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

Cooking ham in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Air-fried ham is perfect for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. It can be served with a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, starches, and salads. The key to cooking ham in an air fryer is to wrap it in foil to prevent drying out and to use a glaze for added flavour. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and type of ham, as well as the model of the air fryer.

How to Cook a Ham in the Air Fryer

Choosing the right ham

Type of Ham

There are two main types of ham: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in hams offer a more flavourful experience, and the bone can be used later to flavour soups and stews. Spiral-sliced hams, a type of bone-in ham, are convenient as they are pre-sliced and often come with a glaze packet. Boneless hams, on the other hand, are easier to carve and can be found in smaller sizes. They are also usually cheaper per pound.

Amount of Ham

Consider how many people you will be serving and how much ham you will need. For bone-in hams, plan for 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person. For boneless hams, 1/4 to 1/3 pound per person is sufficient. If you want leftovers, bone-in hams are usually larger, while boneless hams can be found in smaller sizes.

Cooking Method

Different hams are better suited for different cooking methods. If you're using an air fryer, make sure your ham fits in the air fryer basket. Hams can vary in size and shape, so it's important to check that it will fit in your specific air fryer model. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your ham.

Cured or Uncured

Most hams found in grocery stores are cured, which means they have been treated with a mixture of salt, nitrates, nitrites, seasonings, sugars, and preservatives. Uncured hams are preserved using natural ingredients like sea salt, celery, and beet juice and are considered a healthier option.

Fresh or Precooked

Fresh hams are uncured legs of pork and must be cooked before eating. They are not commonly available and are not typically served during holidays. Precooked hams, on the other hand, are more convenient and can be found in both cured and uncured varieties.

When choosing a ham, consider your personal preferences, the number of people you're serving, and the cooking method you'll be using. By taking these factors into account, you can select the right ham for your air fryer and create a delicious meal.

Glazing the ham

Preparing the Glaze:

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of glaze you want to use. A popular option is a brown sugar glaze, which can be easily made by melting butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also experiment with other ingredients such as honey, jelly, or even maple syrup to create a unique flavour profile. For a more savoury option, consider adding mustard, soy sauce, or garlic powder to your glaze. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, pineapple slices or raisin sauce can be a great addition.

Applying the Glaze:

Once you have prepared your glaze, it's time to apply it to the ham. Place the ham in the centre of the air fryer basket, ensuring it is sitting on top of aluminium foil or parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleaning easier. Brush the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the ham, making sure to coat it generously. You can also sprinkle on some parsley or thyme for added flavour and aroma.

Cooking the Glazed Ham:

After glazing the ham, cover it with foil and place it in the preheated air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of your ham and the specific model of your air fryer. For smaller hams, cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. For larger hams, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly. Remember to refer to the manual of your air fryer for specific instructions.

Final Touches:

Once the initial cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham from the air fryer and add additional glaze. You can then increase the temperature and continue air frying for a few more minutes to achieve a beautiful crust. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the ham has reached the recommended internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, remove the ham from the air fryer, slice it, and serve it with your choice of sides. Enjoy the juicy and flavourful air-fried glazed ham!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking ham in an air fryer depend on the type of ham and the desired finish. For example, a pre-cooked boneless ham steak will take less time to cook than a whole bone-in ham.

When cooking a ham steak, set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the steak for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, for a total of 15 to 16 minutes. If you are cooking a fatty ham, keep the heat much lower to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked.

For a whole bone-in ham, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Then, turn down the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the ham from the air fryer and glaze it. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 10 minutes. Glaze the ham again and cook for another 5 minutes. Finally, coat the ham with the remaining glaze and cook for a final 5 minutes. This gives a total cooking time of 45 minutes.

Other recipes suggest cooking a whole bone-in ham at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Then, glaze the ham and increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for a further 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are reheating ham in the air fryer, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 5 minutes.

Air fryer ham storage

Air fryer ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be stored in the freezer. If you plan to store it in the freezer, it's best to put the ham in a freezer-safe storage bag or container. Wrapping it in plastic wrap before placing it in the bag or container will help to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to two months in the freezer if properly sealed.

To reheat the ham, warm it up in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on a microwave-safe plate, or cook it in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes. You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket and reheat the ham at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

Side dishes

There are several side dishes that go well with air-fried ham. Here are some suggestions:

Air Fryer Green Beans

If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, air fryer green beans are a great option. They can be cooked in just 20 minutes, even if you make them separately from the ham. You can follow an Asian-inspired recipe or simply cook them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Air Fryer Stuffing

For a heartier side dish, air fryer stuffing is a perfect choice. It's an excellent way to add some extra flavour and texture to your meal.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a classic side dish that can be easily prepared in the air fryer. It's a great way to add some sweetness and colour to your plate.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

If you're looking for a more substantial side dish, air fryer turkey breast is an excellent option. It's a lean protein source that pairs well with ham and can be cooked in your air fryer, freeing up oven space.

Other Ideas

• Air-fried asparagus
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Mashed potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Green salad

Frequently asked questions