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Fried SPAM in the Air Fryer

Name: Fried SPAM in the Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 package of canned SPAM

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Fried SPAM in the Air Fryer is the perfect side for breakfast! Made easily in the air fryer, you’ll get juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside results every time. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat!

a plate of fried SPAM with scrambled eggs and oranges

Air Fryer SPAM

SPAM in air fryer is so yummy! Today my breakfast included a hearty serving of this easy-to-make air fried SPAM, and it was just fabulous.

If you ever wanted to know how to cook SPAM in the air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. Learn how to get a great crispy and delicious serving to go with your morning breakfast.

Everyone knows what that canned meat looks like — some people love it, some people hate it. Some people are even scared to eat it! I bought a bunch when I started to air fry. I wanted to know how good it would come out.

The results? I created one of my best and most popular recipes ever, AIR FRYER SPAM FRIES!

If you’re looking for more Air Fryer Recipes for Breakfast Meats, be sure to check out my AIR FRYER TURKEY BACON, AIR FRYER CRISPY BACON, and AIR FRYER SAUSAGES.

Why You’ll Love SPAM in Air Fryer

Crispy and juicy all at the same time
Ready in under 20 minutes
Satisfying
The best way to give SPAM a try!

What is SPAM?

You probably know that you can find SPAM in the aisle at your grocery store with tuna fish and other canned meats. What you probably don’t know is what exactly SPAM is.

SPAM was a food that came about during World War II when the war office gave it to soldiers on the battlefield. It quickly became popular in Hawaii, Okinawa, and the Philippines where the soldiers were stationed.

What it really is is canned ham. It’s made with pork ham and pork shoulder and is flavored with spices, potato starch, sugar, and preservatives.

Now that you know what it is, let’s learn how to cook SPAM!

Ingredients Needed To Air Fry SPAM

Canned SPAM: This is the package that I used in this fried SPAM recipe, I believe the container is pretty much the same that you would get around the globe.

How To Cook SPAM in Air Fryer

slices of SPAM on a wooden cutting board

Step 1: Prepare the ham

Cut the SPAM up, into about 1/4 inch pieces. If you want it thicker, cut it thicker — just increase the cooking time a bit.

Step 2: Air fry SPAM

Place your SPAM slices into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, and air fry for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through!

SPAM cooked in air fryer on a plate with scrambled eggs and oranges

What Is The Best Way To Cook SPAM?

In the air fryer, of course! When you air fry SPAM, it becomes even more delicious than you could ever imagine. I know that a lot of you most likely haven’t ever tried it before. Frying SPAM crisps it up perfectly and highlights its natural flavors. In my opinion, it’s the only way to enjoy it!

Do You Rinse SPAM Before Cooking?

You don’t have to, but if sodium is a concern, you may consider it. Rinsing canned ham in cold water before cooking it will remove a lot of excess salt that is used to preserve it. You could also go so far as to soak it in water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly with a paper towel before adding it to the air fryer basket.

What Do You Season Fried SPAM With?

Get creative! I like my fried SPAM as is with a side of ketchup for dipping, but you could also add hot sauce if you like spicy foods. I don’t recommend adding extra salt as the ham is quite salty as it is. You also don’t have to worry about adding seasonings before you air fry SPAM because there are already spices in it.

Can I Eat SPAM Raw?

You technically could since it is already cooked. That said, air fryer SPAM is so much better! When you fry it, you’ll bring out the flavors — and the crispy texture can’t be beat. Canned ham straight from the can just isn’t as tasty.

More Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes:

Helpful Products For Making SPAM in Air Fryer

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

INSTANT VORTEX AIR FRYER 4 IN 1