Air Fryer Ham: The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook food quickly and easily, and they can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including ham. Cooking ham in an air fryer is a convenient option for those who want to save time and oven space, especially during holiday preparations. The air fryer allows for a juicy and flavorful ham with a crispy exterior, and it can be paired with a variety of glazes, including brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the size, shape, and model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 20-50 minutes to cook a ham in an air fryer.

Glazing a ham

One method is to preheat the air fryer and wrap the ham in foil. Add the ham to the air fryer and cook for 25 minutes. While the ham is cooking, whisk together the glaze ingredients. For a brown sugar glaze, melt butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Open the foil and brush the ham with the glaze. Continue cooking until heated through, then uncover and cook for a few minutes to brown.

Another method is to brush the ham with glaze before adding it to the air fryer. Place two large sheets of foil in the basket of the air fryer and lay the ham in the centre. Brush the ham with the glaze, then cover with foil and place in the preheated air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the ham from the air fryer, add additional glaze, and cook for another 20 minutes. Pull the foil halfway down the ham, brush with more glaze, and air fry for another 3 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

For ham steaks, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or foil. Cut the ham steaks in half and brush with maple syrup. Add the ham to the basket and air fry for 5 minutes. Flip the steaks, brush with more syrup, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the ham and the model of the air fryer, so be sure to adjust as needed.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for ham in a turkey air fryer will depend on the size and shape of the ham, as well as the specific model of the air fryer. It's important to ensure that the ham fits comfortably in the air fryer without touching the heating element.

For a 2-3 pound ham, the cooking time will typically be around 40 to 50 minutes. Thinner, flatter hams will cook quicker than rounder, deeper ones. It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 140°F to 165°F.

When cooking ham steaks or slices in a turkey air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cut the ham steaks in half if desired, and brush them with maple syrup or glaze. Add the ham to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the ham steaks, brush with more glaze or maple syrup, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

For a whole ham, preheat the air fryer to 320°F-325°F. Wrap the ham in foil, ensuring the seam is at the top for easy opening. Place the wrapped ham in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes. After this, open the foil, drizzle glaze over the ham, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Finally, fold the foil down and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Ham steak alternatives

Yes, you can cook ham in a turkey air fryer. Cooking ham in an air fryer is a great way to speed up the cooking process without drying out the meat.

If you're looking for alternatives to cooking ham steak in a turkey air fryer, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can use different types of ham, such as a boneless ham or a whole ham, instead of ham steaks. This allows you to cook a larger piece of meat that can be sliced and served.

Alternatively, you can explore different cooking methods for ham steaks. Here are some suggestions:

• Skillet with Brown Sugar Glaze: This method involves cooking the ham steak in a skillet on the stovetop. You can add butter and brown sugar to create a delicious glaze, resulting in a savory and sweet dish.
• Baked Ham Steak: If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake ham steaks in the oven. This option is ideal if you're cooking for a larger group or prefer the oven-baked texture and flavor.
• Smoked Ham Steak: Smoking the ham steak is another alternative, especially if you're not a fan of pork cooked other ways. Thinly sliced smoked ham can be a tasty addition to sandwiches or salads.
• Grilled Ham Steak: For a summer cookout, you can try grilling your ham steaks. This adds a charred flavor to the meat, and you can even use a brown sugar glaze as a marinade for extra flavor.
• Ham in Stews and Beans: If you're not a fan of ham as the main protein, you can incorporate it into stews, chilis, or bean dishes. This allows the flavor of the ham to blend with other ingredients, creating a heartier dish.
• Ham as a Flavoring Agent: Ham can be used as a flavoring agent by frying it in oil and then removing it. You can then use the flavored oil to cook vegetables, adding a subtle ham taste to your side dishes.
• Breakfast Options: Ham is a versatile breakfast ingredient. You can dice it up and add it to scrambled eggs, use it in breakfast hashes with potatoes and vegetables, or even put it on top of deviled eggs for a savory treat.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating your ham is a crucial part of the cooking process, ensuring that your delicious meal can be enjoyed again without compromising on taste or texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you safely store and reheat your ham cooked in a turkey air fryer:

Storage:

• Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It is recommended to consume the leftover ham within 3-4 days for optimal food safety and quality.
• Proper storage ensures the ham remains fresh, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and food spoilage.

Reheating:

• Reheating leftover ham can be tricky, as you want to avoid drying it out.
• One recommended method is to add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Place the ham in the basket and reheat at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can place the ham on a baking sheet, cover it with foil, and reheat it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
• Individual slices of ham can also be rewarmed in the microwave, providing a quick and convenient option.
• It is important to ensure that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which indicates that it is fully cooked and safe to consume.

By following these storage and reheating guidelines, you can safely enjoy your delicious ham cooked in a turkey air fryer over several meals without compromising on taste or food safety.

Side dishes

If you're looking for side dishes to accompany your air-fried ham, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Broccoli salad

Starches

• Sweet potato casserole
• Scalloped potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Rolls

Vegetables

• Peas and carrots
• Broccoli with cheese
• Roasted vegetables
• Glazed carrots

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you could try one of the following:

• Ham and cheese sliders
• Ham and potato casserole
• Air Fryer Stuffing
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
• Air Fryer Cornish Hens
• Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese

Frequently asked questions