Air-Fryer Gammon
Take your everyday sandwich to another level with this buttery air-fryer gammon. Glazed with a mixture of Dijon mustard and honey or maple syrup, it achieves the ideal ratio of savory richness and sweet burnished caramel in each bite.
Cooking the gammon in an air-fryer also saves time and seals in moisture, so you end up with succulent results without the palaver. A speedy pineapple salsa on the side adds a punch of tropical brightness that beautifully balances the rich meat.
Whether bolstering a weekday lunch or seducing weekend guests, this recipe elevates a simple sandwich to show-stopping status. It’s fast, flavorful and full of contrast — warm, salty gammon meets crunchy bread and juicy, tangy salsa.
Air-Fryer Gammon – Ingredients Overview
Gammon Joint
The element of the dish — succulent, savory, rich. Air-fried until they reach perfection, they offer tender slices to anchor the sandwich with meaty satisfaction.
Dijon Mustard
Bold and tangy, this mustard brings a sharp edge that penetrates the gammon’s richness, bringing depth and nuance.
Honey or Maple Syrup
The combination of the saltiness of the meat with a touch of natural sweetness is glorious as it caramelizes in the air-fryer, creating a glossy, flavorful finish.
Pineapple Salsa
Brisk, juicy, and refreshing. This optional topping brings the dish up with a tropical contrast, providing sweetness and acidity in every bite.
Air-Fryer Gammon Sandwich
Take your lunch to the next level with this juicy, succulent Air-Fryer Gammon. Glazed with a sweet and tangy mix of Dijon mustard and honey, or maple syrup, and optionally crowned with a refreshing pineapple salsa, this recipe takes gourmet flair and applies it to a humble sandwich. Whether making a quick family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, it’s both impressive and ridiculously easy to prepare. Below are practical tips, serving inspiration and answers to frequently asked questions, to help you crush this dish every time around.
Recipe Tips
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
This is why letting the gammon rest for 10–15 minutes once cooked is key. This step allows the juices to redistribute, so every slice is more tender and flavorful. Skipped, it can lead to a drier texture, so give it the brief rest it deserves.
Layer Your Glaze for More Flavor
Set aside some of the mustard-honey glaze to baste with while it cooks. Basting the joint every 20 minutes makes for a wonderfully sticky crust and deeper flavor. If you can, warm the glaze a little before brushing, as this will help it to spread evenly.
Make Use of a Meat Thermometer for Precision
Don’t just go by time — use a digital meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 70°C (158°F). This ensures the gammon is cooked safely but still juicy; this is especially important when using an air-fryer, when cooking times can vary slightly.
What to Serve with Air-Fryer Gammon?
Pineapple Salsa
This brings us to pineapple salsa, its bright acidity and sweetness cutting beautifully through the rich, savory gammon. It provides a bright contrast and a note of tropical flair that makes the sandwich pop.
Crisp Green Salad
Pair the richness of the gammon with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness adds crunch and brightens the hearty sandwich without overwhelming it.
Sweet Potato Fries
Pair with crispy air-fried sweet potato fries for a vibrant, satisfying plate. Their natural sweetness reflects the glaze on the gammon, making them a harmonious side without being too rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I substitute smoked gammon for unsmoked?
Yes, but note that smoked gammon is a more robust, saltier taste. It works great if you like a bolder flavor but you might try cutting back on the amount of glaze or balancing with a sweeter salsa.
Q2: Is it possible to prepare the gammon in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the gammon two days ahead and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, slice and warm it a little in the air-fryer or microwave, and then layer your sandwich.
Q3: What type of bread will be optimal for the sandwich?
Crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread works brilliantly with the moist gammon and glaze. For a milder chew, go with brioche or regular sandwich rolls. Either on the side or lightly toasted (this gives it a delightful crunch).
Q4: Do I have to use foil in the air-fryer?
Yes, covering the gammon with foil keeps the moisture trapped and the glaze is prevented from burning. Just make sure not to seal the foil too tightly so air can circulate to cook it evenly.
This Air-Fryer Gammon sandwich is proof that when you start with a few very good ingredients and you work with them carefully, the flavor you’ll end up with is maximum. Armed with those suggestions and a few easy sides, you have all you need for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
Air-Fryer Gammon
Ingredients
- 1 x approx. 750g unsmoked gammon joint
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Bread sliced and buttered (for serving)
- Optional: pineapple salsa for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Gammon
- Start by taking the gammon joint out of the fridge about 45 minutes before you plan to cook it, to bring it up to room temperature. In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard and honey or maple syrup, salt and a generous grinding of black pepper. Make sure you cover the gammon then all over with this glaze. Reserve any excess glaze to baste while cooking. Wrap the gammon in foil to hold it tight to retain moisture.
- Step 2: Cook the Gammon
- Air-fryer it at 160°C/320°F. Put the foil-wrapped gammon in the basket of the air-fryer and cook for about 1 hour, basting it with the reserved glaze every 20 minutes or so to give it the best flavor and color. When the thickest part of the gammon reaches 70°C (158°F) on a digital thermometer, the joint is fully cooked. Let the gammon rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then slice.
- Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- When well rested, cut the gammon into thin slices. To assemble the sandwich, spread butter on one side of a slice of bread, add pineapple salsa if using and a heaping pile of the pork. Arrange the sliced gammon on top, then finish with another slice of bread to make the sandwich. Serve immediately, pearling with the glistening, glazed gammon and refreshing salsa.
