Air Fryer Ham: Can You Make It?

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer! It's a great way to speed up the cooking process without drying out the meat, and it's perfect for smaller gatherings. You can use a pre-cooked, boneless ham, or a ham steak, and glaze it with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and other seasonings. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of ham you're using, but it typically takes around 30-40 minutes in the air fryer.

Glazing the ham

To make the glaze, you will need butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, orange juice, dry mustard powder, and cloves. You can also add in some mustard, ground cloves, soy sauce, and garlic powder.

First, melt the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. You can then set this aside.

Next, place a piece of heavy-duty foil in the basket of the air fryer, and add the ham to the centre. Brush the glaze over the top and sides of the ham.

Cover the ham with foil and place it in the preheated air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of your ham and the model of your air fryer. For a 3-pound ham, you will likely cook it for around 20 minutes at 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit.

After this initial cooking time, you will then remove the ham from the air fryer, add more glaze, and seal the foil onto the ham. Place it back in the air fryer and cook for another 15-20 minutes.

Finally, pull the foil down halfway and brush the ham with glaze one more time. Increase the temperature to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your ham is now ready to be removed from the air fryer, sliced, and served!

Reheating the ham

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The secret to keeping leftover ham juicy is to add moisture while warming it to prevent it from drying out. An air fryer is a smart choice for reheating ham because it eliminates unnecessary fats from oils, and you won't have a greasy mess. The dry, hot air circulates around the ham, yielding an even cook. This is quicker than using a traditional oven, and it will also give you juicier, more tender ham.

If you are reheating ham slices, arrange them in a single layer on the tray or air fry basket. Cook the slices for 3-5 minutes, remembering to flip the ham halfway through.

If you are reheating a slightly bigger piece of ham or don't want slices, place the ham cut side down. Be sure to add a little bit of liquid to the bottom of the air fryer pan to keep the ham from drying out. Two tablespoons of any broth or water should be enough, but you can add more if you wish. You can even use a homemade marinade if you have one. If you only have a wire basket, make a rim dish out of foil. Cook the bigger piece of ham for 10 minutes on one side. Flip the ham and cook for another 10 minutes. For each pound of ham, use 1/3 cup of water or broth.

Remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This is an important step, so be a little patient here.

You can reheat a fully cooked whole ham in your air fryer, but it needs to fit properly. It cannot touch the heating elements, so don't be tempted to squeeze a bigger ham inside. You can cut the ham into smaller pieces to make it fit. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F for 3-5 minutes. Wrap your ham tightly in aluminum foil. Set the timer for 10 minutes per pound. Remember to turn the ham over halfway through.

Before reheating, let your ham sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off if it has been kept in the fridge. This helps the protein in the meat relax, making it easier for the heat to penetrate.

Choosing the right ham

When it comes to cooking ham in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose the right ham for this cooking method. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect ham for your air fryer:

Size and Weight:

• Choose a ham that fits well within your air fryer basket. Different air fryers have different capacities, so ensure you select a ham that comfortably fits inside your specific model.
• As a general rule of thumb, plan for about 20 minutes of cooking time per pound of ham. Therefore, a 3-pound ham will require around 60 minutes of cooking time.

Boneless or Bone-in:

• Most air fryer ham recipes recommend using a boneless ham. This is because boneless hams tend to fit better within the air fryer basket and ensure even cooking.
• However, if you prefer a bone-in ham, you can cut it into two equal pieces and cook them together, as long as they both fit in your air fryer.

Pre-cooked or Fresh:

• Air fryer recipes typically call for a fully cooked ham. Starting with a pre-cooked ham helps ensure that your ham stays moist and juicy during the air frying process.
• If you're using a fresh ham, make sure to fully cook it before placing it in the air fryer to add flavour and glaze.

Thawing and Moisture:

• If your ham is frozen, be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before air frying.
• After thawing, pat the ham dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step helps ensure that your ham cooks evenly and develops a crispy texture in the air fryer.

Glaze and Seasonings:

• Enhance the flavour of your ham by applying your favourite glaze or seasonings before cooking. A glaze can be brushed onto the ham before and during the cooking process to build layers of flavour.
• Traditional honey glaze or savoury mustard glazes are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with different flavours.

Remember, the key to choosing the right ham for your air fryer is ensuring it fits well within your specific model, opting for pre-cooked or fully cooked hams, and enhancing flavour with glazes or seasonings. With the right ham and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and juicy dish.

Preparing the air fryer

Before using your air fryer for the first time, you should wash and dry all of its removable components. Then, place the air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, at least eight inches away from the wall. Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before cooking to let it off-gas. There might be a slightly chemical smell, so it's best to have the vents on or windows open.

Always have the grate in the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around the food and keeps the food from sitting in excess oil. You can also add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket when cooking greasy foods like bacon, to catch the grease and prevent smoke.

It's important to clean your air fryer after every use, as a build-up of oil can make the unit smoke. In some instances, you can simply wipe the drawer and grate with a paper towel. If they're greasy, hand wash them. Most models have parts that are dishwasher-safe, so check your manual.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve ham cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Side Dishes

Ham can be served with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Pineapple raisin sauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Green beans
• Glazed carrots
• Rolls
• Green Bean Casserole
• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Roasted carrots
• Creamy Grape Salad
• Mac & Cheese
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Asparagus Salad
• Grilled Zucchini

Glazes and Sauces

You can also add extra flavour to your ham with a glaze or sauce. Here are some options:

• Honey glaze
• Brown sugar glaze
• Butter and brown sugar glaze
• Mustard sauce
• Pineapple glaze
• Sweet mustard glaze

Leftovers

If you have any leftover ham, it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:

• Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
• Ham and Potato Soup
• Sandwiches
• Ham and Potato Cheddar Soup
• Hot Ham and Swiss Pinwheels
• Ham Salad

Frequently asked questions