Cooking gammon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meat dish. Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food, resulting in meals that are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. This cooking method takes all the guesswork out of cooking the perfect gammon joint.
If you have recently bought an air fryer and are wondering how to cook gammon in this nifty little appliance, this article will walk you through the entire process step-by-step. From choosing the right size of gammon to cooking times, temperature settings and how long to rest the meat after – we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about making mouthwatering air fryer gammon in no time.
Why Cook Gammon In An Air Fryer?
Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer to cook gammon:
- Quick cooking time – Gammon joints cook much faster in an air fryer compared to oven roasting. A 2 lb joint takes only 50-60 minutes.
- Crispy exterior – The circulating hot air crisps up the fatty outer layer beautifully.
- Tender and juicy interior – The meat retains moisture and tenderness.
- Adds flavor – The air fryer’s hot air infusion adds a lovely roasted flavor.
- Easy – It’s a hassle-free way to cook gammon with minimal preparation needed.
- Versatile – Apart from roasting whole joints, you can also air fry gammon steaks, chops etc.
So if you want to enjoy delicious roast gammon in record time, the air fryer is your best bet. Now let’s get into how to do it right.
Choosing The Right Size Gammon
- For air fryers with a 3 quart capacity, choose a 1 to 1.5 lb gammon joint. This will comfortably fit in the basket.
- For a 5 quart air fryer, pick a joint between 1.5 to 2.5 lbs.
- Don’t overload the air fryer basket as that can hinder air circulation.
- Get your butcher to trim off some of the excess fat if needed.
- Avoid gammons larger than 2.5 lbs as they likely won’t fit in most air fryer baskets. You can cook bigger roasts in batches.
Preparing The Gammon
Proper preparation is key for perfectly cooked gammon:
- Take the gammon out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking. Let it come to room temperature.
- Using a sharp knife, lightly score the fatty top in a diamond pattern. This helps the fat render.
- For added flavor, you can brush some honey, maple syrup or brown sugar on top. Avoid excess liquids.
- Season the meat generously with salt, pepper and any other spices of choice.
- For extra browning, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs on top.
- No need to add oil or fats. The natural fat in gammon is enough.
That’s all the prep your air fryer gammon needs!
Cooking Times For Air Fryer Gammon
Here are the approximate cooking times for different sizes of gammon:
- 1 lb joint – Cook at 380°F for 30-35 minutes.
- 1.5 lb joint – Cook at 360°F for 50-60 minutes.
- 2 lb joint – Cook at 340°F for 60-70 minutes.
- 2.5 lb joint – Cook at 320°F for 70-80 minutes.
These timings are based on fully thawed gammon joints. Add 5-10 mins for frozen joints.
Always check the internal temp using a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through. The ideal internal temperature for gammon is 140°F.
If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent foil on top.
Step By Step Method
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer gammon:
Step 1) Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheating is important for proper cooking.
- For a 2 lb gammon, preheat at 340°F for 4-5 minutes.
Step 2) Add Gammon To Basket
- Place prepared gammon in air fryer basket.
- For smaller joints under 2 lbs, you can place directly on the mesh basket.
- For larger roasts, set in an oven-safe dish then place in basket.
Step 3) Air Fry!
- Air fry at the recommended temperature based on size.
- Flip gammon halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Brush with glaze in last 10 minutes if using.
Step 4) Check For Doneness
- Stick a meat thermometer into thickest part.
- It should read 140°F when done.
- If undercooked, air fry for 5-10 mins more.
Step 5) Let It Rest
- Once cooked, remove from air fryer and let rest for 8-10 minutes.
- This allows juices to redistribute evenly.
Step 6) Carve and Serve
- Use a sharp knife to carve into slices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious air fried gammon!
So that’s really all there is to cooking gammon joints in an air fryer. It’s super simple and gives amazing results every time.
Tips For Making Perfect Air Fryer Gammon
Here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Pat the joint dry before seasoning – this helps the spices stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – leave some gaps for air circulation.
- Brush with some brown sugar glaze near the end for a lovely caramelized crust.
- Air frying at a lower temp results in more even cooking for larger joints.
- Let the gammon rest before carving – this prevents juices from spilling out.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurately doneness, not just relying on timings.
- Add roasted potatoes and veggies to the basket for a whole meal.
- Flipping halfway through is important for browning on all sides.
- For added flavor, score fat and stuff garlic cloves or herbs into slits.
Common Air Fryer Gammon Problems Solved
Having trouble getting perfect results? Here are some common issues and easy fixes:
- Problem: Burnt or dry exterior
- Solution: Don’t preheat for too long, reduce air fry temp, loosely tent foil on top
- Problem: Undercooked and raw center
- Solution: Increase cooking time, use thermometer to confirm doneness
- Problem: Uneven cooking
- Solution: Flip gammon halfway, maintain air gaps in basket
- Problem: Fat isn’t rendered
- Solution: Score fat properly before cooking, choose lean cuts of gammon
- Problem: Too much smoke
- Solution: Trim excess fat before cooking, reduce air fry temp after initial browning
Delicious Gammon Recipes For The Air Fryer
The air fryer is so versatile, you can make much more than just a simple roasted gammon. Here are some recipe ideas:
- Honey glazed gammon – Brush ham with honey, mustard and brown sugar glaze.
- Apple gammon – Stud the gammon with cloves and top with apple slices.
- Orange ginger gammon – Rub a citrus, ginger and garlic paste on the meat.
- Mustard and herb crusted gammon – Coat with grainy mustard, rosemary and thyme.
- Pineapple gammon steaks – Top slices with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries.
- BBQ gammon chops – Coat boneless chops in tangy BBQ sauce.
- Gammon roast with roasted veggies – Add potatoes, carrots, parsnips to the air fryer basket.
So don’t limit yourself to just roasting gammon joints. With some creativity, you can make amazing gammon meals in your air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Gammon
If you’re new to cooking gammon in an air fryer, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some commonly asked queries:
How long does it take to cook gammon in an air fryer?
- It takes 30-35 minutes per pound to fully cook gammon in an air fryer. A 2 lb joint will need 60-70 minutes. Adjust time based on thickness.
Should you cook gammon fat side up or down in air fryer?
- Cook fatty side up so the rendered fat crisps up the top and bastes the meat. Place on a foil lined pan if concerned about drips.
Can you put gammon straight from freezer into air fryer?
- Yes, adding 5-10 mins to the cook time. Let the frozen joint thaw for 20-30 mins before seasoning and scoring the fat.
Should gammon be covered in foil when cooking in air fryer?
- There’s no need to fully cover it. You can loosely tent foil to prevent over-browning but don’t wrap airtight as that’ll steam not crisp it.
What temperature do you cook gammon at in an air fryer?
- Ideal air fryer temperature for gammon is 320°F to 380°F based on size. For joints under 2lbs, cook at 360-380°F. For larger roasts above 2lbs, cook at 320-340°F.
Do you need to flip gammon when air frying?
- It’s recommended to flip the gammon halfway during cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
How long does gammon take to rest after cooking in air fryer?
- Let gammon rest for 8-10 minutes after air frying before slicing. This allows juices to be reabsorbed for a moist and tender texture.
Can you reheat leftover gammon in an air fryer?
- Yes, air fryers are fantastic for reheating leftovers. Slice gammon and air fry at 360°F for 4-5 mins until heated through. Brush with glaze for added flavor.
So in a nutshell, air frying is one of the quickest and tastiest methods for cooking moist, succulent gammon. With the right sized joint and temperature, you’ll have crispy, caramelized gammon in no time.