Air-Frying Ham: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to cook ham, especially if you're short on oven space. The cooking time depends on the size and shape of the ham, as well as the type of air fryer you have. For a 2-3 pound ham, you'll need around 40-50 minutes. Thinner, flatter hams will cook quicker than rounder, deeper ones. It's important to note that you should use a fully cooked, boneless ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer without touching the heating element. You can also add a delicious glaze to your ham, such as honey, brown sugar, or pineapple.

How long to cook a 2-3 pound ham in an air fryer

Cooking a 2-3 pound ham in an air fryer takes around 40-50 minutes. However, this will vary depending on the shape of the ham and the make and model of the air fryer. For example, a thinner, flatter ham will cook quicker than a rounder, deeper ham.

Steps to cook a 2-3 pound ham in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 320-325°F.
• Wrap the ham in foil, ensuring the seam is at the top so it can be opened during cooking.
• Transfer the ham to the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
• While the ham is cooking, make the glaze by mixing together honey, orange or pineapple juice, cinnamon, and mustard powder.
• After 20 minutes, open the foil, brush the ham with the glaze, and reseal the foil. Cook for another 15-20 minutes.
• Open the foil and cook the ham for a further 5-8 minutes, or until the glaze is golden brown.
• Remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to make a glaze for air fryer ham

Ingredients

• 2-3 lb boneless ham
• 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup orange juice or 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons mustard (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon clove (optional)
• Black pepper, to taste

Method

First, melt the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and any other spices you are using in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Set aside.

Place two large sheets of foil in the basket of the air fryer. Add the ham to the centre. Brush the butter and brown sugar glaze over the top and sides of the ham.

Once the ham has been glazed, cover with foil and place in the preheated air fryer at 300-320 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the ham and add more glaze. Seal the top of the foil onto the ham and cook at the same temperature for an additional 20 minutes.

Carefully pull the foil down and brush with more glaze. Place the basket back into the air fryer and increase the heat to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, until the ham is browned and caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 140-165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips

• To prevent the ham from drying out, wrap it in foil for most of the cooking process.
• If your ham is unsliced, slice it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices before cooking.
• To prevent the ham from burning, ensure it does not touch the heating element at the top of the air fryer.
• To ensure even cooking, let the ham sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking.
• For a crispy top, score the ham by making criss-cross cuts in the surface before cooking.
• For a smaller ham, reduce the cooking time. As a rule of thumb, it takes about 10-20 minutes per pound of ham.
• For a crispy, caramelized texture, finish the ham uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
• For extra glaze, combine the juices from the air fryer basket with the remaining glaze in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.

How to store and reheat air fryer ham

Storing your Air Fryer Ham

Air fryer ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy leftovers. If you don't plan on eating it within that time, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating your Air Fryer Ham

The key to reheating ham without drying it out is to add moisture. You can use your air fryer, but other options include a slow cooker, stove top, oven, or microwave.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 325°F. Wrap the ham in aluminum foil and place it in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 6 to 8 minutes if the ham is sliced, or 10 minutes per pound for a whole ham. If you prefer crispy ham, arrange the slices in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F to 360°F, turning after 2 minutes.

For larger pieces of ham, place the cut side down and add a little liquid (broth or water) to the bottom of the air fryer pan. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10 minutes. For each pound of ham, use 1/3 cup of liquid.

Remember to let the ham rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

What types of ham can be cooked in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook ham, especially if you're short on oven space. The cooking time depends on the size and shape of the ham, but it usually takes around 40-50 minutes for a 2-3 pound ham.

Now, let's get into the different types of ham that can be cooked in an air fryer.

Boneless Ham

A boneless ham is a great option for the air fryer, as it tends to fit better in the air fryer basket. It's important to ensure that the ham doesn't touch the heating element, so you might need to trim it down a bit if it's too large. Bringing the ham to room temperature before cooking is recommended, as it ensures even cooking.

Spiral Ham

Spiral ham is a great option for those who want to get a crispy top on their ham. The spiral cuts allow the skin to crisp up nicely. However, keep in mind that spiral ham may dry out a little faster due to the air space between the cuts.

Honey Baked Ham

Honey baked ham is a delicious option for the air fryer. You can make your own glaze using honey, brown sugar, and other ingredients like orange juice or mustard. This type of ham tends to be on the smaller side, making it perfect for air frying.

Glazed Ham

You can also cook glazed ham in an air fryer. A simple glaze can be made by mixing honey, brown sugar, and orange juice or pineapple juice. You can also experiment with different spices and glazes to find your favorite combination.

Pre-Flavored Ham

Pre-flavored hams, such as smoked flavor, honey mustard, or honey flavor, can also be cooked in an air fryer. However, be mindful of the glaze you use, as you'll want to avoid drying out the ham.

Thin or Flat Hams

Thin or flat hams will cook quicker than rounder, deeper hams. This is because they have more surface area in contact with the hot air of the air fryer. Just be sure to leave enough space for the air to circulate and cook the ham evenly.

In conclusion, there are several types of ham that can be cooked in an air fryer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on the size and shape of your ham, and feel free to experiment with different glazes and flavors to find your favorite!

How to prep ham for cooking in an air fryer

Air-frying ham is a great way to free up oven space and it turns out tender and juicy every time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prep your ham for cooking in an air fryer:

Choose the Right Ham:

• Opt for a fully cooked, boneless ham.
• Ensure the ham fits comfortably in your air fryer without touching the heating element. You might need to trim or slice the ham to make it fit.
• For most air fryers, a 2-3 pound ham is ideal.

Bring the Ham to Room Temperature:

Take the ham out of the refrigerator about 1-2 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This helps the ham cook more evenly.

Wrap the Ham in Foil:

• Use aluminum foil to wrap the ham completely, ensuring the seam is at the top for easy opening during cooking.
• You can also add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the meat if you prefer the foil not to touch the ham directly.
• Make sure the foil doesn't touch the heating element of the air fryer.

Make the Glaze (Optional):

• You can brush the ham with a glaze before and during cooking for added flavour.
• Common ingredients for a glaze include butter, honey, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, mustard, and other spices.
• Melt the butter and mix with the other glaze ingredients in a small bowl or saucepan.

Score the Ham (Optional):

If you want the ham skin to crisp up nicely, you can make criss-cross cuts or a diamond pattern on the surface of the ham before cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the Ham in the Air Fryer:

• Transfer the wrapped ham to the air fryer basket.
• Ensure there is enough space for air to circulate properly around the ham.

Now you're ready to start cooking your delicious air-fried ham! Follow the specific cooking instructions provided by your air fryer model for the best results.

Frequently asked questions