Air Fryer Spiral Ham: A Quick, Easy Holiday Treat

Spiral ham is a popular dish for holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and it can be cooked in an air fryer! Spiral ham cooked in an air fryer is tender, juicy, and flavorful. It is also easy to make and quick to cook. The cooking time depends on the size of the ham and the air fryer model. A 3-pound spiral ham, for example, would fit in a 5.8-quart Cosori Air Fryer. The cook time is estimated to be about 15-20 minutes per pound of fully cooked ham. Spiral ham can be glazed with a variety of options, including honey, brown sugar, pineapple, butter, cinnamon, and bourbon.

Choosing the right ham

Firstly, consider the type of ham. Ham can be categorized into different types based on the curing and preparation methods. The most common types are:

• Country Ham: This type of ham is dry-cured, rubbed with salt and seasonings, and smoked. It is then aged for several months or even years, resulting in a chewy and intensely flavored meat. Country hams include popular varieties such as Virginia Ham and Smithfield Ham.
• City Ham: City hams are the most common type found in grocery stores. They are wet-cured, meaning they have been soaked in brine (a mixture of salt water and spices) and then smoked or boiled. City hams are fully cooked and can be eaten without further preparation.
• Black Forest Ham: This type of ham originates from the Black Forest region of Germany. It is boneless, lean, and cured with a distinct blend of spices, resulting in a black outer coating during smoking.

Secondly, consider the cut of the ham. Ham is typically sold as either boneless or bone-in. The bone-in variety tends to be more flavorful and decorative, making it ideal for special occasions. The three most common cuts are:

• Butt End: This cut is from the upper part of the ham, closer to the hip of the pig.
• Ham Shank: The shank is the lower portion of the ham, including a portion of the pig's leg bone.
• Center Slice: Also known as a ham steak, this cut is from the center area of the ham and can be boneless or have a small circular bone in the center.

Lastly, consider the size of the ham. Ham comes in various sizes, and you need to ensure it fits your air fryer basket. A whole ham can weigh between 18 to 20 pounds, so they are often sold in sections. For air frying, choose a ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer with some space around it to ensure even cooking.

Remember to check the packaging for cooking instructions and whether the ham is pre-cooked or not. By considering these factors, you can choose the right ham for your air fryer, ensuring a delicious and successful meal.

Preparing the glaze

If you're looking for a fruity glaze, a blend of honey, brown sugar, and pineapple will give your ham a sweet and delicious flavour. Simply pour the honey over the ham, sprinkle on the brown sugar, and then add the pineapple tidbits and juice. You can also experiment with different types of glazes, such as apricot or garlic honey mustard, to find your favourite flavour.

When applying the glaze to your spiral ham, it's important to use aluminum foil or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket and catch any sticky glaze. Place the ham on top of the foil and coat it with your chosen glaze. You can also try basting the ham with the juices from the foil pouch during the cooking process to keep it moist and flavourful.

Cooking times and temperatures

Spiral ham can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is super easy to make. Spiral ham is usually pre-cooked, so you simply need to warm it up in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the ham and the air fryer model. It is important to ensure that the ham fits in the air fryer basket and does not touch the heating element.

The cooking time for a spiral ham in an air fryer can range from 30 to 50 minutes. It is recommended to cook a fully cooked, 2-3 pound boneless ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound. This means a 2-pound ham should be cooked for 30-40 minutes, and a 3-pound ham for 45-60 minutes.

For a simple recipe, start by lining the air fryer basket with foil. Place the ham in the centre and cover it with another piece of foil. Cook at 325°F for 20 minutes. Then, remove the ham from the air fryer and brush it with glaze. Cover it again and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. Finally, uncover the ham and cook for another 5-8 minutes to caramelize it.

The temperature settings will depend on the desired doneness of the ham. For a crispy, caramelized texture, it is recommended to finish cooking the ham uncovered for the last 5-8 minutes. If you want to brown the top of the ham, you can increase the temperature to 350°F for the last 5-7 minutes.

Basting and serving

To baste the ham, you can use a baster or a spoon to liberally apply the juices from the foil pan at the bottom of the air fryer basket. It is recommended to baste the ham multiple times throughout the cooking process to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful. After basting, re-cover the ham with foil and continue cooking.

For serving, it is essential to ensure the ham has reached an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, with some sources recommending 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The ham can be served with its juices and glaze, or you can combine the juices and glaze in a saucepan, thicken the mixture, and serve it alongside the ham for guests to add as they please.

Spiral ham pairs well with various side dishes, including mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans, and rolls, as well as roasted vegetables and casseroles. It can also be used to create delicious leftovers, such as sandwiches, hot ham and cheese sliders, Denver omelets, split pea soup, or breakfast casseroles.

Storing and reheating

Storing your leftover ham is an important step to ensure it stays fresh and edible. It is recommended that ham does not sit out longer than a couple of hours before storing. To store, place the ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3-4 days.

Reheating leftover ham in the air fryer can be a bit tricky as you don't want it to dry out. Preheat your air fryer to 325-350°F for 3-5 minutes. If reheating ham slices, place them on a baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish and cover with foil. For a whole ham, wrap it tightly in foil. Arrange the ham in the air fryer basket, ensuring it does not touch the heating element, and set the timer. For ham slices, cook for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a whole ham, cook for about 10 minutes per pound. Once the ham is heated through, remove it from the air fryer and serve while hot.

If your ham is dry, try sealing the dish with foil after adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to trap in moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave or use the ham in sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions