Reheating Ham With An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can reheat ham in an air fryer. It's a great way to speed up the process of reheating without drying out the meat. To reheat leftover ham in an air fryer, place the slices in your preheated air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 2-3 minutes. You can also wrap the ham in foil and heat it in the air fryer for about 5 minutes.

Reheating a whole ham in the air fryer

Yes, you can reheat a whole ham in an air fryer, but it needs to fit properly in the air fryer. It cannot touch the heating elements. If your ham is too big, you can cut it into smaller pieces.

First, let the ham sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off if it has been kept in the fridge. This helps the protein in the meat relax, making it easier for the heat to thoroughly warm through the ham.

Then, preheat your air fryer to 325°F for 3-5 minutes. Wrap your ham tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Set the timer for 10 minutes per pound. Remember to turn the ham over halfway through the time selected.

If your ham is extra dry, cover the top half with additional aluminum foil to seal in more moisture.

How to avoid drying out the ham

Yes, you can reheat ham in an air fryer. However, ham can dry out quickly, so it's important to take some precautions to avoid this. Here are some tips to ensure your ham stays moist and juicy:

Use Foil

Wrapping the ham in aluminium foil before placing it in the air fryer can help to prevent it from drying out. The foil creates a barrier that seals in moisture, ensuring the ham stays juicy. For best results, use heavy-duty foil and wrap the ham tightly. If you're cooking a large piece of ham, you may need to cover the top half with additional foil to retain moisture.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial. It ensures that your ham cooks evenly and helps to prevent overcooking, which can lead to drying out. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the ham.

Control the Temperature

Avoid high temperatures as they can dry out the ham. Instead, cook your ham at a lower temperature for a longer time. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to around 325°F. If you want crispy ham, you can increase the temperature to 350-360°F for a few minutes towards the end of the cooking process.

Add Liquid

Adding a small amount of liquid to the bottom of the air fryer pan can help to create a moist environment and prevent the ham from drying out. Two tablespoons of broth, water, or even your favourite marinade should be enough. If you're cooking a larger piece of ham, use 1/3 cup of liquid for every pound of ham.

Don't Overcook

Overcooking is the main cause of dry ham. To avoid this, keep a close eye on your ham while it's in the air fryer. Use a timer and check on it regularly. Depending on the size and thickness of your ham slices, it should take around 3-5 minutes in the air fryer. For a larger piece of ham, cook for about 10 minutes on each side.

Let It Rest

After removing the ham from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps ensure a moist, tender texture.

Consider Not Reheating

Sometimes, the best way to avoid drying out ham is to avoid reheating it altogether. Cooked hams, especially those that are spiral-cut, are often best served cold. If you're worried about drying out your ham, consider serving it chilled and enjoying its natural moisture.

How long to reheat sliced ham in the air fryer

Yes, you can reheat ham in an air fryer. To ensure your ham doesn't dry out, it's important to keep the heat much lower than you would for cooking.

If you're reheating sliced ham in the air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to 325°F. If you want crispy ham, you can preheat it to 350-360°F. Place the ham slices in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. You can layer the ham slightly if you need to.

If you're reheating a bigger piece of ham, you can place it in the air fryer cut side down, adding a little liquid to the bottom of the pan to keep it from drying out. Two tablespoons of broth or water should be enough, but you can add more if you like. You can also add a marinade for extra flavor. If you only have a wire basket, you can make a rim dish out of foil. Cook the ham for 10 minutes on one side, then flip it and cook for another 10 minutes. For each pound of ham, use 1/3 cup of liquid.

Once you've removed the ham from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to prep the ham

To prep your ham for reheating in the air fryer, you should first let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will help the protein in the meat relax, allowing the heat to penetrate the ham more evenly.

If you are reheating a fully cooked whole ham, it needs to fit in your air fryer properly. It cannot touch the heating elements, so you may need to cut the ham into smaller pieces.

To prep the ham for the air fryer, wrap it tightly in aluminium foil. If you prefer the foil not to touch the meat, you can add a layer of parchment paper between the ham and the foil. Make sure the seam of the foil is at the top.

Place the ham in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating a bigger piece of ham or don't want slices, place the ham cut side down. If you are just reheating slices, arrange them in a single layer.

If you are using a glaze, brush it over the top and around the sides of the ham.

Finally, remember to preheat your air fryer. Preheating is important, so don't skip this step.

How to store leftover ham

Leftover ham is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to sandwiches. However, it's important to store it properly to prevent food waste and ensure food safety. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover ham:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Consume within 3-5 days: According to the USDA, cooked leftover ham can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
• Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags: To prevent moisture loss and bacteria growth, it's best to store ham in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
• Optimal temperature range: Keep your refrigerator temperature between 34°F and 40°F (1°C-4°C).
• Storage location: Store ham on a lower shelf or in a specific meat drawer to maintain a consistent temperature and avoid cross-contamination.

Freezer Storage:

• Freeze for up to two months: If you plan to store ham for longer than 5 days, freezing is a good option. The USDA recommends a freezing temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below, and the ham can be stored for up to two months.
• Wrapping: Before placing ham in the freezer, wrap it in freezer-safe plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Then, put it in a resealable freezer bag.
• Defrosting: When ready to use, defrost the frozen ham in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, depending on its size.

Storing Ham on the Bone:

If you have a large ham that is still on the bone, here are some additional tips:

• Wrapping: To store ham on the bone, wrap it in a seasoned cloth, such as a clean tea towel, pillowcase, large piece of calico fabric, or a purpose-made ham bag.
• Vinegar solution: Soak the cloth in a solution of two cups of white vinegar and two litres of water, then allow it to dry before wrapping the ham. This helps to preserve the ham and prevent drying.
• Resoaking: If you're storing the ham for an extended period, remember to resoak and rewrap the ham every couple of days to prevent it from drying out.

Food Safety and Freshness:

• Refrigerate promptly: To reduce the risk of spoilage and food poisoning, it's essential to refrigerate or freeze ham as soon as possible after cooking. Aim to get it in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of serving.
• Check for spoilage: Before consuming leftover ham, check its appearance, texture, and smell. If the ham has an unusual odour, discolouration, or a sticky or slimy texture, discard it immediately.

Frequently asked questions