
Cooking a precooked ham in an Instant Pot is a great way to save time and oven space when preparing a large meal. The pressure cooker keeps the moisture in, resulting in a juicy and tender ham. The process is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. First, cut the ham to fit the appliance. Then, place the ham on a trivet inside the Instant Pot, adding seasonings and flavourings such as pineapple, honey, brown sugar, and ground cloves. Seal the lid and cook for about 6 minutes per pound of ham. Finally, allow the pressure to release naturally before serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To cook a juicy and tender ham in a short amount of time |
| Ham type | Precooked, boneless, bone-in, or spiral ham |
| Ingredients | Pineapple, pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cloves, cornstarch, water |
| Equipment | Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, trivet, meat thermometer |
| Time | 2-3 hours on low heat in a slow cooker, 6 minutes per pound of ham in an Instant Pot, plus additional time for pressure build-up and release |
| Temperature | Internal temperature of 145°F |
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What You'll Learn

Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes per pound
Pressure cooking a precooked ham in an instant pot is a great way to save on cooking time and oven space. It is also a simple and fast way to deliver succulent, ultra-juicy, fall-apart-tender ham.
To pressure cook a precooked ham in an instant pot, first, cut the ham as needed to fit it into your appliance. A larger ham will likely need to have a chunk cut off the longer end to fit it into a pressure cooker. Place the ham on a trivet inside the instant pot, with the fat side up. If you don't have a trivet, you can coil up some aluminium foil to lift the ham off the bottom of the pot.
Next, pour in the liquid ingredients such as pineapple juice, honey, and water. You can also add spices like ground cloves and mustard. Cover the ham with foil and secure the lid, ensuring the vent knob is sealed.
Now, you can pressure cook on high for 6 minutes per pound. For example, an 8.5-pound ham will take 50-51 minutes. If your ham is sliced, you can cook it for 2 minutes per pound, while an unsliced ham can be cooked for 3 minutes per pound. Don't forget to factor in about 30 minutes for the instant pot to reach high pressure if your ham is fridge-cold.
Once the cooking cycle has ended, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-25 minutes. Then, manually release the remaining pressure and check the internal temperature of the ham. It should be at least 145°F, which indicates that the ham is hot all the way through. If the ham is below 85°F, you may need to pressure cook it for a few more minutes.
Finally, carefully remove the ham from the instant pot, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
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Use pineapple and brown sugar for a sweet glaze
Using pineapple and brown sugar to glaze your ham will give it a sweet and juicy flavour. This method is perfect for holidays or special occasions. It's also incredibly easy to make, requiring almost no prep.
First, prepare your ham. If it's not pre-sliced, use a sharp knife to make thin slices. Then, place the ham cut-side down in your Instant Pot. If it doesn't fit, trim it down or cut it in half. You can freeze the extra chunk for another meal.
Next, make the glaze. Pour pineapple juice into the bottom of the pot. You can also add pineapple rings, chunks, or tidbits. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar with Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey until it forms a paste. You can also add ginger ale, ground cloves, apple cider vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste. Spread the brown sugar mixture all over the ham.
Finally, cook your ham. Cover the pot and set it to low for 3-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the ham. The internal temperature should reach 140-145°F. If desired, flip and baste the ham halfway through cooking and again about an hour before it's done. Once it's finished, remove the ham and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
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Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F
To ensure your ham is cooked to the right temperature, you should use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This is the minimum temperature for a fully cooked ham, and it is important to check this, especially if you are cooking for a large group.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, and wait for a reading of 145°F. This is a food safety precaution, and it is important to note that the ham will continue to cook for a short while after being removed from the heat, so it is best to aim for 145°F rather than higher.
If you are using an Instant Pot, you should allow for 6 minutes per pound of ham, plus an extra 30 minutes if the ham is fridge-cold. For example, an 8.5-pound bone-in ham will take 50 minutes to cook. You should also factor in 10-15 minutes for the pressure to build in the Instant Pot.
If you are using a slow cooker, the ham will take longer to cook. A large ham of 8-10 pounds will take around 4-6 hours to cook on a low heat setting. Smaller hams of 4-6 pounds will take 2-3 hours.
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Use a trivet to avoid a burn notice
When cooking a precooked ham in an Instant Pot, it is important to use a trivet to avoid a burn notice. The trivet, or rack insert, should be placed at the bottom of the pressure cooker bowl before adding the ham. If you don't have a trivet, you can use aluminium foil to lift the ham off the bottom of the pot.
The trivet helps to ensure that the ham cooks evenly and prevents the bottom from burning. It also allows the juices and glaze to collect at the bottom of the pot, keeping the ham moist and juicy.
To further prevent burning, it is recommended to wrap the ham in foil before placing it on the trivet. This ensures that the ham absorbs the glaze as it cooks and creates a barrier between the ham and the pot, reducing the risk of burning.
Using a trivet and foil also makes it easier to remove the ham from the pot once it is cooked. You can simply lift the trivet out of the pot and then unwrap the foil from around the ham. This helps to keep the ham intact and makes serving a breeze.
By following these simple steps and using a trivet and foil, you can avoid a burn notice and ensure your precooked ham turns out juicy and tender in your Instant Pot.
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Seal the lid and allow natural pressure release
Once the cooking cycle has ended, seal the lid and allow the pressure to release naturally. This step is crucial for ensuring that your ham stays juicy and tender. The natural release method allows the ham to rest, giving the moisture an opportunity to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This results in a more succulent and flavourful ham.
The duration of the natural pressure release will depend on the size of your ham and the specific recipe you are following. For example, a larger ham straight from the fridge may require up to 30 minutes for the pressure cooker to reach high pressure, whereas a smaller ham that is already at room temperature may only need 10 to 15 minutes.
During the natural pressure release, the pressure inside the cooker will gradually decrease as the ham continues to cook gently. This slow reduction in pressure helps to prevent the ham from drying out, ensuring that it retains its moisture. It is important to factor in this resting time when planning your meal to ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection.
After the natural pressure release, you may need to manually release any remaining pressure by turning the steam release knob to the venting position. At this point, you can carefully remove the lid and check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach a minimum of 145°F to ensure that it is thoroughly heated through.
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Frequently asked questions
Instant Pots are great for cooking ham as they free up oven space, seal in moisture, and are faster than cooking in the oven.
You will need a precooked ham, pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, ground cloves, cornstarch, and water.
The cooking time depends on the weight of your ham. A good rule of thumb is to cook the ham for 6 minutes per pound, plus 30 minutes for the pot to reach high pressure.
The internal temperature of the ham should reach 145ºF.
If your ham is too big, you can cut it into pieces before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the ham in your oven or try a slow cooker recipe.


























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