Gammon Steak in the Air Fryer
Gammon steak is quick to cook, but under the grill or in a pan it easily turns dry and leathery at the edges. The air fryer cooks it in about 11 minutes, keeps the middle moist and lets the fat edge turn golden. A short honey and mustard glaze at the end gives the classic gammon, egg and chips plate a proper finish.
- Temperature
- 180°C
- Total time
- 17min
- Prep
- 3min
- Servings
- 2
- Core temp
- 70°C
- Per serving
- 295kcal
Why the air fryer works for gammon steak
Gammon steak in air fryer baskets cooks faster and more evenly than under the grill. A grill browns the top and leaves the underside to catch up, so you need to turn and watch it constantly. The air fryer moves hot air around the whole steak, so both sides cook together and the fat edge turns golden rather than chewy.
It also copes well with the salt. Because the steak sits on a rack, the salty juices drip away instead of stewing the meat, which keeps the flavour balanced. Cooking gammon steak in the air fryer takes about 11 minutes, so you can do the chips and eggs at the same time.
How to make gammon steak in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prepare the steaks Take the gammon out of the fridge before cooking. Snip the rind and fat edge every 2 cm with scissors so the steak does not curl. Pat dry and rub with the oil and a little pepper. Gammon is already salty, so do not add salt.
- Mix the glaze Stir the honey and mustard together in a small bowl.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 180 °C for .
- Cook Lay the steaks in the basket in a single layer. Cook for , turning them over after . For the last , brush the glaze over the top and add the pineapple rings beside the steaks.
- Check and rest The FSA says pork should be cooked through with no pink meat, so check the thickest part with a thermometer. It should read 70 °C. Rest the steaks on a warm plate for before serving.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Gammon Steak | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gammon steak, 1.5–2 cmTurn halfway | 180 °C | 11 min |
| Thin gammon steak, 1 cm | 180 °C | 8–9 min |
| Thick gammon steak, 3 cm | 180 °C | 14–16 min |
| Horseshoe gammonLarger and thinner than a steak | 180 °C | 12–14 min |
| Gammon steak from frozenGlaze in the last 2 minutes | 180 °C | 18–20 min |
| Pre-cooked ham steakHeat until steaming hot | 180 °C | 6–8 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 70 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
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Tips
- Pick steaks of the same thickness. Then they finish together. If one is thicker, put it in the middle of the basket where the heat is strongest.
- Do not add salt. Gammon is cured, so it carries its own seasoning. Black pepper, mustard and fruit are all you need.
- Glaze at the end. Honey and sugar burn quickly, so brush them on for the last 2 minutes only.
Serving
The classic way to serve gammon steak is with a fried egg, pineapple and chips, with peas on the side. You can cook the eggs in the same machine while the steaks rest. For a roast-style dinner with more meat, try a whole gammon joint. Gammon steak in the air fryer also works with potato wedges and a green salad.
Storing and reheating
Leftover gammon keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, put the steak in the air fryer at 160 °C for 4–5 minutes, until it is steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre). Sliced cold gammon is also good in sandwiches.
Variations
- Pineapple and cheese: Top the steak with a pineapple ring and a slice of cheddar for the last 2 minutes, until the cheese melts. This is not dairy-free.
- Maple and mustard: Swap the honey for maple syrup and add a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Parsley sauce: Make a simple parsley sauce on the hob and pour it over the sliced steak for a more traditional plate.
Troubleshooting
- The gammon steak is dry and tough
- It has cooked for too long. Take it out at 70 °C, and cut thin steaks under 1 cm after 8 minutes. Resting for 3 minutes keeps the juices in.
- The steak is too salty
- Gammon is cured, so salt levels vary between brands. Soak very salty steaks in cold water for 20 minutes, pat dry, and never add extra salt.
- The glaze burnt
- Honey burns fast at high heat. Brush it on only in the last 2 minutes, and do not leave the steaks for longer once it is on.
Frequently asked questions
How long does gammon steak take in an air fryer?
About 11 minutes at 180 °C for a steak 1.5–2 cm thick, turned halfway. Thin steaks take 8–9 minutes and thick 3 cm steaks 14–16 minutes.
Can you cook gammon steak from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen steaks at 180 °C for 18–20 minutes, turning twice, and check the centre has reached 70 °C before you add any glaze.
What temperature should gammon steak reach?
The Food Standards Agency says pork must be cooked through with no pink. A thermometer reading of 70 °C in the thickest part is a safe point that keeps the steak juicy.
Is a ham steak the same as a gammon steak?
Not quite. Gammon steak is raw cured pork and needs full cooking. A ham steak is usually pre-cooked, so it only needs heating through, about 6–8 minutes at 180 °C.
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