Cooking a gammon joint in an air fryer might not be the first method that comes to mind, but it is surprisingly effective. The air fryer helps to produce tender, juicy meat with a deliciously crisp exterior all with minimal effort. A 750g gammon joint is ideal for smaller households or a quick weeknight dinner. By using the air fryer, you can significantly cut down on cooking time while still achieving traditional flavor and texture. This method is efficient, cleaner, and a great way to modernize a classic British dish.
Why Choose a Gammon Joint?
A gammon joint is a versatile cut of pork that comes from the hind leg of the pig and is cured like bacon. Once it is cooked, it becomes what we commonly call ham. A 750g gammon joint is perfect for feeding 3-4 people, and it can be served hot or cold, making it suitable for a variety of meals throughout the week. When cooked correctly, gammon is moist, flavorful, and satisfying. Using an air fryer brings out the best in the meat while simplifying the cooking process.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
There are several reasons why an air fryer is a smart choice for preparing gammon:
- Time-saving: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster than traditional ovens.
- Energy-efficient: Because it uses less power and cooks faster, it’s ideal for quick meals.
- Even cooking: The hot air circulates around the meat, ensuring a crisp outside and juicy inside.
- Less mess: There’s no need for multiple pans or boiling water.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Gammon Joint 750g
To prepare a simple and flavorful air fryer gammon joint, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 gammon joint (approximately 750g, unsmoked or smoked, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon, wholegrain, or English mustard)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for added warmth
You can also add a glaze toward the end of cooking to give the gammon joint a beautiful finish. Many people enjoy a sweet glaze to balance the saltiness of the cured pork.
Preparing the Gammon Joint
Before placing the gammon joint into the air fryer, a bit of preparation ensures better results:
- Soak the joint (optional): If your gammon is particularly salty, soak it in cold water for a few hours or overnight. This helps to remove excess salt.
- Pat dry: Dry the joint with paper towels before seasoning to help the glaze stick better and allow the outside to crisp.
- Score the fat: If the gammon joint has a layer of fat, score it in a criss-cross pattern. This helps render the fat and makes the surface more appealing once cooked.
Seasoning the Joint
Mix the honey or maple syrup with the mustard and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the gammon, making sure to cover the scored fat. If you’re using spices like cloves or nutmeg, sprinkle them on top evenly. Let the joint sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before cooking.
Air Frying Instructions
Now you’re ready to cook the gammon in the air fryer. Follow these steps for best results:
- Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
- Place the gammon joint in the air fryer basket. Ensure it is not overcrowded and that air can circulate around the joint.
- Cook at 160°C for 40 minutes. Turn the joint over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- After 40 minutes, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and the fat to crisp.
- Check internal temperature it should reach 70°C (160°F) for a safe and fully cooked joint.
Once done, remove the gammon from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Gammon is incredibly flexible. You can serve it in many ways depending on the occasion or your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Traditional dinner: Pair the gammon with roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and parsley sauce.
- Casual meal: Serve thick slices of gammon with fried eggs and chips for a British classic.
- Cold lunch: Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board.
- With pineapple: For a sweet and savory combo, top the gammon with grilled pineapple rings.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best out of your air fryer gammon joint, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t skip the resting period it’s essential for moist slices.
- If your air fryer is small, you may need to trim the joint slightly to fit comfortably.
- Experiment with glazes try brown sugar and mustard, apricot jam and chili, or even a marmalade glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Why 750g Is a Great Size
A 750g gammon joint is easy to handle, quick to cook, and suitable for small air fryers. It’s also budget-friendly and produces enough meat for multiple meals. Unlike larger joints, a 750g cut doesn’t require hours of cooking or complex handling, making it ideal for beginner cooks or those short on time.
Leftover Ideas
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry gammon is just as tasty the next day. Some creative ways to use leftover gammon include:
- Dice it into pasta or risotto dishes
- Chop it for omelets or quiches
- Add to fried rice or noodle stir-fries
- Serve in crusty rolls with mustard and pickles
Cooking a 750g gammon joint in the air fryer is a modern twist on a beloved classic. It’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require much skill or preparation. The air fryer method ensures a tender interior and a caramelized glaze, making it a satisfying centerpiece for any meal. Whether you enjoy your gammon hot, cold, sweet, or savory, this approach delivers consistent results with minimal fuss. Try it once, and it may become your go-to method for preparing gammon in your kitchen.