There are some dishes that never go out of style, and gammon steak with egg and chips is one of them. It’s the kind of plate you might order in a cosy pub, or something you’d happily enjoy at home on a Friday evening as a treat. What makes it so enduring is its simplicity. Air fryer gammon steak, a fried egg with a runny yolk, fluffy chips and a scoop of peas.
Cooking gammon in the air-fryer is a breeze. Traditionally, you’d fry or grill it, which can mean more mess in the kitchen and sometimes uneven cooking. The air fryer keeps things tidy, while ensuring the meat stays juicy inside and slightly crisp on the edges. The same goes for the chips, whether you’re using fresh potatoes or frozen, the air fryer gives them that irresistible crunch without the need for deep frying.
What I love about this recipe is how quickly everything comes together. In under half an hour, you can have a full plate that looks and tastes like a pub classic. While the gammon and chips cook away in the air fryer, you’ve got just enough time to fry an egg in the pan and warm through some peas. Before you know it, dinner is served.
If you want to give it a retro twist, add a grilled pineapple ring on top of the gammon. It’s a nod to the way this dish was often served in the 70s and 80s. Or, if for extra comfort, swap the peas for mushy peas or add a spoonful of mustard. However you serve it, this air fryer version of gammon steak with egg and chips is bound to become a weeknight favourite.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 18-20 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air-fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Gammon Steak
2 gammon steaks (about 200–250g each)
Two medium potatoes, cut into chips (or 300g frozen oven chips)
2 large eggs
150g frozen peas
1 tsp oil (for chips, if using fresh potatoes)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: a knob of butter for peas
Method
If you’re making chips from scratch, start by peeling the potatoes (or leave the skins on for a rustic look). Cut them into even-sized chips so they cook at the same speed. Place them in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch – this helps them crisp up nicely. Drain, pat dry with a clean tea towel, then toss with 1 teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them out in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through. If you’re using frozen chips, simply add them to the basket and cook according to the packet instructions, usually 15–18 minutes at 200°C.
Once the chips are about halfway through their cooking time, place the gammon steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the thickness, they’ll need 8–10 minutes at 200°C, turning halfway. You’re looking for the fat to become golden and slightly crisp while the meat stays juicy inside.
While the gammon and chips are cooking, put the peas into a small pan of boiling water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender, then drain. You can stir through a knob of butter and season with black pepper for extra flavour.
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat with a little oil or butter. Crack in the eggs and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, or to your preferred level.
Arrange the gammon steak on a plate with the fried egg on top. Add a generous portion of golden chips and a spoonful of peas on the side. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Gammon Steak
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Lamb has such a rich, distinctive flavour that pairs beautifully with a range of seasonings, sides, and sauces. Here are some easy tips and variations to help you make this dish your own:
1. Adjust the seasoning
While garlic, rosemary, and thyme are classic pairings for lamb, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a Middle Eastern twist by adding ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon. For a Mediterranean vibe, mix in oregano, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. A touch of harissa paste will add some heat and smokiness.
2. Doneness matters
Use a meat thermometer for perfect results every time. Aim for 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare, 65°C (150°F) for medium, and 70°C (160°F) for well done. Since lamb continues to cook slightly as it rests, remove it from the air fryer just below your target temperature.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Air circulation is key to even cooking. If you’re cooking more than 4 lamb chops, work in batches so that each chop has space to crisp up nicely.
4. Serving ideas
For a hearty meal, pair your lamb chops with mashed potatoes, roast vegetables, or air fryer chips. If you’re after something lighter, a crisp Greek salad or couscous with roasted veg is perfect. A mint yogurt dip or chimichurri sauce also makes a refreshing accompaniment.
5. Quick finishing touch
For added flavour, brush the lamb chops with honey, balsamic glaze, or a little butter in the final 2 minutes of cooking. This creates a glossy finish and enhances the natural richness of the meat.
With these tips and variations, your air fryer lamb chops will never get boring, and you’ll have endless ways to enjoy this easy yet impressive meal..
Related Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making these juicy Air Fryer Gammon Steak, why not try some of my other air fryer meat recipes? Each one is simple, flavour-packed, and designed to give you delicious results with minimal effort. Here are a few more you might like:
Air Fryer Lamb Steaks
Another lamb favourite! These tender lamb steaks are just as quick and easy as chops, but with a slightly meatier bite. Perfect for a speedy midweek dinner.
Air Fryer Pork Pinchos
Packed with smoky paprika and garlic, these Spanish-inspired pork skewers are a real crowd-pleaser. Ideal for sharing or serving with tapas-style sides.
Air Fryer Kebabs
This recipe is so incredibly simple to prepare and cooks in no time. Making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Perfectly seasoned and cooked until tender, air fryer pork chops are a quick, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to pair with potatoes, rice, or fresh veg.
Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Coated in sesame seeds and cooked to perfection in just a few minutes, these tuna steaks are so crisp on the outside, beautifully tender in the middle, and bursting with fresh flavour.
These recipes are all so quick, easy, and use simple ingredients you probably have at home.
Want more easy air-fryer recipes like these? Then join the AirFryerUK Club to unlock members-only content including custom meal plans, shopping lists, and my biggest ever recipe collection. It’s everything you need to level up your air fryer game.
Or buy my best selling cookbooks directly from my Amazon shop and bring even more air-fryer goodness into your kitchen!