Marianne Martinez
Air fryers are a great way to cook a ham, whether it's a small joint for two or a larger ham for a holiday feast. They can be used to cook a ham from frozen or to reheat leftover ham. The size and shape of the ham, the wattage of the air fryer, and whether the ham is boneless or bone-in will all impact the cooking time. As a rule of thumb, it takes 10 minutes per pound to cook a ham in an air fryer, and hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140°F.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for different air fryer models
When it comes to cooking frozen ham in an air fryer, the cooking time can vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the size and shape of the ham. Here are some general guidelines for different air fryer models:
Cosori 5.8-quart Air Fryer
The Cosori 5.8-quart Air Fryer is a popular model mentioned in several recipes for cooking ham. This air fryer takes about 25 minutes to cook a 3-pound spiral ham wrapped in foil. After that, the ham is unwrapped, glazed, and cooked for an additional 10-15 minutes, followed by another 5-10 minutes with the foil folded down. The total cooking time for this model is around 40-45 minutes.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is a powerful and user-friendly model that has been praised for its consistent and accurate cooking. While there is no specific cooking time mentioned for ham, it has been tested with various foods, including chicken, fries, and cake, delivering crispy and juicy results.
Ninja Air Fryers
Ninja offers a range of air fryer models, including the Ninja Max XL with a 5.5-quart capacity and the Ninja Foodi with two 4-quart baskets. These air fryers are suitable for cooking for a family or meal prepping. The Ninja Foodi model is known for its Smart Finish feature, allowing you to cook two different foods at different times and temperatures simultaneously. While no specific cooking times are mentioned for ham, it has been tested with chicken and French fries, yielding excellent results.
Basket-style Air Fryers
Basket-style air fryers are typically smaller, with a 4-quart capacity, making them ideal for those with limited counter space or cooking for one person. They generally have settings like Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. While no specific cooking times are provided for ham, they have been tested with chicken wings and fries, producing crispy results.
Air Fryer Ovens
Air fryer ovens, such as the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, offer a large cooking surface compared to basket-style air fryers. They have multiple settings, including Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, and Dehydrate. While no specific cooking times are mentioned for ham, they are known for their powerful "Air Fry" setting, so a lower temperature is recommended to prevent burning.
It's important to note that the cooking times may vary based on the size and shape of the ham, as thinner and flatter hams will cook faster than rounder, thicker hams. Additionally, different air fryer models have different wattages, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always refer to specific recipes and instructions provided by the air fryer manufacturer for the best results.
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How to avoid drying out the ham
Cooking ham in an air fryer is a great way to speed up the cooking process without drying out the meat. To avoid drying out your ham, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to note that ham is considered fully cooked at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so cooking it to a higher temperature can result in dry meat. Therefore, it is recommended to cook your ham at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
To prevent your ham from drying out, wrap it in foil before placing it in the air fryer. This allows the ham to heat through without drying out or getting too browned. When wrapping the ham, ensure the seam is at the top so the foil can be easily opened later. Additionally, the shape of your ham matters. A thinner, flatter ham will require less cooking time than a rounder, football-shaped ham. If your ham is too tall to fit into the air fryer, you can slice it before wrapping it in foil, but this may require a reduced cooking time.
After 25 minutes, remove the ham from the air fryer and drizzle your chosen glaze over it. Then, place the ham back in the air fryer, closing the foil seam again, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, fold the foil down and cook the ham for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the glaze is browned and the ham reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
If you are reheating leftover ham in the air fryer, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent drying. Reheat at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.
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How to make a glaze
While there are no specific instructions for cooking frozen ham in an air fryer, there are some general guidelines for cooking ham in an air fryer that you can follow. It is recommended to cook ham in an air fryer at around 380 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your ham. A thinner, flatter ham will take less time than a rounder, larger ham. For example, a 3-pound spiral ham will fit nicely in a 5.8-quart air fryer.
