Sharing is caring! If you’re a fan of Hawaiian cuisine, you’ll love this easy recipe for Air Fryer Spam. With the air fryer, you can cook up several pieces of Spam at once, without the need for excess oil. It’s a salty and savory treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
The Hawaiian Love for Spam
It’s no secret how much Hawaiians adore Spam, and I’m no exception! Introduced to the islands during World War II as a convenient and quick food source for soldiers, Spam has become a staple in Hawaiian cooking. It’s easy, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile.
From Spam fries to Spam katsu musubi (sushi), and even using it as a substitute for breaded pork in sandwiches like katsu sando, Spam has found its way into numerous delicious recipes. Its perfect balance of saltiness and meatiness, coupled with its impressive shelf life, makes it my go-to comfort food.
The Easy Way to Make Air Fryer Spam
Recently, I discovered the incredible taste of air-fried Spam and knew I had to share this cooking method. Once you’ve air-fried your Spam, you can use it in any of the recipes mentioned above or get creative and come up with your own unique dish!
Air Fryer Spam: Key Ingredients
To make perfect air-fried Spam, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Spam: I recommend opting for low-sodium Spam for a lighter flavor. It contains less salt, making it a great choice for those watching their sodium intake.
- Brown Sugar: The combination of pork and brown sugar is a match made in heaven. It adds a smoky and sweet flavor reminiscent of honey-baked ham.
- Shoyu: This Japanese soy sauce, known for its salty and umami flavors, pairs perfectly with air-fried Spam.
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Spam
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing air-fried Spam:
- Prep the Spam: Slice the Spam into eight equal pieces and set them aside.
- Make the marinade: In a shallow pan, mix the brown sugar and shoyu to create a quick marinade. Place the Spam slices in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to heat up.
- Air fry the Spam: Arrange the marinated Spam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
- Serve & enjoy: Once the Spam is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly. Serve it as desired and savor the deliciousness!
Tips for Serving Air Fryer Spam
Here are a few tips to enhance your Air Fryer Spam experience:
- Get creative with serving: Enjoy Spam with rice and nori to create katsu musubi, or pair it with white rice and a fried egg. Chop it up for a salad or serve it alongside pan-fried potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
- Add spices or seasonings: While Spam is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with your favorite spices and seasonings. If you choose to add them, a touch of oil will help the herbs adhere to the surface.
- Don’t forget to flip it: For perfectly crispy and evenly cooked Spam, remember to flip the slices halfway through the cooking time. This simple step makes a big difference!
Frequently Asked Questions about Air-Fried Spam
Other Local Hawaiian Style Dishes You’ll Love
If you’re intrigued by Hawaiian cuisine, give these local favorites a try:
- Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water
- Hawaiian Stuffing
- Taro Rolls
- Spicy ‘Ahi Poke Recipe
- Easy Local Hawaiian Style Breakfast Burritos
Tag me on social media when you try this recipe. I’d love to see and share your creations. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you enjoy this recipe, please give it a rating. And don’t forget to pin it for later!
Now, go ahead and indulge in the deliciousness of Air Fryer Spam. Mahalo!
