Air-Fryer Ham Steak: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking ham steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and affordable way to enjoy the taste of a big ham slice without the hassle of cooking an entire ham. With simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 10 minutes. This cooking method is also versatile, allowing you to serve ham steak for a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

How to cook ham steak in an air fryer

Cooking ham steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. It is also one of the most affordable dinners you can make, as you only need a few simple ingredients.

First, preheat your air fryer. Different sources recommend preheating to different temperatures, including 320 degrees Fahrenheit, 375 degrees Fahrenheit, 380 degrees Fahrenheit, and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil, or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Next, prepare your ham steak. You can cut the steak in half if you want, and brush it with butter, maple syrup, or a glaze made from olive oil, mustard, and honey. If you want to add pineapple, brush the pineapple rings with the glaze as well.

Now, you can add the ham steak to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. Flip the steak halfway through, and brush with more glaze if desired.

Finally, remove the ham steak from the air fryer and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Recommended temperature and cooking time

The recommended temperature and cooking time for air-frying ham steaks depend on the size and thickness of the steaks, as well as the model of your air fryer. It's important to note that different air fryers cook differently, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your specific air fryer model.

For a 4 oz. thin slice of ham steak, a cooking time of 5-7 minutes at 370°F to 380°F is recommended. If you prefer your ham steak glazed, you can open the air fryer after 5 minutes, flip the steak, sprinkle it with brown sugar, and lay a pineapple slice on top. Then, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

For thicker ham steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time to 7-10 minutes. It is recommended to cook at 375°F for 7 to 8 minutes on each side for thicker ham steaks. If you want to add a glaze, you can brush the ham steaks with butter, thyme, and brown sugar before placing them in the air fryer.

If your ham steak is on the fatty side, consider cooking at a lower temperature of around 320°F to avoid burning the exterior before the interior is cooked. Additionally, you can place a piece of bread under the basket to absorb the drippings.

Keep in mind that ham steaks are typically pre-cooked, so you are mainly warming them up and getting a desired level of crispiness. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you can expect to have delicious, crispy ham steaks ready in under 10 minutes.

Glaze and seasoning options

Ham steaks are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways in an air fryer. You can use a variety of glazes and seasonings to add flavor to your ham steak. Here are some options:

Glaze Options:

• Brown Sugar and Butter Glaze: Combine melted butter with light or dark brown sugar. You can also add thyme to this glaze.
• Maple Syrup Glaze: Use maple syrup as a glaze for your ham steak.
• Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix honey, mustard, and olive oil to create a glaze. You can also add rosemary to this glaze.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over your ham steak for a tangy flavor.
• Cheese Glaze: For a savory option, top your ham steak with melted cheese.

Seasoning Options:

• Pineapple: Serve your ham steak with pineapple slices on the side or as a topping. You can also brush pineapple rings with a glaze and cook them in the air fryer alongside the ham.
• Honey: Drizzle honey over your cooked ham steak for a sweet touch.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme over your ham steak for an aromatic flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Serve your ham steak with a side of Dijon mustard for a savory option.
• Onions: Caramelized onions can be used as a topping or side dish to complement the ham.

Reheating ham steak

Preparing the Ham Steak

Firstly, it is important to note that not all ham steaks are created equal. Some are fully cooked, while others may be raw or partially cooked. Check the packaging of your ham steak to determine its doneness. If it is a fully cooked ham steak, you are simply reheating it, which will take less time. If it is a raw or partially cooked ham steak, you will need to allow more time for cooking.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature. For reheating ham steaks, a lower temperature is recommended, around 320 degrees Fahrenheit, to avoid burning the exterior before the interior is heated through. Different air fryers may have varying preheating times, so refer to your air fryer's instructions.

Reheating the Ham Steak

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to place the ham steak inside. If your ham steak is fatty, consider placing a piece of bread or a small amount of water under the basket to catch any drippings and prevent smoking. Reheat the ham steak for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly. You can layer the ham slices slightly if needed, but ensure adequate airflow for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Once your ham steak is reheated, you can serve it with your favorite sides. Some classic side dishes include mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, rolls, or green beans. You can also top your ham steak with a glaze, such as brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, for added flavor. Don't forget to let the ham steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to retain its juices.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover ham steak slices, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers, but the texture may change upon defrosting. To freeze, place the ham steak in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 3 months. Remember to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and consuming.

Side dishes

Ham steaks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for side dishes that would complement your air-fried ham steak:

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with ham. They can be made even more festive by adding herbs or spices, such as rosemary or thyme.

Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness to the meal and can be easily prepared in the air fryer alongside the ham. Simply toss carrots in a glaze of your choice, such as honey or maple syrup, and air fry until tender.

Rolls

Freshly baked rolls are a great side dish to soak up any juices or sauces from the ham. They can be served plain or with a spread of butter or glaze.

Green Beans

Green beans are a healthy and tasty option that can be prepared in the air fryer. Cook them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple side dish, or try an Asian-inspired recipe for a more unique flavor profile.

Potato Salad

If you're looking for something a little different, a warm Bavarian potato salad with crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and a vinegar-based dressing is a delicious option. It adds a touch of freshness to the meal and can be served as a side or a main course.

Roasted Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts

For a nutritious and flavorful side dish, try roasting asparagus and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables can be easily prepared in the air fryer and provide a nice balance to the ham.

Pineapple Slices

For a sweeter dish, serve your glazed ham with fresh pineapple slices. This combination is especially good if you've used a savory glaze on your ham, such as a dijon mustard or soy sauce glaze.

Glazed Ham with Pineapple Sauce

If you want to enhance the sweetness of your ham steak, serve it with pineapple sauce. This combination will give your meal a tropical twist.

Cornbread Muffins, Cranberry Muffins, or Pecan Pancakes

These breakfast-style side dishes are perfect if you're serving ham steak for brunch or breakfast. They add a touch of sweetness and can be easily prepared in advance.

The great thing about air fryer ham steaks is their versatility. You can serve them with any vegetables or starches you have on hand, such as rice, potatoes, or carrots. Get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions