Air Fryer Ham: How Long To Cook?

Air fryers are a great way to cook ham, especially if you're short on oven space. They can be used to cook a delicious, juicy ham in under an hour, and are perfect for a smaller crowd. The key to a moist air fryer ham is to wrap it in foil, so it doesn't dry out. You can also add a glaze to your ham, with popular options including honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mustard. The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham, but for a 2-3 pound ham, you're looking at around 40-50 minutes.

How long to cook ham in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook ham in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size and shape of the ham, the wattage of your air fryer, and whether you are using a glaze.

Preparation

Before cooking, remove the ham from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. This usually takes about one to two hours. It's important to note that the ham should not sit at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Additionally, make sure your ham fits comfortably in the air fryer, without touching the heating element. If necessary, trim the ham or slice off bits of it to ensure a proper fit. It is also recommended to use aluminium foil or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket and prevent it from getting too dirty.

Cooking Time

For a 2-3 pound boneless ham, the cooking time is typically around 40-50 minutes. Thinner, flatter hams will cook quicker than rounder, deeper hams. As a rule of thumb, estimate about 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound of ham.

When cooking, wrap the ham in foil to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Halfway through the cooking time, open the foil and brush the ham with glaze (if using). Close the foil again and continue cooking. In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, open the foil to expose the ham, allowing the glaze to caramelise.

The ham is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

What temperature to cook ham in an air fryer

The ideal temperature to cook ham in an air fryer is between 300-380 degrees Fahrenheit (148.88-193.33 degrees Celsius).

Cooking Temperatures

The temperature you cook your ham at will depend on the stage of the cooking process.

Firstly, place your ham in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148.88 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the ham from the air fryer, glaze it, and then return it to the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148.88 degrees Celsius) for another 20 minutes.

Finally, increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193.33 degrees Celsius) and cook for a further 3 minutes.

The lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148.88 degrees Celsius) is used to ensure the ham cooks evenly without burning the outside. The higher temperature of 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193.33 degrees Celsius) is used to create a crispy, caramelized texture.

Tips

• Make sure your ham fits comfortably in the air fryer and does not touch the heating element.
• It is best to cook the ham in aluminum foil for part of the cooking time to ensure it remains juicy and does not dry out.
• Thinner, flatter hams will cook quicker than rounder, deeper hams.
• Make sure there is enough space for air to circulate and cook the ham properly.

How to make a glaze for ham in an air fryer

A glaze can add colour, flavour, and texture to your ham. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a glaze for ham in an air fryer:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of orange juice or pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
• 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

Optional Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons of butter or any cooking oil

Method

• Combine the honey, orange or pineapple juice, cinnamon, and mustard in a small bowl and mix well.
• If using brown sugar, butter or oil, and cloves, add them to the mixture and whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is well combined.
• Set the glaze aside until you are ready to brush it onto the ham.
• Follow the steps to cook the ham in your air fryer, and when it is time to add the glaze, open up the foil and brush the glaze all over the ham.
• Close the foil and continue cooking the ham according to your recipe.
• For an extra crispy and caramelized glaze, uncover the ham for the last few minutes of cooking.

Feel free to adjust the measurements and add or remove ingredients to create a glaze that suits your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of juice, spices, and sweeteners to find your perfect glaze combination.

What to do with leftover ham

If you've cooked up a storm and have leftover ham, there are plenty of ways to use it up. Here are some ideas for meals and dishes that will ensure your leftover ham doesn't go to waste:

Sandwiches and Wraps

Ham is a versatile sandwich filling and can be used in many different types of sandwiches, wraps, and rolls. For example, you could make a classic ham and cheese sandwich, a Croque Monsieur, or a Monte Cristo sandwich, which is a French toast sandwich with ham, cheese, and mustard. Hawaiian roll sliders are another option—they're buttery, soft, and slightly sweet. Or, for a healthier option, use your leftover ham in a wrap or roll-up with salad.

Salads

Leftover ham can be used in a variety of salads. For example, an antipasto salad or a chef salad, which typically includes several types of meat, cheese, eggs, and vegetables. You could also make a ham salad by chopping up your leftover ham and mixing it with mayonnaise, relish, and/or mustard.

Soups

Ham is a great addition to soups, such as a classic split pea and ham soup, or a ham and potato soup. You could also make a ham and wild rice soup, or get creative and experiment with adding leftover ham to your favourite soup recipes.

Casseroles

There are numerous casseroles and bakes you can make with leftover ham. For a simple option, try a ham and cheese casserole or a ham and potato bake. For something more complex, you could make a chicken cordon bleu casserole or a Croque Monsieur breakfast casserole, which is a French dish with ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce.

Pizzas

Why not try a ham and spinach pizza? Or, for something a little different, a pizza with ham, asparagus, and ricotta on a white sauce base.

Other Ideas

• Ham and cheese egg cups
• Ham and pineapple dinner
• Ham and shrimp gravy
• Ham and cabbage casserole
• Ham steaks—cut your leftover ham into steaks and reheat in the air fryer or microwave
• Ham and cheese sliders
• Ham and potato soup
• Ham and cheese pinwheels
• Ham and cheese tortillas
• Ham and wild rice quiche

How to store ham cooked in an air fryer

To store ham that has been cooked in an air fryer, you should let it cool down first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

• It is recommended that ham doesn't sit out longer than a couple of hours before storing.
• If you have a large ham, you can slice it before storing to make it last longer.
• Make sure the ham is fully cooked before storing.
• If you are freezing the ham, it is best to cut it into steaks so that it thaws quicker.

Frequently asked questions