Now, for the glaze. A good glaze can really elevate your ham and give it a beautiful sheen. Here are the steps to make a classic sweet and tangy glaze:
Ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Orange juice or apple cider vinegar
- Mustard (optional)
- Unsalted butter (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the brown sugar, honey, and orange juice or apple cider vinegar in a bowl. You can also add mustard and unsalted butter for a richer glaze.
- Mix the ingredients until smooth and the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Brush the glaze over the ham before and during cooking.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer the mixture on the stovetop first until it reduces and thickens.
- If using the glaze during cooking, apply it to the ham about 30 minutes before it is ready.
- Return the glazed ham to the air fryer and continue cooking, uncovered, until the ham is cooked to your liking.
There you have it! A delicious glaze that will add a sweet and tangy flavor to your air-fried ham. Enjoy!
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How to reheat leftover ham
Reheating leftover ham can be tricky as you don't want it to dry out. Using an air fryer is a smart choice as it eliminates unnecessary fats from oils and gives you a juicier and tender ham. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat leftover ham in an air fryer:
Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Preheating is important, so don't skip this step. Set your air fryer to 325°F to 350°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Next, prepare your ham. If you have a whole ham, ensure it is small enough to fit in the air fryer basket without touching the heating element. If your ham is too big, cut it into 2 or 3 smaller pieces. If you are reheating ham slices, arrange them in a single layer on the tray or air fryer basket. If your ham is dry, seal the dish with foil after adding water to the bottom of the tray to prevent the ham from drying out.
Now, you are ready to cook your ham. Place the ham in the air fryer and set the timer. For ham slices, set the timer for 3-5 minutes, flipping the ham halfway through. For a bigger piece of ham, cook for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes. For a whole ham, set the timer for 10 minutes per pound. Turn the ham over halfway through the cooking time.
Finally, remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you have cooked a whole ham, carefully open the foil, as steam will escape. For best results, let the ham slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
There are many ways to enjoy leftover ham, including in sandwiches, casseroles, soups, salads, or sliders.
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What to serve with air fryer ham
Air fryer ham is a quick and easy meal to make, and it goes well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer ham:
Salads
A fresh and crunchy salad can complement the salty and juicy ham. Try a broccoli salad or a classic potato or macaroni salad. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also work well.
Starches
For a heartier meal, serve your ham with a starch like sweet potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even slow cooker ham and lentil soup. These options will fill up your plate and satisfy any cravings for comfort food.
Vegetables
Air-fried ham goes well with a variety of vegetables. Try roasted vegetables like peas and carrots, or broccoli with cheese. You can also serve it with green beans, either cooked with olive oil and a little salt and pepper or prepared with an Asian-inspired recipe.
Holiday Dishes
Air fryer ham is a popular choice for holiday meals, and it pairs well with traditional holiday dishes like stuffing, turkey breast, or sweet potato casserole. If you're serving a large group, you can also make air fryer ham steaks, which only take about 20 minutes to cook and can be served with green beans.
Leftovers
Don't forget about leftovers! Air fryer ham can be used in sandwiches, casseroles, soups, or even tossed on a salad. You can also make ham and cheese sliders or a ham and potato soup.
Sides and Toppings
When it comes to sides and toppings, you have a variety of options. You can serve your ham with pineapple sauce, mushroom gravy, or a butter and brown sugar glaze. For a simple option, just serve it with the juices from the pan.
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Frequently asked questions
As a general rule of thumb, it takes 10 minutes per pound of ham.
First, make sure your ham fits in the air fryer basket. Then, wrap the ham in foil and cook for 25 minutes. While the ham is cooking, make your glaze. After 25 minutes, unwrap the ham and drizzle the glaze over the top. Place the ham back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the ham reaches 135-140°F.
A 3-pound ham will take 30 minutes to cook at 300°F.
To prevent your ham from drying out, cook it at a lower temperature for longer. You can also baste the ham as it cooks.
Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket and heat the ham at 250°F for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
