Gammon is a classic British dish that's perfect for a hearty but affordable midweek roast. It might sound old-fashioned, but with some mustard, red cabbage and pickles, it’s actually quite the super star. Or supper star.
But did you know you can cook it in an air fryer? That's right, your go-to kitchen gadget can turn out a succulent, flavourful gammon that anyone can nail. All without a dirty oven pan you’ll have to soak and scrub after.
So here’s how to air fry gammon to perfection with some easy and delicious recipe ideas!
Why choose an air fryer for gammon?
Yes, it can seem like a bit of trend where we’re told to air fryer everything. But honestly, air fryers are a total game-changer for cooking gammon. They offer a healthier alternative to traditional roasting, as they require little to no oil. (Here’s everything you need to know about air fryers too).
The hot air circulation means even cooking, resulting in juicy, tender meat. The problem that lots of people might have with gammon is when it’s dry and overcooked. But because an air fryer can keep it succulent and juicy, you might soon find what an underrated joint of meat it is when done right.
Ingredients needed
To create a delectable air-fryer gammon, you'll need a few essential ingredients. Start with a quality gammon joint, weighing around 1-1.5kg. You'll also need your favourite glaze ingredients, such as honey, mustard or maple syrup. Don't forget the aromatic herbs and spices like cloves, bay leaves, and black pepper if you want to add extra depth.
Basic glaze ingredients
Don’t glaze over! A good glaze is the key to elevating your air-fryer gammon from ordinary to extraordinary. A classic combination is honey and mustard, which creates a sweet and tangy coating that complements the salty gammon perfectly. For a something different, try a maple and orange glaze, or go for a spicy kick with a chilli and ginger mixture. Gammon is actually super versatile.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Preparation
Before cooking, remove the gammon from its packaging and pat it dry with kitchen paper.
Remove some of the outside rind, but you’ll want to score the remaining fat with a knife in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
Place the gammon in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably with some space around it for the hot air to circulate.
Cooking process
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for a few minutes and then cook the gammon for approximately 20-25 minutes per 500g. For a 1kg gammon, that's around 40-50 minutes. If your gammon comes with a plastic cap covering the bone, remember to remove it before cooking to prevent it from melting.
Glazing and finishing
Halfway through the cooking time, brush your chosen glaze generously over the gammon.
Return it to the air fryer and continue cooking until the glaze is caramelised and the gammon is cooked through.
To check if it's ready, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part – it should read at least 71°C.
Tips for perfect air-fryer gammon
Bring your gammon to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
Experiment with different glaze combinations to find your favourite.
Let the gammon rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to settle evenly throughout the meat. It’ll carve better and be more tender.
Serving suggestions
Air-fryer gammon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables for a classic Sunday roast, or slice it thinly and use it in indulgent sandwiches or salads for a tasty lunch. Leftover gammon is also delicious in soups, pies, or fried rice dishes. And (if you want to raise a few eyebrows) gammon and pineapple is an amazing pizza topping.
What’s next?
If you already love air fryers (and who doesn’t?) then why not check out our fantastic choice of air fryers. If you’re new to them and want to find out what the fuss is about, check out our Small kitchen appliances buying guide.
