Air Fryer Gammon Recipe

Table of Contents

Gammon is a popular cut of pork that’s often served during festive occasions or special meals. It’s known for its tender texture, rich flavor, and versatility in how it’s prepared. Cooking gammon in the air fryer is an excellent way to create a crisp, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy—without the long cooking times associated with traditional roasting methods. Whether you’re making a gammon roast for a holiday meal or just a weeknight dinner, the air fryer provides a quick and easy way to cook this delicious dish.

In this full recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of cooking a perfect Air Fryer Gammon with simple ingredients and detailed steps. From seasoning the gammon to the actual air frying process, this recipe ensures you get the best results.

Ingredients:

1kg (2.2 lbs) gammon joint (boneless or bone-in, depending on preference)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for aromatics)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gammon Joint:

Remove the packaging: Take the gammon joint out of its packaging. If it’s wrapped in netting, remove the netting carefully to avoid tearing the skin. If your gammon comes with skin, you can leave it on for a crispy finish or remove it if you prefer a leaner cut.
Trim the fat: Trim away any excess fat from the surface of the gammon. Leaving a little bit of fat helps retain moisture and flavor, but too much can make it greasy. If you’re unsure, aim for about 1/4 inch of fat.
Score the fat: If you left the skin on, score it with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern, about 1-2 inches apart. This helps the fat render down and crisps up during cooking.

2. Season the Gammon:

To enhance the flavor of the gammon and create a caramelized crust, we’ll prepare a glaze with a few simple ingredients.

Glaze Preparation: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (if using), and smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk the ingredients until fully combined and you have a smooth, thick glaze.
Apply the glaze: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the gammon joint with the glaze. Be sure to cover the entire surface, especially the scored fat, so it can caramelize nicely. If there is any glaze left over, you can use it for basting during the cooking process.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Preheating is important as it ensures that the gammon cooks evenly from the start and helps to achieve a crispy crust.

4. Cooking the Gammon in the Air Fryer:

Place the gammon in the air fryer basket: Carefully place the glazed gammon joint in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cut the gammon into two portions to fit.
Cook the gammon: Cook the gammon at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes for a 1kg gammon joint. You’ll want to check the internal temperature to make sure it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature—it should read around 75°C (165°F) when done. If you’re cooking a larger joint, you may need to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Baste the gammon: Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer basket and baste the gammon with the leftover glaze. This step helps build layers of flavor and ensures a caramelized, sticky crust.
Optional step for crispy skin: If you want a crispy and golden-brown finish, you can increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn, but this will allow the fat to crisp up beautifully.

5. Rest the Gammon:

Once the gammon has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it stays moist and tender when you slice it.

6. Slice and Serve:

After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the gammon into 1/2-inch thick slices. You can serve the slices as they are or with your favorite side dishes.

Serving Suggestions:

This Air Fryer Gammon is versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions for sides to complement your gammon:

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted potatoes, carrots, and parsnips seasoned with herbs make a hearty side dish.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work wonderfully with the rich gammon.
Green Beans or Broccoli: Steamed or air-fried broccoli or green beans make a light and healthy addition to the plate.
Gravy or Apple Sauce: A rich gravy or tangy apple sauce can complement the gammon’s savory flavors.
Salad: A fresh salad with greens, apples, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gammon.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Gammon:

Internal Temperature: Always ensure your gammon reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Adjust Cooking Time for Size: The cooking time for gammon may vary depending on the size of the joint. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger joints may require more time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Add Aromatics: If you’d like to infuse additional flavors into the gammon, you can place rosemary sprigs or garlic cloves in the air fryer basket alongside the meat. This will add a lovely aromatic flavor.
Keep It Moist: If you notice that the gammon is drying out, you can wrap it loosely in foil for the first half of the cooking process. This will keep it more moist. Then, uncover it for the last few minutes to allow the crust to form.
Glaze Variations: Feel free to customize your glaze. You can swap out the Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard or add a dash of chili flakes for heat. Maple syrup can replace honey, or you can even add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):

Calories: 300-400 kcal (depends on the portion size and glaze used)
Protein: 25-30g (from the gammon)
Fat: 20-25g (from the gammon and oil)
Carbohydrates: 10-15g (from the glaze ingredients)
Fiber: 1-2g (from the optional vegetables or sides)

Conclusion:

Air Fryer Gammon is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this popular cut of meat. The air fryer provides a quick and efficient cooking method, giving you tender, juicy gammon with a beautifully caramelized glaze. The easy-to-make glaze adds a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive meal or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Gammon Recipe