Ella Walter
Spiral ham is a delicious dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer is a great way to speed up the cooking process without drying out the ham. Spiral ham is usually pre-cooked, so the goal when air-frying is to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and juicy. The air fryer is a perfect appliance to dedicate to cooking ham, and you can create a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 15-20 minutes per pound of ham |
| Temperature | 300-320°F |
| Glaze | Honey, brown sugar, pineapple, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, dijon mustard |
| Ham weight | 2-3 pounds |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Spiral ham cooking time and temperature
Spiral ham is a popular dish to cook in an air fryer, and for good reason—it's easy, tender, and flavorful. The cooking time and temperature for spiral ham in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect spiral ham:
Preparation:
First, remove the ham from its package and juices, then lightly rinse and pat dry. It is recommended to bring the ham to room temperature before cooking, which can be done by taking it out of the fridge about 2 hours beforehand. This helps ensure that the ham cooks evenly and that the center is not cold after air frying.
Cooking:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (some recipes suggest 300°F). Create a deep foil pouch inside your air fryer basket by crisscrossing two pieces of foil. If you prefer, you can add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the meat. Place the ham inside the foil pouch and add your chosen glaze or seasoning. Many recipes suggest a combination of honey, brown sugar, and pineapple for a sweet and flavorful ham.
Once the ham is prepared, place it in the preheated air fryer and cook for 20 minutes. Then, open the foil pouch and baste the ham with the juices. Re-cover the ham and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Finally, open the foil pouch again and baste the ham once more. Leave the foil pouch open and increase the temperature to 350°F-380°F. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to brown the top of the ham.
The total cooking time for spiral ham in an air fryer is generally around 45-50 minutes. However, it is important to monitor the ham to ensure it does not dry out. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover spiral ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, place the slices in the air fryer at 250°F for 3-5 minutes, being careful not to dry out the meat.
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Glaze ingredients and preparation
Spiral ham can be glazed with a variety of ingredients, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some options for glaze ingredients and preparation:
Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze:
- Honey and brown sugar are key ingredients for glazing spiral ham in the air fryer. You can melt butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar, and stir until well combined. Alternatively, you can simply mix honey and brown sugar without heating them.
- For a more complex flavor profile, you can add additional ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, or Dijon mustard. These ingredients can be whisked together with the honey and brown sugar before glazing the ham.
- If you prefer a more savory glaze, you can omit the honey and instead brush the ham with butter or cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) before adding other ingredients.
Pineapple Glaze:
- Pineapple is a popular addition to spiral ham glaze, providing a citrusy flavor. You can use pineapple juice, canned pineapple slices, or both.
- To make the glaze, combine pineapple juice, butter, brown sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- You can also add other ingredients to a pineapple glaze. For example, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt can be added for a spicier flavor profile.
Preparation:
- Before glazing, it is important to prepare the ham. Remove the ham from its packaging and juices, rinse it lightly, and pat it dry.
- Wrap the ham in aluminum foil, ensuring that the seam is at the top. You can add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the meat if you prefer.
- Place the ham in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the specific air fryer you are using.
- While the ham is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing your chosen ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer or a boil, then remove it from the heat.
- After the initial cooking time, open the foil and brush the glaze onto the ham. You can use a basting brush to ensure an even coating.
- Recover the ham with foil and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Finally, remove the foil and brush the ham with any remaining glaze. You can optionally cook the ham uncovered for an additional 5-8 minutes to achieve a crispy texture.
- Allow the ham to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Spiral ham weight and size
Spiral hams come in different sizes, and the cooking time will depend on the weight of the ham. A 3-pound spiral ham is a common size that fits into most air fryer baskets. However, larger hams may be closer to the heating element and require adjustments to cooking time to prevent overbrowning.
A good rule of thumb for cooking spiral ham in an air fryer is to allot 12-15 minutes per pound at 325°F. For example, a 3-pound ham will take approximately 36-45 minutes to cook, while a 4-pound ham will take 48-60 minutes. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and wattage.
To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Remove the ham from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 135°F, as the ham will continue to cook and reach the desired temperature.
Spiral hams can vary significantly in weight, ranging from 3 to 8 pounds or more. When purchasing a spiral ham, consider the size of your air fryer basket and allow for adequate cooking time based on the weight of the ham.
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Reheating and storing spiral ham
Spiral ham is a popular dish, especially during Easter and Christmas. Spiral hams are usually pre-cooked, so you only need to heat and serve them. Here are some detailed instructions on reheating and storing spiral ham.
Reheating Spiral Ham:
When reheating spiral ham, it is important to prevent the ham from drying out. One way to do this is by adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket and reheating the ham at 250°F (121°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat spiral ham in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on a microwave-safe plate.
Storing Spiral Ham:
Spiral ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you wish to store it for a more extended period, you can freeze it. To freeze spiral ham, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly sealed, it can last up to two months in the freezer.
Cooking Spiral Ham in an Air Fryer:
When cooking spiral ham in an air fryer, it is essential to ensure that the ham fits inside the basket. You may need to use a smaller ham, typically around 3 pounds (1.4 kg). It is also recommended to use aluminium foil or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket, catching any drippings or glaze and preventing the basket from getting too dirty.
The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size and shape of the ham. As a guide, cook the ham at 320°F (160°C) for 20 minutes, covered with foil. Then, uncover the ham, baste it with the juices, and air fry for another 20 minutes. Finally, open the foil pouch, baste the ham again, and air fry for a further 20 minutes without the foil.
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Spiral ham sides and serving suggestions
Spiral ham is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and at various occasions, from a simple weeknight dinner to a holiday feast.
When it comes to side dishes, you can go for something creamy to balance the salty, slightly sweet taste of the ham. Mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting choice, perfect for soaking up rich, flavorful gravy. Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy layers and cheesy sauce, are another excellent option. If you're looking for something with a crunch, try roasted fingerling potatoes or smashed Brussels sprouts.
Green bean casserole is a staple at many holiday tables and pairs wonderfully with spiral ham. For a more indulgent option, go for macaroni and cheese, which can be customized with various cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan. Roasted asparagus, coleslaw, and baked beans are also excellent choices to consider.
If you're looking for something sweet, try a sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan topping and layers of marshmallows. This will offer a delightful contrast to the savory ham. For a more subtle sweetness, honey-glazed carrots are a great option, adding a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to your plate.
Don't forget about the bread! Garlic bread, with its rich buttery flavor and aromatic herbs, is a perfect complement to spiral ham. Cornbread, with its golden hue and slight sweetness, also provides a delightful contrast to the savory ham.
For a refreshing option, a Caesar salad offers a crisp and tangy accompaniment that elevates the meal. Deviled eggs are another classic and flavorful choice, with their creamy filling and subtle hint of mustard. Cranberry sauce, with its vibrant color and tangy flavor, is an excellent way to balance the rich and savory taste of spiral ham.
Some other quick and easy sides to consider are peas and carrots, collard greens, and shallot-y roasted green beans.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook spiral ham at 320°F for 20 minutes. However, different sources suggest temperatures between 300°F and 380°F, and cooking times between 15 and 40 minutes.
It is recommended to use a 2-3 pound ham for most air fryers. Larger hams may need to be trimmed to fit in the basket.
A popular glaze for spiral ham cooked in an air fryer is a mixture of honey, brown sugar, and pineapple. You can also add pineapple juice to the glaze to give the ham a citrusy flavor.
Leftover spiral ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Spiral ham cooked in an air fryer can be served with potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a casserole.
