Air-Fryer Ham: Bone-In, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking a bone-in ham in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. While bone-in hams are usually too thick to fit in an air fryer, they can be sliced before cooking to make them fit. To cook a bone-in ham in an air fryer, first, create a glaze by mixing brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Then, wrap the ham in foil and place it in the air fryer, cooking it for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, unwrap the ham and drizzle the glaze over it. Place the ham back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature. Finally, fold down the foil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is browned.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking a Bone-in Ham in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right ham

The first variety is the bone-in ham. These hams are more flavourful than boneless hams and are often used for special occasions as they are more decorative. Bone-in hams are also usually spiral-cut, which means they have been sliced in a continuous spiral around the bone, resulting in thin slices that can be easily pulled away.

The second variety is the boneless ham. While this type of ham has less meat per pound than bone-in hams, it is easier to carve and serve. Boneless hams are often sold as canned ham, which is fully cooked and sealed in a can. Canned ham is typically used in sandwiches but can also be a standalone dish.

The third variety is the dry-cured ham, which includes prosciutto, Serrano, and Black Forest hams. These hams have a drier and coarser texture due to the dry salt mixture they are cured with. The curing process can take several months or even a year, and the salt draws out moisture from the meat, concentrating the flavour. Some dry-cured hams are also smoked, but they are generally safe to eat straight from the package.

The fourth variety is the wet-cured or brined ham, which is the most common type of store-bought ham. These hams have a moist and mild taste due to the quick process of soaking in or injecting a salt-based brining solution. Wet-cured hams are typically smoked or boiled and then sold fully cooked.

When choosing a ham for your air fryer, it is important to consider the size of your air fryer and the weight of the ham. A 3-pound ham will fit in a 6-quart air fryer, but larger hams may need to be cut into two equal pieces to fit. Additionally, it is recommended to choose a fully cooked ham for air frying, as the cooking process in the air fryer is primarily for heating and glazing the ham.

Preparing the glaze

If you want to get creative, you can try a pineapple raisin sauce, or a glaze with mustard and butter. You can also use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique flavor. For a simple alternative, just use honey or even melted jelly as a glaze.

Cooking the ham

If you are using a bone-in ham, it is important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 135-145°F, and preferably 165°F.

Before cooking, it is recommended to bring the ham to room temperature, which can take about 2 hours. This helps ensure the ham cooks evenly and is hot in the centre.

To cook the ham, first create a glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and other desired spices in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also add a splash of rum to the glaze.

Next, line the air fryer basket or a pan that fits inside the basket with foil, leaving some overhang. Place the ham inside, cut-side down, and brush or spoon the glaze over the top and sides. Cover the ham with parchment paper and then another layer of foil, and place in the preheated air fryer.

Cook the ham for 20-30 minutes, then remove the top layers of foil and parchment. Brush or spoon more glaze onto the ham, then return to the air fryer, uncovered, and cook for another 5-20 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized.

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

Resting and serving the ham

Once your ham has been in the air fryer for 20 minutes, it's time to remove it and add an additional glaze. Seal the top of the foil onto the ham and place it back into the air fryer for another 20 minutes.

After this, the ham is ready to be taken out of the air fryer. Place it on a cutting board and slice it up. You can serve it with a pineapple raisin sauce or with the juices from the pan. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables, salad, or starches like sweet potato casserole or mashed potatoes.

If you have any leftovers, air fryer ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container.

If you want to reheat your ham, you can do so in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on a microwave-safe plate, or in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes.

Storing leftovers

To store ham on the bone, wrap it in a seasoned cloth, such as a clean tea towel or a large piece of calico fabric. Rinse the cloth in a solution of two cups of white vinegar and two litres of water, and let it dry before wrapping the ham and storing it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can wrap the ham bone in plastic or foil and store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maximize its freshness.

Leftover ham should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking for safety. Quick cooling and airtight storage are crucial to prolonging the shelf life of leftover ham. It is recommended to keep the temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to slow down bacteria growth.

Ham bones can be stored in the fridge for three to four days if placed in a sealed container. However, for longer storage, consider freezing the ham bone. Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for preventing freezer burn and maintaining flavour and texture. Label the package with the date and store it in the freezer for up to three months to enjoy the best flavour.

You can use leftover ham bones to add flavour to soups, stews, and broths. Some popular leftover ham bone recipes include pea and ham soup, white bean and bacon soup, and summer spaghetti with peas and ham.

Frequently asked questions