Air Fryer Ham: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a great way to cook ham without sacrificing flavor and texture. They use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy meals with less oil and fat. Cooking ham in an air fryer is easy and requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals.

To cook ham in an air fryer, you'll need to take it out of its packaging, rinse it under cold water, and pat it dry before seasoning and placing it in the air fryer basket. You can season the ham with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even brown sugar for a sweet glaze.

Once your ham is seasoned, preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F and set the timer for around 20 minutes. During cooking, you'll need to flip the ham halfway through and check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

You can also add a glaze to your ham in the air fryer. Just make sure to brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and hassle-free way to cook ham, give your air fryer a try!

How to cook ham in an air fryer

Prepping the Ham:

Take the ham out of its packaging and give it a quick rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning and placing it in the air fryer basket. This will help remove any excess salt or preservatives from the ham, which can affect its taste.

Seasoning the Ham:

You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even brown sugar for a sweet glaze. Be sure to apply the seasonings generously, rubbing them all over the ham to ensure that it's evenly coated.

Setting the Air Fryer Temperature and Time:

Preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F. Once it's heated, place your seasoned ham in the basket and set the timer for around 20 minutes. However, cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your ham, so keep an eye on it and adjust as needed.

Cooking the Ham:

Place the ham in the centre of a large piece of foil, then fold the edges of the foil around it. Brush some glaze over the top and sides of the ham, then cover with foil and place in the air fryer for 20 minutes. After this time, uncover the ham and add more glaze. Seal the top of the foil onto the ham and cook for another 20 minutes.

Finally, pull the foil halfway down the ham and brush with glaze one more time. Increase the heat to 380°F and cook for a further 3 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the ham with a thermometer – it should have reached 140-145°F.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket and heat at 250°F for 3-5 minutes.

How to prep ham for the air fryer

Ham can be heated in an air fryer, and it's a great way to speed up the cooking process without drying out the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep ham for the air fryer:

Firstly, you need to ensure your ham will fit in the air fryer. If you have a larger ham, you may need to cut it into two equal pieces or trim the bottom so it doesn't touch the heating element. It is recommended to use a fully cooked, boneless ham that is around 2-3 pounds.

Secondly, take the ham out of the fridge about 2 hours before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This will ensure the ham cooks evenly and is hot and juicy in the centre.

Thirdly, wrap the ham tightly in foil, ensuring the seam is at the top so it can be easily opened. If you prefer, you can add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the meat. If you are using a whole cooked ham, make criss-cross cuts in the ham so the skin crisps up nicely.

Next, make the glaze. A simple glaze can be made by melting butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. You can also add honey, orange juice, mustard, or apple cider vinegar to taste.

Now, place the wrapped ham in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes. While the ham is cooking, prepare the glaze by whisking or stirring the ingredients together.

After the initial cooking time, unwrap the ham and drizzle or brush the glaze over it. Re-wrap the ham, ensuring the seam is closed, and place it back in the air fryer. Cook for an additional 10-20 minutes.

Finally, fold the foil down and cook the ham for a further 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is browned and the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What temperature to cook ham in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer. The temperature you cook ham in an air fryer depends on the recipe you are following and the size of your ham.

For example, one recipe for a 3-pound ham recommends preheating the air fryer to 320°F. Another recipe for a 3-pound ham recommends cooking the ham at 300°F for 40 minutes in total.

However, the same recipe notes that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on the size and shape of the ham and the model of the air fryer. For example, a thinner, flatter ham will need less time than a rounder, football-shaped ham.

It is also important to ensure that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F to be fully cooked.

How long to cook ham in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer! Here's how long it takes and what you need to know.

Timing

Cooking time depends on the size of your ham and the type of air fryer you have. For example, a 3-3.5 pound fully cooked boneless ham will take around 50 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you should always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham is cooked to the correct temperature. Ham is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

• Different air fryers cook at different wattages, so you may need to adjust the cooking time according to your air fryer model.
• Hams come in different shapes and sizes, so a larger ham may cook faster if it is closer to the heating element.
• A thinner, flatter ham will take less time to cook than a rounder, football-shaped ham.
• If your ham is too tall to fit in your air fryer, you can slice it before cooking, but you may need to reduce the cooking time.
• To prevent your ham from drying out, wrap it in foil before cooking.
• If you are making a glaze, brush the ham with the glaze several times during cooking and allow it to drip into the foil, so it doesn't burn.

Reheating Ham in an Air Fryer

To reheat leftover ham in an air fryer, place the slices in the preheated air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat ham at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent it from drying out.

How to reheat ham in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat ham in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to do it:

How to Reheat Ham Slices in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F.
• Place the ham slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping the ham halfway through.

How to Reheat a Whole Ham in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 325-350°F.
• Place the ham in the air fryer basket, cut side down.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the ham and cook for another 10 minutes.
• Once heated through, remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Reheating Ham in an Air Fryer:

• Start with a preheated air fryer to ensure even heating.
• Add a little bit of liquid (around 2 tablespoons of water) to the bottom of the air fryer pan to prevent the ham from drying out.
• Cook the ham on a low setting to prevent it from drying out or becoming tough.
• If reheating a larger piece of ham, add more cooking time accordingly.
• If your ham is extra dry, cover the top half with additional foil to seal in moisture.

Frequently asked questions