Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook ham, especially for holidays when the oven is in high demand. Cooking ham in an air fryer is quick and easy, and the sweet glaze that forms pairs well with the salty ham. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can fit a 3-pound ham or even a larger ham cut into two equal pieces. To cook ham in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer, wrap the ham in foil, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
How long do you cook ham in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 320°F-400°F |
| Cooking temperature | 300°F-325°F |
| Cooking time | 20-25 minutes |
| Reheating temperature | 250°F |
| Reheating time | 3-5 minutes |
| Ham weight | 3 pounds |
| Ham shape | Flat surface and rounded top |
| Glaze ingredients | Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, mustard, melted butter, ground cloves, garlic powder, soy sauce, mango |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook a juicy ham in an air fryer
Air fryers are a great way to cook a juicy ham, and they free up oven space. You can cook a ham in an air fryer in less than an hour. The key to a juicy ham is to wrap it in foil to allow it to heat through without drying out. You can also add a glaze for extra flavor and texture.
Preparation
First, check that your ham fits in your air fryer. If it's too big, you can trim it or slice it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices. It's recommended to use a cooked ham, and most hams are sold pre-cooked. You can also buy pre-sliced ham slices or steaks. If your ham is fatty, place a piece of bread under the basket to catch the fat and prevent smoking.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the ham in foil, ensuring the seam is at the top so you can open it later. Place the ham in the air fryer, seam-side up, and cook for 20-25 minutes. If your ham is sliced, it will take less time to cook, around 5-6 minutes.
Glazing
While the ham is cooking, make your glaze. You can use brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, honey, or even melted jelly. You can also use a store-bought glaze. Once the ham is glazed, cover it with foil and return it to the air fryer for another 20 minutes.
Serving
Air fryer ham goes with nearly anything! Try it with salads, casseroles, roasted vegetables, or in sandwiches.
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Reheating leftover ham in an air fryer
To reheat leftover ham in an air fryer, first let the ham slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will help the protein in the meat relax, making it easier to warm through. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the ham in the air fryer basket, cut side down. If your ham is particularly dry, you can add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to retain moisture.
For ham slices, cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping the ham halfway through. For a whole ham, cook for 10 minutes, then flip the ham over and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Once the ham is heated through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
If you are cooking ham steaks, preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the ham steaks in the air fryer and cook for 5-6 minutes. If your ham is fatty, you may notice some smoke. In this case, add a piece of bread under the basket or a tiny bit of water under the basket.
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How to avoid ham drying out in an air fryer
Cooking ham in an air fryer is a great way to speed up the cooking process without drying out the meat. However, air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, similar to a convection oven, but at a much higher speed, which can cause the moisture within the food to evaporate faster. Here are some tips to prevent your ham from drying out in an air fryer:
Choose the right size of ham:
Select a ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer. A 3-pound ham is a good size for most 5.8-quart air fryers, but you may need to cut a larger ham into two equal pieces to ensure it fits properly.
Preheat the air fryer:
Preheating your air fryer can help reduce the chance of drying out your ham. Most air fryers have a preheat function, so you can set the desired temperature before adding your ham.
Wrap the ham in foil:
Wrapping the ham in foil helps it to heat through without drying out. You can also use foil to line the air fryer basket, creating a barrier between the ham and the direct heat of the air fryer, which can help retain moisture.
Use a glaze:
Applying a glaze to your ham can also help to prevent drying. A simple glaze can be made by melting butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Brush the glaze over the ham before and during cooking.
Monitor the temperature and cooking time:
Higher temperatures and longer cooking times can contribute to drying out your ham. It is recommended to cook ham in an air fryer at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then add additional glaze and cook for another 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham doesn't overcook and dry out.
Flip or shake the ham:
Flipping or shaking the ham during the cooking process allows for even air circulation and helps prevent any one side from drying out. Depending on your recipe, flip the ham halfway through or shake it with tongs or a spatula.
Avoid overcrowding:
Cooking too much ham at once can hinder proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and increased moisture loss. If you have a large quantity of ham, cook it in batches to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
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Air fryer ham steak recipes
Air-fried ham steaks are a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast. They're also versatile, as you can serve them with various sides, such as vegetables, rice, rolls, or potatoes. Here are some recipes and tips to help you cook delicious ham steaks in your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- Ham steaks (boneless and pre-cooked)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Brown sugar (light or dark)
- Thyme
- Honey
- Seasoned salt
- Cinnamon
- Garlic granules
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.
- Mix melted butter with brown sugar, thyme, and any other desired seasonings in a bowl. You can also add honey and seasoned salt to this mixture for extra flavor.
- Brush the butter and sugar mixture onto both sides of the ham steaks generously.
- Place the ham steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking for multiple people, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the ham steaks for 7-10 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ham steaks and your desired doneness.
- Once the ham steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Tips:
- If you want to keep your ham steaks warm while serving, preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting (around 170-200 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the cooked steaks on an oven-safe platter or a foil-lined sheet pan.
- Air fryers can vary in size and temperature, so it's important to keep an eye on your ham steaks to ensure they don't overcook or burn.
- If your ham is fatty, you may notice some smoke in the air fryer. To prevent this, place a piece of bread under the air fryer basket or add a tiny bit of water underneath.
- Reheating leftover ham in an air fryer can be tricky, as it may dry out. Add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer basket and reheat at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.
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Air fryer ham with homemade glaze
Air fryers are a great way to cook ham, especially if you're short on oven space. You can cook a ham in an air fryer in less than an hour, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients:
- Ham (3-pound)
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Mustard
- Melted butter
- Ground cloves
- Garlic powder
- Soy sauce
- Rum
- Parchment paper
Steps:
First, preheat your air fryer to 320°F-400°F. It's important to note that different air fryers cook at different wattages, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.
Next, prepare the ham by scoring it with shallow, narrow cuts about 1/4 inch apart in both directions. If your ham is too big to fit in the air fryer, you can trim it or slice it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices.
Now, make the glaze by mixing brown sugar, mustard, melted butter, ground cloves, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a small bowl to form a thick paste. You can also add cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor.
Line a small pan that fits in your air fryer basket with foil, leaving a 6-inch overhang. Pour in the rum and place the ham cut-side down. Brush or spoon one-quarter of the glaze onto the ham. Cover with parchment paper and then another piece of foil.
Place the wrapped ham in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the ham from the air fryer and add additional glaze. Seal the top of the foil onto the ham and cook for another 20 minutes at 300°F.
Finally, uncover the ham and cook for a few more minutes to brown the glaze. The ham is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Tips:
- To prevent the ham from drying out, wrap it in foil before cooking.
- If your ham is on the fatty side, place a piece of bread under the air fryer basket to absorb the fat drippings.
- Experiment with different glazes like mango, honey, or even melted jelly for a unique flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes less than an hour to cook a ham in an air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 325°F, wrap the ham slices in foil, and heat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes.
You can make a glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Preheat the air fryer to 300-325°F.
A 3-pound ham fits in a 5.8-quart or 6-quart air fryer. If your ham is too big, you can trim it or cut it into slices or cubes.
