I've made air fryer spam so many times I can't count, and it's perfect every time. If you've never tried spam in the air fryer, you're in for a crispy treat. This method transforms the humble canned meat into a delicious snack or meal component with a crisp exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Slices of cooked Spam made in the air fryer and served on a white plate.

Quick and Easy Spam Recipe

Cooking spam in the air fryer is super simple and quick. It requires minimal preparation and delivers a satisfying crunch that's hard to resist. The high heat of the air fryer caramelizes the spam's surface, enhancing its inherent savory flavors.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Spam

Spam: A canned meat with a salty, savory flavor that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Oil (optional): For an extra crispy exterior, lightly brush your spam slices with oil.
Seasoning: Feel free to add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika before cooking for added flavor.

Optional Additional Flavors: A drizzle of maple syrup, red pepper flakes, curry powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, or chili powder.

Can of classic Spam and the basket of the air fryer on a white table.

How to Cook Spam in the Air Fryer

STEP 1 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

STEP 2 - Slice the spam into ¼-inch thick pieces. This thickness allows each slice to get crispy edges while remaining juicy inside.

STEP 3 - Arrange the spam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they aren't overlapping to allow for even cooking.

Spam in the basket of the air fryer ready to cook.

STEP 4 - Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures both sides are evenly crisped.

Cooked Spam in the basket of the air fryer.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Spam

Preheat Your Air Fryer: This ensures the spam starts cooking immediately and crisps up nicely.
Even Slices: Cut your spam slices evenly to promote uniform cooking.
Don't Overcrowd: Arrange the spam in a single layer with some space in between for the best results.

Variations for Spam in the Air Fryer

Sweet and Spicy: Brush a mixture of honey and sriracha on the spam slices before the final few minutes of cooking.
Cheesy Delight: Top the spam slices with a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking for a melty treat.
Teriyaki Twist: Glaze the spam with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.

Air fried spam on a white plate ready to serve.

Air Fryer Spam FAQ's

Can I cook spam in the air fryer without oil?

Yes, spam can be cooked without additional oil due to its natural fat content.

What are some serving suggestions for air fryer spam?

Enjoy air fryer spam as part of a breakfast plate, sliced into spam and egg sandwiches, or diced in fried rice.

What is Spam made with?

It is surprising to know that spam is made with only 6 ingredients which are potato starch, water, salt, sugar, pork mixed with ham meat and sodium nitrite. Even though sodium nitrite is a preservative it is a small amount and helps maintain the meats' freshness. It is not the super preservative canned meat that many people think it is.

This simple recipe turns ordinary spam into a crispy, delicious meal or snack that's versatile and easy to make. Whether you're new to air frying or looking for quick ways to enhance your meals, give this air fryer spam a try!

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📖 Recipe

Air fried Spam cooked and ready to serve.

Air Fryer Spam

Jen

Air Fryer Spam comes out crispy and golden brown every time it is made in our home. It is perfect for snacks, sandwiches or as garnishes on salads and soups.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 10

Total Time 11

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 3 kcal

Equipment

1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

4 pieces Spam

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Use a cutting board to cut spam into slices.
Place spam in a single layer into the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Cook the spam for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F, flip spam slices halfway through the cooking time.
Remove and place spam on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
Serve while hot.

Notes

Optional Favorite Dipping Sauce: Chimichurri sauce, hot sauce, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, blue cheese, spicy garlic siracha, cilantro yogurt or marinara sauce.

Kitchen Tips: Spray spam with olive oil spray or light spray if you are going to add any spices prior to cooking (this will help the spices adhere to the meat). Try to keep temperature stable the entire time to ensure spam is fully cooked and crispy.

I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages your cook time may need to be for an additional couple of minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 0.04gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 14mgPotassium: 4mgIron: 0.01mg

Convert Any Oven Recipe to the Air FryerCheck out our Conversion Calculator!

*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.

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