Looking for a simple way to cook a delicious gammon joint? You’re in the right place. This guide will show you exactly how to cook a gammon joint in an air fryer UK style. It’s a fantastic method that saves time and energy compared to using your oven, and it gives you a beautifully cooked piece of meat with a lovely texture.
Air fryers are brilliant for this. They circulate hot air around the joint, cooking it evenly and creating a nice finish on the outside. Whether you’re making a weekend roast, a special dinner, or planning for leftovers, this technique is a game-changer. Let’s get started with what you’ll need.
How To Cook A Gammon Joint In An Air Fryer Uk – British Style Recipe
This recipe focuses on a classic British approach. We’ll prepare a gammon joint that’s succulent on the inside and has a tasty, slightly caramelised exterior. It’s perfect for slicing hot with vegetables or letting it cool for sandwiches.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients & Equipment
Gathering your ingredients first makes the whole process smoother. Here’s your shopping and equipment list.
Ingredients
- 1 unsmoked or smoked gammon joint (about 1kg is ideal for most air fryer baskets)
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 8-10 whole black peppercorns
- Optional for glaze: 2 tablespoons of marmalade, honey, or brown sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of wholegrain mustard
Equipment
- Your air fryer
- A large pot for pre-boiling (if your gammon requires it)
- Kitchen tongs
- A meat thermometer (highly recommended for perfect results)
- Aluminium foil
Understanding Your Gammon Joint
Before you start, it’s important to check your gammon joint’s label. This determines your first step.
- Soaked or ‘Ready to Cook’: These joints have already been cured and soaked to remove excess salt. You can usually cook them directly without pre-boiling. Always check the packet instructions.
- Unsoaked or Traditional: These need to be soaked in cold water for several hours, or more commonly, simmered in water first to reduce the saltiness. This pre-boiling step is crucial for taste.
When in doubt, a short pre-boil won’t hurt a ‘ready to cook’ joint and can ensure it isn’t to salty. It’s a safe bet.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked air fryer gammon joint every single time.
Step 1: The Pre-Boil (If Needed)
- Place your gammon joint in a large pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, bay leaf, and peppercorns around it.
- Cover the joint completely with cold water. Bring it to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil).
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes per 500g. For a 1kg joint, that’s roughly 40 minutes. This step cooks out excess salt and starts the cooking process.
- Carefully remove the joint from the water and pat it completely dry with kitchen paper. Let it cool for a few minutes until you can handle it. Discard the water and vegetables.
Step 2: Preparing for the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 160°C. This helps with even cooking from the start.
- While it heats, you can score the fat on the joint in a diamond pattern if you like. This helps any glaze soak in and makes the fat crisp up nicely.
- If you are using a glaze, mix your chosen ingredients in a small bowl. Brush a thin layer all over the joint.
Step 3: Air Frying the Gammon
- Place the gammon joint in the air fryer basket. If you have one, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part.
- Cook at 160°C. A general guide is 25 minutes per 500g, but the thermometer is your best friend.
- Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and brush on another layer of glaze if you’re using it. This builds up a lovely flavour.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 68-70°C. This is the safe temperature for pork that will still be wonderfully juicy.
Step 4: Resting and Serving
- Once cooked, transfer the gammon to a plate or board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- After resting, slice it up and serve. It’s fantastic with classic sides like roast potatoes, peas, and a parsley sauce.
Top Tips for Air Fryer Gammon Success
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the meat is not an optional step. It makes a huge difference to the final texture.
- Check the Size: Ensure your joint fits comfortably in your air fryer basket with a little space around the edges for air circulation. If it’s to large, consider cutting it in half.
- Use a Thermometer: Relying on time alone can lead to over or under cooking. A simple probe thermometer guarantees perfect results.
- Glaze at the End: For a stickier, more caramelised glaze, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C for the last 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Common Questions Answered
Can I cook the gammon from frozen?
It’s not recommended. For even and safe cooking, you should fully thaw the gammon joint in the refrigerator first. Cooking from frozen could leave the inside undercooked while the outside is done.
Why is my gammon joint tough?
Tough gammon usually means it has been overcooked. Using a meat thermometer to avoid going past 70°C and ensuring you rest the joint properly are the two best ways to prevent this.
What’s the difference between gammon and ham?
Gammon is the raw, cured leg of pork. Ham is gammon that has been cooked. So, once you’ve cooked your gammon joint, you’ve essentially made a delicious ham!
What to Serve With Your Gammon
This gammon is very versatile. For a traditional British plate, serve it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasties
- Steamed broccoli or buttered peas
- A rich parsley sauce or a sweet apple sauce
- Fried eggs and chips for a hearty ‘gammon steak’ style meal
Leftovers are also fantastic. Use sliced gammon in sandwiches, chop it into omelettes, or add it to pasta bakes and soups. The flavour is really good.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer Afterwards
Cooking gammon can sometimes cause a bit of splatter. To make cleaning easy, let the air fryer basket cool down completely after use. Soak it in warm, soapy water. The non-stick coating should mean any residue wipes away easily. Wipe the inside of the main unit with a damp cloth.
If you used a glaze, there might be some sticky spots. A soft sponge and a little baking soda paste can help remove these without scratching the surface. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning advice.
FAQs
How long to cook a 1kg gammon joint in an air fryer?
After any necessary pre-boiling, cook a 1kg joint at 160°C for approximately 50 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check it has reached 70°C in the center.
Do you have to boil gammon before air frying?
It depends on the type you buy. Check the label. ‘Ready to cook’ joints can go straight in the air fryer, but unsoaked joints need a pre-boil to remove excess salt. A short pre-boil is often a good idea even for ready-to-cook joints to ensure it’s not to salty.
What temperature should gammon be cooked at in an air fryer?
A steady 160°C is ideal for cooking through without drying out the outside. You can increase to 200°C for a few minutes at the end if you want a crispier finish on the fat.
Can I use foil in the air fryer with the gammon?
Yes, but use it carefully. You can place a small piece under the joint if you’re worried about dripping glaze, but don’t wrap the joint completely or cover the basket as it will block the vital air flow. Never let foil fly around loose in the basket.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a gammon joint in an air fryer is a straightforward and efficient method. It frees up your oven for other things and delivers a consistently good result. The key steps are checking your joint type, pre-boiling if needed, using a thermometer, and never skipping the rest.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a classic British centrepiece any day of the week. The process is simple, the cleanup is minimal, and the taste is just what you want from a proper gammon joint. Give it a try next time you’re planning a meal.