Craving a crispy, savory snack? Air Fryer Spam is the perfect solution. This simple recipe transforms the classic canned meat into a golden brown, deliciously crunchy treat. With just a few minutes in the air fryer, you can enjoy a flavor-packed snack that's perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick bite at home. And best of all add to a Hawaiian Lunch Plate with Hawaiian Mac Salad
Air Fryer Spam is a modern take on a beloved food product, transforming pork ham canned meat into crispy, bite-sized pieces that are perfect as a snack or a side dish.
This recipe is particularly great because it requires minimal ingredients and effort. With just a can of Spam, you can create a satisfying snack that’s ready in minutes. The air fryer not only ensures an even crunchier exterior but also reduces the need for extra oil, making it a healthier choice compared to traditional frying methods!
Spam has deep roots in Hawaiian cuisine and is often used in dishes like Spam Musubi, Spam Fried Rice, and Spam Sliders. You may also enjoy this Hawaiian Mac Salad with Spam too!
For more easy air fryer snack recipes, check out my Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs, Canned Pillsbury Grand Biscuits in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties, Air Fryer Sausages (Fresh or Frozen Patties), and Bagel Bites Air Fryer!
Spam in Air Fryer Time and Temperature
Keeping it simple, Air Fry Spam at 400F Degrees for 8-10 minutes flipping half way through. Spam slices should be about ¼inch thick. No oil is needed. The fat in the spam will self baste as it cooks.
Spam Varieties
- Classic Spam: This is what is used in this recipe.
- Spam Lite (Less Sodium): Use it the same way, slightly less caramelization.
- Spam Korean BBQ Flavor: A sweet spice with a tangy flavor sauce.
- Spam Japanese Barbecue Sauce Flavor: Similar in flavor to Teriyaki sauce a sweet savory sauce that pairs well with vegetables, protien or plain.
- Spam Maple Flavored: A well loved flavor that tastes like it's name
- Spam with Bacon: Everything is better with bacon and so is Spam!
This recipe works with any Spam variety and cooking time stays the same.
Ingredients Needed for Air Fried Spam
- Spam. The main ingredient, providing a savory, meaty flavor.
- Optional Seasonings
- Cayenne Pepper. Adds a bit of heat for those who enjoy spicy flavors.
- Onion Powder. Enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
- Soy Sauce. Adds a touch of umami to the Spam, making it even more savory.
- Cooking Oil. A minimal amount to help crisp up the Spam in the air fryer.
- Brown Sugar. Optional, for a slight caramelized sweetness.
How to Air Fry Spam
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. While the air fryer is heating, open your can of Spam and slice it into ¼-inch thick slices. For an extra crispy texture, you can further cut these slices into fries, about ⅓ inch thick.
- Place the Spam slices or fries into the hot air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip each slice of Spam to achieve an even golden brown color on all sides.
- For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The Spam is ready when the outside is crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked, place the Spam slices on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as spicy mayonnaise, ranch, or plain ketchup.
Spam Cutting Variations
- Slices: Slice in 8-10 equal slices, the classic preparation and best for a plate lunch or in rice bowls.
- Spam Fries: Cut lengthwise into fry shapes. You will get crispier edges and it's a great snack when dipped into your favorite dipping sauce.
- Spam Chips or Spam Bites: Thinly sliced or cubed. Air Fryer Spam Chips cook faster depending on size. Reduce time to 6-8 minutes total. Perfect to add to salads, fried rice or just snacking on.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Spam
Air Fryer Spam can be served with White Rice or Brown Rice, Scrambled Eggs, or even Teriyaki Noodles.
One favorite way is on a traditional Hawaiian Lunch Plate. Commonly served with a protein such as Huli Huli Chicken, Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken or Teriyaki Beef, white rice, and Hawaiian Mac Salad. And for extra sauce make your own. This easy Teriyaki Sauce is a favorite you will love.
Seasoning & Marinade Options
We love the current spice seasoning blend. But there are many ways to season and marinate Spam. Traditionally Spam is marinaded in a shoyu and brown sugar marinade. Shoyu is a Japanese soy sauce. However, you can use a regular soy sauce too.
Or enjoy spam plain. there is plenty of sodium to add extra flavor all on it's own. The air fryer will caramelize the natural sugars. It's a great easy option that tastes great.
FAQs
Yes, you can use any variety of Spam, including low-sodium or flavored options.
No, the Spam has enough fat content, so only a minimal amount of oil is needed for the air fryer.
Yes, you can try this method with other canned meats like corned beef or luncheon meat.
Ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and seasonings.
Yes, you can slice the Spam and coat it with seasonings ahead of time, then air fry it when ready to serve.
Slicing Spam is easy because it's so soft. Use a sharp knife or a wire slicer for clean cuts.
Air frying on higher heat will make the outside crispy while leaving the inside soft and juicy.
Cubes vs Slices – Which Is Better?
Both cubes and slices are perfect when preparing fried spam. It comes down to the dish you are serving and what works best. So slice it up or cube it up, which do you prefer?
How to Slice Spam for Best Results
Spam is best sliced to about ¼ inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a wire slicer for clean cut. Or enjoy up to ½ in thick for a more hearty slice on a sandwich or slice up and fry as a fry.
Storage & Freezing
Storage: Place any leftover Spam in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooked Spam slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
Making Ahead: You can prepare the Spam slices and season them ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes it easy to pop them into the air fryer for a quick and convenient snack.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use chili powder or paprika instead of Cayenne Pepper for a milder spice.
- Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative to Soy Sauce.
- Omit the Brown Sugar for a less sweet version or substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
- Olive oil or avocado oil can be used as a Cooking Oil instead of traditional vegetable oil.
Pro Tips
- For the best results, make sure to preheat the air fryer and arrange the Spam slices in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Marinate the Spam slices in soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar for a few minutes before air frying to enhance the flavor and achieve a slightly caramelized exterior.
- Serve these crispy Spam fries with a side of sweet potato fries, pickle fries, or taro fries for a variety of textures and flavors. Pair them with a fried egg for a complete meal.
- Crispy Spam fries make an excellent side dish for breakfast or brunch. They pair well with classic breakfast meats like bacon or sausages and can be enjoyed with a fresh salad or as part of a hearty sandwich. For a fun twist, serve them with a dipping sauce like spicy mayonnaise or ranch for added flavor.
Have you tried cooking Spam in the Air Fryer with this recipe?
Please leave a comment below if you have tried making this recipe. I love to hear from you and enjoy reading about what you think. Be sure to tag @devourdinner when posting to social media. I can't wait to see your photos!
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- Frozen Garlic Bread in Air Fryer
- Frozen Veggies in Air Fryer
- Frozen Waffles in Air Fryer
- Easy Chicken Fajitas (Air Fryer & Instant Pot)
- Air Fryer Donuts with Biscuits
Spam in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 can of Spam - 12 ounces
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
- Open the can of Spam and slice Spam into ¼-inch slices. 1 can of Spam
- Tip: Spam can be Air Fried in slices or the slices can be cut into Spam Fries. With each fry about ⅓ inch thick.
- Place Spam in a hot Air Fryer basket and Air Fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Flip Spam slices over half way through cooking process for most even cooking and ensuring outside is evenly cooked.
- Spam is done when the outside is crispy. Air Fry for an additional 1-2 minutes for an extra crispy Spam slice. (optional)
Notes
- Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked Spam slices on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen.
- Reheat: Reheat in a single layer in the air Fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
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