Air Fryer Ham Steak: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Ham steaks are a versatile and affordable meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes. They are thick slices of ham cut from a whole ham roast and can be purchased at most grocery stores. Cooking ham steaks in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy the taste of a big sliced ham with less effort and quicker cooking times. With simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for ham steaks in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the ham and the model of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking at 375–400°F (190–204°C) for 5–10 minutes, but some suggest lower temperatures of 320°F (160°C) or 380°F (193°C).

For thinner ham steaks, a cooking time of 5–7 minutes is sufficient, while thicker steaks may require up to 10 minutes. It's important to note that different air fryer models can vary in cooking times and temperatures, so adjustments may be necessary depending on the specific model.

When cooking at higher temperatures, keep a close eye on the ham to prevent burning. It's also recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the ham.

If you're glazing your ham steak with a mixture of butter, honey, and seasonings, the cooking process may change slightly. First, cook the ham at 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, flip the steaks, brush them with the glaze, and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.

For reheating leftover ham steaks, set the air fryer to a lower temperature of 320°F (160°C) and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until heated through.

Glazing and toppings

Ham steaks are versatile and can be topped with a variety of glazes and toppings. A popular option is to use brown sugar, which can be mixed with melted butter and brushed onto the ham steak. You can also add honey to the mixture for a honey butter glaze. Maple syrup is another tasty alternative, and it can be brushed onto the ham steak during and after cooking. For a more savoury dish, you can serve the ham steak with dijon mustard, or with pineapple slices for a sweeter option.

Ham steaks can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, rolls, and green beans. For a holiday-inspired dish, you can top the ham steak with brown sugar and pineapple. This will remind you of a traditional Easter dinner. You can also wrap the ham steak in bacon and serve it with asparagus and a honey mustard glaze.

Reheating and storing

Leftover ham steaks can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days. To maximize their shelf life, wrap them tightly with aluminium foil or plastic wrap. You can also freeze leftover ham slices for up to three months. However, the texture may change upon defrosting. To defrost, leave the ham in the fridge overnight.

When reheating ham steaks in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 320°F, which is much lower than the typical cooking temperature to avoid burning. Place the ham steaks in the air fryer in a single layer and heat for two to three minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat ham steaks in a pan over medium heat until they are heated through.

Sides and serving suggestions

Ham steaks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes and flavors. Here are some ideas for sides and serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried ham steak:

Vegetables

Green beans are a popular choice to serve with ham steaks, and they can be easily prepared in the air fryer as well. You can make Asian-inspired green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or opt for a green bean casserole. Other vegetable options include glazed carrots, roasted asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. You could also wrap your asparagus in bacon and serve it with a honey mustard glaze for a savory and sweet combination. If you're looking for something simpler, steamed green beans with a little pork gravy can be a delicious option.

Starch

When it comes to starch, potatoes are a great choice to serve with ham steaks. Mashed potatoes, potato wedges, or fingerling potatoes with a thyme vinaigrette can be delicious options. If you're looking for something more indulgent, French fries or sweet potato fries will surely impress. For a heartier option, you could make a ham and potato casserole. Rice is another excellent choice to accompany your ham steak.

Fruits

Pineapple is a classic pairing with ham, and you can easily incorporate it into your dish by topping your ham steak with pineapple slices or sauce. This combination brings the flavor of the holidays to your table any time of the year.

Salads

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can incorporate ham into a salad. Dice up your ham steak and serve it over a bed of greens with your favorite vegetables and a simple vinaigrette.

Sandwiches

Ham steaks are versatile and can be used to make delicious sandwiches. You can make a grilled ham and cheese sandwich by adding a slice of cheese and serving it on toast. Or, for a Cuban-style sandwich, top your ham with Swiss cheese, pickles, and dijon mustard and serve it on a bun.

Sauces and Glazes

To add extra flavor to your ham steak, consider using a glaze or sauce. A brown sugar glaze is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with honey mustard, balsamic glaze, or even cheese. For a simple option, just drizzle some honey on top of your cooked ham.

Air fryer models and preparation

Air fryer models vary, so the cooking time and temperature for your ham steak may differ depending on the model you own. For example, the Cosori Air Fryer is a basket-style 5.8 qt model, which can cook ham steaks and green beans all at once in layers with the rack included in the accessory kit. This is perfect for a family of four.

The Cosori Air Fryer model cooks ham steaks at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes on each side. You can also use this temperature for reheating ham steaks; simply place them in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Other air fryer models may require a different temperature and cooking time. For example, some sources recommend cooking ham steaks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes on one side, then flipping and brushing with maple syrup and cooking for an additional 3 minutes. This method uses the Air Fry function and is demonstrated using a basket-style 5.8 qt Cosori air fryer.

If you are using a different model, it is important to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer. In general, ham steaks should be cooked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer. Using higher temperatures may burn the sugar more quickly and easily.

To prepare your ham steak for cooking, you will first want to preheat your air fryer and prepare the basket with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil, if needed. You can also use parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the basket. Cut the ham steaks in half if desired, then brush them with maple syrup, or a mixture of brown sugar and melted butter. Place the ham steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions