Air fryer SPAM is an easy way to cook up a Hawaiian classic: SPAM! Cook several pieces at once in your air fryer without any excess oil. It’s salty, savory, and can be served in many different ways.
Air Fryer Spam: The Easy Way to Prepare SPAM — A Hawaiian Favorite
It’s no secret how much Hawaiians love SPAM — myself included! It was introduced to the Island back in the 1940s and has become super popular ever since. It was originally brought over to Hawaii during World War II as an easy and fast way to feed soldiers. It’s become quite the staple in Hawaiian cooking, as it’s easy, inexpensive, and versatile.
I’ve already shared recipes like my famous SPAM fries and SPAM katsu musubi (a fun take on sushi), and you can even use it instead of breaded pork to make sandwiches like katsu sando. SPAM is perfectly salty and meaty, and you can’t beat its shelf life. Whenever I’m looking for an easy-to-make and simple comfort food, SPAM is my go-to!
I recently discovered just how delicious air fried SPAM is, and I knew I had to share how to make it. After you air fry SPAM, you can serve it in any of the recipes linked above. You can also feel free to create your own unique dish!
Air Fryer SPAM Key Ingredients
- SPAM. I typically opt for low sodium SPAM as I find it lighter than the original version. It contains less salt, so it’s a great choice for any of you who are hoping to reduce your sodium intake.
- Brown Sugar. Pork and brown sugar seem to be made for each other! Use it to create a quick marinade for the SPAM. You’ll get the smoky and sweet flavor you’ll find in honey-baked ham.
- Shoyu. I always have a bottle of shoyu on hand! It’s a type of Japanese soy sauce that boasts a salty and umami flavor that pairs perfectly with air fryer SPAM.
How to make perfect Air Fryer SPAM
Prep the SPAM. Slice the SPAM into 8 equal pieces and set it aside.
Make the marinade. Add the brown sugar and shoyu to a shallow pan and mix. Place the SPAM slices in the quick marinade and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer temperature to 400° F and let it heat up.
Air fry the SPAM. Arrange the SPAM in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook it for 10 minutes, making sure to flip it halfway through. You can increase the cooking time slightly for crispier results.
Serve & enjoy. Remove the SPAM from your air fryer and let it cool a little bit. Serve as desired and enjoy!
Tips
- Get creative with serving. SPAM can be served with rice and nori to create katsu musubi or with white rice and a fried egg. You can also chop it up for a salad, or pair it with pan-fried potatoes. The possibilities are truly endless!
- Add spices or seasonings. I like my SPAM as is, but you can also add your favorite spices and seasonings to it. If you do, I recommend adding just a touch of oil so that the herbs stick to the surface.
- Don’t forget to flip it. For perfectly crispy and evenly cooked results, be sure to flip the meat about halfway through the cooking time when you air fry SPAM. It makes a big difference!
Frequently asked Questions about Air Fried Spam
Absolutely — that’s what this recipe for air fryer SPAM is all about! Follow the instructions above or as detailed in the recipe below to discover the specific steps for air fried SPAM. It’s an easy way to prepare it that won’t require tons of excess oil!
I personally love to air fry SPAM! You can also pan-fry it on the stovetop, but I find that this method uses a lot of extra oil, and cleanup can be a pain. Air fried SPAM cooks up in just 10 minutes, and will give you perfectly crispy results every time without a ton of oil.
I personally do not rinse my SPAM before cooking. That said, you can rinse it if you’d like. It’s all about personal preference!
Other Local Hawaiian Style Dishes You’ll Love
- Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water
- Hawaiian Stuffing
- Taro Rolls
- Spicy ‘Ahi Poke Recipe
- Easy Local Hawaiian Style Breakfast Burritos
Air Fryer Spam
Equipment
Instructions
- Slice SPAM into 8 equal pieces and set aside.
- In a shallow pan mix brown sugar and shoyu. Place SPAM slices in the sauce and allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Place the SPAM in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through or until desired crispness.
- Remove from the basket, cool slightly, and ENJOY!
Notes
Tips
- Get creative with serving. SPAM can be served with rice and nori to create katsu musubi or with white rice and a fried egg. You can also chop it up for a salad, or pair it with pan-fried potatoes. The possibilities are truly endless!
- Add spices or seasonings. I like my SPAM as is, but you can also add your favorite spices and seasonings to it. If you do, I recommend adding just a touch of oil so that the herbs stick to the surface.
- Don’t forget to flip it. For perfectly crispy and evenly cooked results, be sure to flip the meat about halfway through the cooking time when you air fry SPAM. It makes a big difference!
Nutrition
© Relle Lum for Keeping It Relle. Please do not copy and paste or screenshot recipes online or on social media. I’d love it if you share a link with a photo instead. Mahalo!
Tried this recipe? Tag me on social. I’d love to see and share it. Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Tried and love this recipe? Please give it a rating.
Pin for later.
Great recipe
I love spam so a new way to prepare is always welcome
Aloha Daniel. Mahalo for stopping by and for the kind words. Have a great day.