This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients

  • 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 1/4-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

  • 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.

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 with 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.

Air fried Spam on a white plate ready to serve.

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!

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:

We Would Love to Hear From YOU!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. It lets us know how we are doing and lets others know they should try it! 

Air fried Spam cooked and ready to serve.
5 from 2 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Spam

By 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.  
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 11 minutes
Pin Rate Print
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

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: 3kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.04g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 14mg, Potassium: 4mg, Iron: 0.01mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
https://airfryingfoodie.com/web-stories/air-fryer-spam

Jen West

More About Me

You May Also Like

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Roman says:

    5 stars
    I made this for the First time this morning for breakfast. It was great. I sprinkled it with the garlic powder and paprika It was very flavorful.

    Reply