the Spam slices in the quick marinade and allow to sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 360–400°F and let it heat up.
• Air fry the Spam: Arrange the Spam in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, making sure to flip it halfway through. You can increase the cooking time for crispier results.
• Serve and enjoy: Remove the Spam from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving as desired.

Tips

• Get creative with serving: Spam is versatile and can be served in many ways, including with rice, nori, and egg to create Spam musubi, or chopped up for a salad.
• Add spices or seasonings: If desired, add your favourite spices and seasonings to the Spam. Add a touch of oil so that the herbs stick to the surface.
• Don't forget to flip: For crispy and evenly cooked results, flip the Spam halfway through the cooking time.

How to assemble Spam Musubi

Spam Musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack, consisting of cooked Spam and rice wrapped with nori (seaweed). It is a type of sushi, and there are many ways to assemble it. Here is one method:

Firstly, you will need to cook your rice. Use short-grain rice and cook it in a rice cooker, microwave, or Instant Pot. You want the rice to be sticky, so it is best to use sushi rice. However, if you don't have sushi rice, you can use plain white rice and it will still work. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it up a bit to make it easier to work with.

Next, cut your Spam block into 8 even slices. You can then fry the slices in a pan with some oil, or cook them in an air fryer. If you are frying the slices in a pan, you can also add a sauce or glaze to the pan to give the Spam a teriyaki flavour. A simple sauce can be made by mixing together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin.

Now it's time to assemble the musubi. You can use a musubi mold, or you can make your own mold using a clean, empty Spam can. Line the can with cling wrap, then fill it with about 3 tablespoons of rice. Flatten the rice with a spoon, then add a slice of Spam on top.

Next, cut a sheet of nori to your desired size. Place the nori sheet on a clean surface, then place the musubi mold in the centre. Wrap the nori sheet around the musubi, using a little water to seal it if needed.

Finally, remove the musubi from the mold and serve immediately. You can also add some extra toppings, such as sliced omelette, avocado, or furikake (a Japanese seasoning made from seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, and spices).

Spam Musubi is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for a few days. If you are making a large batch, it is best to wrap each musubi individually in plastic wrap to prevent the rice from drying out.

How to make a dipping sauce for Spam fries

While your Spam fries are cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare a delicious dipping sauce to go with them. Here are some ideas:

Spicy Dipping Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and ketchup in a small bowl. You can also add some garlic to the sauce for extra flavour. If you like your sauce to have a bit of a kick, add some cayenne pepper or extra Sriracha to taste.

Brown Sugar and Shoyu Sauce

Mix brown sugar and shoyu (a type of Japanese soy sauce) in a shallow pan. This sauce will give your Spam fries a sweet and smoky flavour.

Fry Sauce

This sauce is creamy and lightly spicy. It is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, and hot sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your preference and add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste.

Musubi Sauce

Mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin. This sauce is perfect if you are serving your Spam fries as a Hawaiian-style snack or with rice.

Simply prepare your chosen sauce, and when your Spam fries are ready, dip them in and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions