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Air Fryer Gammon: A Quick and Delicious Delight

Gammon is a beloved staple in British cuisine, often gracing our tables during festive occasions and Sunday roasts. While traditionally cooked in an oven or boiled, the air fryer has become a game-changer in modern kitchens, allowing us to prepare this succulent meat with far less time and hassle. In this article, we delve into the delightful world of air fryer gammon, exploring its benefits, cooking tips, and a fool-proof recipe that will have your taste buds singing.

Why Choose Air Fryer Gammon?

The air fryer has transformed the way we approach cooking, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavour. Here are some of the advantages of preparing gammon in an air fryer:

1. Speed: Air fryers cook food quickly thanks to their powerful fan that circulates hot air. Gammon can be cooked in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven.

2. Crispy Exterior: The air fryer’s ability to produce crispy, golden exteriors is perfect for gammon, giving it a restaurant-quality finish.

3. Less Oil: Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option for cooking this fatty meat.

4. Moist and Tender: The enclosed cooking environment helps to retain moisture while creating the desired caramelisation on the outside.

Selecting Your Gammon

When choosing gammon for your air fryer, you have a range of options, including unsmoked, smoked, or glazed varieties. An unsmoked gammon joint allows you to infuse your own flavours, whereas a glazed gammon will deliver a sweet, sticky finish. Look for joints that have good marbling, as this will enhance flavour and tenderness during cooking.

Preparation Tips

Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the gammon properly:

1. Soak: If using a salted joint, soak it in cold water for several hours or overnight to remove excess salt. This step helps to ensure that the final dish isn’t overly salty.

2. Score the Fat: Lightly score the fat on top of the joint in a criss-cross pattern. This not only helps the fat render during cooking, creating a crispy surface, but also allows any glazes to penetrate deeper into the meat.

3. Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add your favourite seasonings. A simple glaze made from honey, mustard, and brown sugar can elevate the flavour dramatically.

Air Fryer Gammon Recipe

Here’s a straightforward recipe to create a mouth-watering air fryer gammon joint. Perfect for a family gathering or a special dinner:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg gammon joint (unsmoked or smoked)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Optional: Cloves for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and preheat for about 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Gammon: If necessary, soak the gammon joint to remove excess salt. After soaking, pat it dry with kitchen paper.

3. Score and Glaze: Score the fat in a criss-cross pattern. In a bowl, mix the honey, mustard, and brown sugar together. Brush this glaze generously over the entire joint, ensuring it gets into the scored sections.

4. Cook the Gammon: Place the gammon joint into the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Halfway through the cooking time, pause to brush on more glaze.

5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the gammon from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

6. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the gammon, serve it warm, and enjoy with your favourite sides—think buttery mashed potatoes or crispy roast vegetables.

Conclusion

Air fryer gammon is a perfect combination of convenience and flavour. This method not only saves time but also results in a deliciously crispy and succulent joint that will impress your family and friends alike. Next time you’re planning a meal, consider giving this quick and tasty method a try—it could very well become your new favourite way to enjoy gammon!

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