Air-Frying Sliced Ham: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Yes, you can cook sliced ham in an air fryer. It's a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook ham steaks, which are thick slices of ham cut from a whole ham roast. Air-fried ham is perfect for casual dinners, special occasions, or holiday meals. You can use a pre-sliced or unsliced ham, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fryer ham steaks: ingredients and timings

Air fryer ham steaks are a quick and easy meal that can be on the table in less than 10 minutes. The ingredients are simple, and the convenience of the air fryer means you can have ham steaks with a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior in no time.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make ham steaks in an air fryer:

• Ham steaks (boneless and pre-cooked)
• Butter (unsalted is preferable as ham is already quite salty)
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Thyme
• Parchment paper or aluminium foil
• Olive oil or avocado oil (optional)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F/193°C. If you are using a Cosori air fryer, preheat to 400°F. If your ham is fatty, preheat to 320°F to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked.

Next, remove the ham steak from its packaging and cut it in half if desired. Then, mix the melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl. You can also add thyme to this mixture for extra flavour.

Brush the ham steaks with half of the butter and sugar mixture, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip the steaks and brush with the remaining mixture.

Finally, cook the steaks for another 5-6 minutes, or until they are brown and cooked to your liking. If you prefer your ham steaks a little more well done, you can cook them for an additional 2-4 minutes.

Timings

The cooking time for air fryer ham steaks will depend on the thickness of the steaks and the model of the air fryer. As a guide, thinner steaks will take around 8-10 minutes, while thicker steaks can take up to 20 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the ham steaks during cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.

How to make a glaze for your ham

Yes, you can cook sliced ham in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to make a glaze for your ham:

Firstly, it is important to note that the glaze should be added during the last few minutes of cooking. This is because the sugar in the glaze will caramelize in the hot air fryer, giving the ham a nice brown crust. If left on too long, the sugar can burn and ruin the flavour of the ham.

A simple glaze can be made by combining brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Brush this glaze over the ham before placing it in the air fryer. You can also add honey to this mixture.

Another glaze can be made by combining brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar in a bowl to make a thick paste. Remove the ham from the air fryer and spread this mixture over it.

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, you could try a mango ham glaze. Combine 1 cup of frozen mango (or peaches) with 1/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small saucepan.

Finally, if you are short on time, you can simply use maple syrup as a glaze. Brush the ham steaks with maple syrup before placing them in the air fryer, and again before serving.

Remember to adjust the cooking times and temperatures depending on the thickness and fattiness of your ham, as well as the model of your air fryer.

How to cook a whole ham in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook sliced ham in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook a whole ham in an air fryer:

Firstly, select a ham that fits in your air fryer. If your ham is too big, you can cut it into two equal pieces. It is important to ensure that the ham fits in the air fryer without touching the burner.

Secondly, prepare the glaze. You can make a glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Alternatively, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even melted jelly for the glaze. You can also try a Sriracha honey glaze by blending Sriracha and honey for a sweet and spicy flavour.

Thirdly, wrap the ham in foil and place it in the air fryer. You can also add a piece of bread under the basket to absorb any extra drippings. Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fourthly, cook the ham for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, unwrap the ham and brush on another layer of glaze. Re-wrap the ham and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

Finally, increase the heat to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ham for an additional 3-5 minutes to caramelize the outside. Carefully remove the ham from the air fryer, slice, and serve. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried ham!

How to reheat ham in an air fryer

Reheating ham in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy your leftover ham. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat ham in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 320°F and 380°F. The ideal temperature depends on the thickness and fat content of your ham slices. A lower temperature is recommended for thinner slices to avoid burning the outside before the inside is heated through.
• Prepare the ham: Place the ham slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are reheating a large ham, you may need to cut it into smaller slices or halves to ensure even cooking.
• Optional glaze: If you want to add a glaze to your ham, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and other flavourings like honey, maple syrup, or pineapple juice in a bowl. You can also add a pinch of chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary. Brush this glaze onto the ham slices before cooking.
• Air fry the ham: Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 5-10 minutes. For thicker slices, you may need to increase the cooking time. Halfway through the cooking process, use tongs to flip the ham slices and brush on more glaze if desired.
• Rest and serve: Remove the ham slices from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the ham stays moist. Serve the ham with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a warm potato salad.

Note: If your ham is fatty and you notice smoke, stop the air fryer and place a piece of bread under the basket to absorb the drippings. Alternatively, you can add a tiny bit of water under the basket to catch the drippings.

What to serve with air-fried ham

Air-fried ham is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and wholesome meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried ham:

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with ham. They can be made creamy and buttery, adding a rich and indulgent element to the meal.

Green Beans

Air-fried green beans are a great option to serve with ham. They can be cooked in the air fryer alongside the ham, making them a quick and convenient choice. Green beans can be cooked with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple and tasty dish.

Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness to the meal and are a great way to incorporate some vegetables.

Rolls or Bread

Bread is a simple and versatile side that can be used to soak up any extra drippings or gravy from the ham. Rolls can be served as a side, or bread can be used to make sandwiches with leftover ham.

Holiday Dishes

Air-fried ham is a great option for holiday meals. It can be served with traditional holiday dishes such as stuffing, turkey breast, or sweet potato casserole, or ham and potato casserole.

Pineapple Sauce or Gravy

Pineapple sauce or slices can be served with ham for a sweet and tangy combination. Gravies, such as ham gravy or mushroom gravy, also complement the dish well.

Vegetables

A variety of vegetables can be served with air-fried ham, including glazed or roasted carrots, green beans, or a side salad.

Breakfast Sides

Air-fried ham can also be served as a breakfast dish, pairing well with morning pancakes or eggs.

These are just a few suggestions for what to serve with air-fried ham. Depending on your preferences and the occasion, you can choose sides that complement the ham and create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal.

Frequently asked questions