Air-Frying Ham: A Quick, Crispy Joint Treat?

Cooking ham in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can be done in next to no time. It is a versatile method that can be used for casual dinners, special occasions, or holiday meals. The first step is to preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 170°C (340°F). Then, the gammon joint is wrapped in foil and placed in the air fryer basket. The cooking time depends on the weight of the joint, but it typically ranges from 20 minutes for a 750g joint to about an hour for a 2kg joint. The ham is cooked when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads an internal temperature of 62-75°C. The ham should be easy to pierce with a knife and can be glazed for extra flavour.

Cooking Ham Joint in an Air Fryer

Cooking times and temperatures

Cooking a ham joint in an air fryer is a straightforward process, but it's important to note that the cooking time and temperature will depend on the weight of your joint. Most recipes recommend cooking the ham at a temperature between 160°C and 180°C.

For a small, uncooked gammon or ham joint (750g-1.1kg), you should cook it for 20 minutes at 180°C, then turn it over, and cook for another 20 minutes at the same temperature. If you are adding a glaze, remove the joint from the air fryer for the last five minutes, add the glaze, and then put it back in the air fryer for five minutes.

For a larger, uncooked gammon or ham joint (1.5kg), you should cook it at 170°C for 45 minutes. Then, add your glaze and remove the foil, cooking for another 15-20 minutes at 180°C.

If you have a whole ham (10-14 pounds), reduce the cooking time to 18-20 minutes per pound.

It's important to ensure your ham is cooked through. You can use a digital thermometer to check—it should read 62°C-75°C. If your ham joint hasn't reached this temperature, continue cooking and check every five minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.

Once your ham is cooked, it's recommended to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing or serving.

Glazing

There are many different glaze recipes to choose from, but most include a sweet element such as honey, marmalade, or brown sugar, combined with a spicy or savoury element such as mustard, cloves, or cinnamon. For example, you could try a glaze made from honey and mustard, honey and lemon, redcurrant jelly and mustard, or honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

To glaze your ham joint, first, remove the foil from the cooked joint and lightly score the fat in a diamond pattern. You can stick cloves into each diamond before glazing if you like. Then, liberally brush the glaze over the ham. Return the ham to the air fryer and cook for around 5-20 minutes, or until the ham is crispy and golden on top.

It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of your ham joint and the desired level of crispness. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature to ensure that your ham is cooked through and not burnt on the outside.

Marinading

While marinating is not necessary, it can significantly enhance the flavour of the ham joint. If you opt to marinate, you can soak the ham in a mixture of your favourite herbs and spices, along with acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice. Leave it to soak for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a richer taste.

If you are short on time, you can still achieve excellent flavour by seasoning the outside of the ham before cooking it. A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can elevate the dish.

For a basic ham joint recipe, you will need a pre-cooked, boneless ham, brown sugar, and honey. Honey will complement the savoury flavours of the ham, while brown sugar will add a sweet element and caramelise. You can also add cinnamon for extra flavour. Remove any excess fat and score the surface of the ham with a knife, making shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and give it more flavour.

Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham, ensuring every area is coated. You can also add cloves to the surface of the ham before applying the glaze, which will infuse it with aromatic nuances.

Cleaning the air fryer

Cleaning an air fryer is a straightforward process, but it can be time-consuming, especially if you need to disassemble the appliance to reach certain areas. Here is a comprehensive guide to cleaning your air fryer:

Firstly, turn off the machine and unplug it from the power source. It is important to let the air fryer cool down completely before proceeding with the cleaning process. Once cool, remove the inner basket and pan. These removable components can be washed with warm, soapy water. Some brands even have dishwasher-safe baskets and pans, so be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions.

Next, focus on the heating element. This part can be wiped down with a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap. Be careful not to use abrasive sponges or sharp utensils, as most air fryer parts have a non-stick coating that can be easily scratched. After wiping, rinse the parts with clean water and set them aside to dry completely before reassembling the air fryer.

To clean the interior of the air fryer, especially the hard-to-reach areas, you can use the steam cleaning method. Fill the tray with about 2-3 inches of water, add liquid soap, and a slice of lemon. Run the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, checking periodically. If the water turns brown, replace it with fresh soapy water and repeat the process until it remains clear.

Additionally, it is recommended to clean the air fryer after each use or every few uses to prevent a greasy buildup. This maintenance will help keep your air fryer in top condition and ensure optimal cooking performance.

Storing leftovers

Once you've cooked your ham joint in an air fryer, it's important to know how to store your leftovers. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, let the ham cool on the kitchen counter. If you intend to use some of the ham for sandwiches, slice off the required amount and wrap it well in cling film. A Tupperware box is even better for storage. Keep the ham in the fridge, ensuring it is stored above any raw meat to prevent contamination.

If you have a lot of leftover ham and don't expect to use it within three days, it is recommended to dice it and freeze it. Wrap the diced ham in freezer-safe plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminium foil and place it in a resealable freezer bag. This will keep it fresh and safe to eat for up to two months.

Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, pasta, omelettes, soups, and salads. It can be a versatile ingredient for different meal preps throughout the week and can be paired with other proteins like chicken or turkey.

When using frozen ham leftovers, simply take out the required amount and let it defrost in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before cooking. Then, you can easily incorporate it into your favourite recipes.

Frequently asked questions