Air Fryer Spiral Ham: Can It Be Done?

Spiral ham is a popular choice for a special occasion, and it can be cooked in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook ham without drying it out, and it can be glazed with honey, brown sugar, and pineapple for a sweet, delicious flavour. Spiral ham can be frozen for up to three months, and it's a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.

Spiral ham cooking times in an air fryer

Spiral ham can be cooked in an air fryer and only takes about 30 minutes. As cooking times vary from air fryer to air fryer, adjust your cooking time accordingly. You can tell if the ham has been cooked for too long if it is dry. Spiral ham is usually pre-cooked, so it is simply being warmed up in the machine.

To prepare the ham, remove it from its package and juices, lightly rinse, and pat dry. Set aside. Make a deep foil pouch inside your air fryer basket by crisscrossing two pieces of foil. Place the ham inside the centre of the foil pouch. You can then glaze the ham with your choice of glaze. A popular glaze is a blend of honey, brown sugar, and pineapple. Pour the honey over the ham, then sprinkle the brown sugar all over the ham. Finally, pour on the pineapple tidbits and juice.

Spiral ham glaze recipes

Spiral ham can be cooked in an air fryer, and there are a variety of glaze recipes that can be used.

One glaze recipe involves making a deep foil pouch inside your air fryer basket by crisscrossing two pieces of foil. Place the ham inside the centre of the foil pouch. Pour honey over the ham, then sprinkle brown sugar all over it, and finally pour on pineapple tidbits and juice.

Another glaze recipe involves combining dark brown sugar, cola, apple cider vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, ground ginger, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is the consistency of syrup.

A third glaze recipe involves coating your ham with butter, brown sugar, honey, spices, and pineapple juice. Simmer everything together until you get a thick and sweet glaze. Place your ham in a baking dish and pour half the glaze over it. Cover the ham with aluminium foil and bake until it is warmed through. Uncover the pan, pour the rest of the glaze over the ham, and bake for a few more minutes until it is browned and caramelised.

You can also make a homemade honey brown sugar glaze that's flavoured with orange, cloves, and cinnamon.

Spiral ham side dishes

Yes, you can cook spiral ham in an air fryer. Spiral ham is a convenient choice for a meal as it pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from fresh and vibrant salads to carb-laden treats.

• Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or asparagus
• Mashed potatoes
• French carrot salad
• Deviled eggs
• Baked beans
• Corn pudding
• Rolls or crusty bread
• Salad, such as a creamy cucumber salad
• Casserole
• Cheese, such as gouda or manchego

Spiral ham preparation

Next, you can add your glaze. A popular glaze is a blend of honey, brown sugar, and pineapple. Pour the honey over the ham, then sprinkle the brown sugar all over the ham. Finally, pour on the pineapple tidbits and juice.

You can also glaze your ham with your choice of glaze or with brown sugar rubbed right in on top.

Spiral ham cooks quickly in an air fryer, so it can be a great weeknight dinner or served for holiday dinners. It is also easy to slice as it will just fall apart and can be easily pulled apart to serve.

Spiral ham storage

Spiral ham can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Spiral ham is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a holiday feast. It's best to use a pre-cooked boneless ham, which can be warmed up in an air fryer in about 30 minutes. Spiral ham is also a good choice for leftovers, as it can be easily pulled apart and served.

When preparing a spiral ham in an air fryer, it's important to adjust the cooking time according to your specific air fryer model. Spiral ham is typically cooked at a lower temperature than traditional oven-baked ham, which helps to prevent drying out the meat. To check if your ham is cooked, look for a tender, juicy texture, and a deliciously browned exterior.

To store spiral ham, it's important to follow proper food safety guidelines. Spiral ham can be kept in the refrigerator for three to five days. Make sure to wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out. If you're not planning to eat the ham within a few days, it's best to freeze it.

When freezing spiral ham, cut it into smaller portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped ham in a freezer bag or airtight container and label it with the date. Spiral ham can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place the ham in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Proper storage of spiral ham ensures that it stays fresh and tasty. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy delicious spiral ham leftovers or conveniently prepare it in advance for a future meal.

Frequently asked questions