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

Cooking a bone-in ham in an air fryer is a convenient and delicious way to prepare a holiday centerpiece or a special meal. This method allows you to achieve a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique and impress your guests with a perfectly cooked ham.

Preheat: Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes

To begin cooking your bone-in ham in the air fryer, it's crucial to start with a preheated appliance to ensure even cooking and optimal results. Preheating the air fryer is a simple yet essential step that can significantly impact the final outcome. Here's a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer for this recipe:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which is 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking ham as it helps to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Allow the air fryer to preheat for a minimum of 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the hot air circulates evenly throughout the cooking chamber, creating a consistent cooking environment. This step is often overlooked but is key to preventing undercooked or unevenly cooked ham.

During the preheating process, you'll notice the air fryer's temperature gauge rising. This is a good sign, indicating that the internal components are heating up to the set temperature. It's important to be patient and allow the air fryer to reach the desired temperature fully. Rushing this step might result in a less-than-perfect cooking experience.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you're ready to proceed with the rest of the cooking process. The preheating step is a fundamental part of the cooking technique, ensuring that your ham cooks evenly and develops a delightful crispy skin. Remember, a well-preheated air fryer is the foundation for a delicious meal.

Trim: Remove excess fat and skin to promote even cooking

When preparing a bone-in ham for the air fryer, proper trimming is essential to ensure even cooking and a delicious, tender result. The process involves removing excess fat and skin, which can hinder the ham's ability to cook evenly and may lead to dry spots. Here's a step-by-step guide to trimming your ham effectively:

Start by carefully examining the ham. Locate any large pieces of excess fat or skin that are not attached to the meat. These areas can be trimmed away to reduce the risk of uneven cooking. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut through the fat and skin, being mindful of the bone. Trim as close to the bone as possible without cutting into it, as the bone helps to keep the ham moist during cooking.

For a more precise trim, consider the following: Remove any large, visible fat deposits that are not attached to the meat. These can be easily identified as they are often a different color and texture from the surrounding meat. Trim these areas to create a more uniform surface for cooking. Also, check for any large pieces of skin that are not securely attached to the ham. These can be carefully removed to prevent them from catching on the air fryer's basket during cooking.

When trimming, it's important to maintain the integrity of the ham's structure. Avoid trimming too much, as this can lead to a dry or tough texture. Aim to create a relatively even thickness across the ham, ensuring that the meat is exposed and accessible to the heat from all sides. This even distribution of heat will result in a more consistent cooking process.

After trimming, take a moment to inspect the ham. Ensure that all excess fat and skin have been removed, and the surface is smooth and ready for cooking. Proper trimming will not only enhance the air-frying process but also contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing presentation of your cooked ham.

Season: Coat ham with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices

When preparing a bone-in ham in an air fryer, seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor and ensuring a delicious, juicy result. Start by patting the ham dry with paper towels; this step is crucial as moisture can prevent the seasoning from adhering properly. Then, generously season the ham with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your taste. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, dried or fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Remember, the more creative you are with your seasoning, the more unique and flavorful your ham will be.

For an even more aromatic experience, consider using a spice rub. Mix equal parts salt, pepper, and your chosen spices, then rub this mixture all over the ham, ensuring an even coating. You can also use your hands to massage the seasoning into the meat, allowing it to penetrate the surface and infuse the ham with flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even marinate the ham in a mixture of spices and a little oil for a few hours before cooking, which will take the flavor up a notch.

When applying the seasoning, pay attention to the nooks and crannies around the bone. These areas can sometimes be overlooked, but they are prime spots for flavor to settle and enhance the overall taste of the ham. Once the ham is seasoned, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature, which will ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

After seasoning, you might consider adding a small amount of oil to the ham. This extra step can help prevent the seasoning from burning and create a crispier exterior. Simply brush or spray the oil over the seasoned ham, making sure to cover all areas. This simple addition can make a big difference in the texture and presentation of your final dish.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, typically around 350-375°F (175-190°C), and cook the ham for the recommended time, which can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ham. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum of 140°F (60°C) for ham. This process ensures that your ham is not only flavorful but also safe to eat.

Cook: Place ham in air fryer basket, cook for 15-20 minutes per pound

To cook a bone-in ham in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 350-400°F (175-200°C). This temperature range is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the bone-in ham into the air fryer basket. Ensure that the ham is not overcrowded; you want enough space for the hot air to circulate and cook the meat evenly. If you have a large ham, consider cutting it into smaller pieces or using a ham stand to keep it upright during cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your ham. As a general guideline, plan for 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound of ham. For example, if your ham weighs 5 pounds, you would cook it for approximately 75-100 minutes. Remember, this is a rough estimate, and you may need to adjust the time based on your air fryer's power and the specific characteristics of your ham.

During the cooking process, it's essential to keep an eye on the ham. Use the air fryer's timer and internal temperature probe (if available) to monitor the cooking progress. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

After cooking, the ham will be beautifully browned and crispy on the outside, while the meat remains moist and flavorful. This method of cooking in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked ham without the need for a large oven or traditional roasting techniques.

Rest: Let ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing

After carefully cooking your bone-in ham in the air fryer, it's essential to follow a few simple steps to ensure the best results. One crucial step often overlooked is allowing the ham to rest. This process is just as important as the cooking itself, as it helps the juices redistribute and the meat become more tender.

When you take the ham out of the air fryer, it's still cooking internally due to the residual heat. By letting it rest for about 10 minutes, you give the ham time to finish cooking evenly. This step is particularly important for bone-in hams, as the bone acts as a heat conductor, ensuring the meat cooks thoroughly. During this resting period, the juices will settle, making the ham juicier and more flavorful.

Slicing the ham immediately after cooking can lead to a loss of moisture and a less-than-desirable texture. The resting period allows the proteins to relax, making the meat more pliable and easier to slice. This results in thin, even slices that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also more tender to the bite.

To make the most of this resting time, you can use it to prepare any side dishes or plates that you want to serve with the ham. This way, you can ensure that everything is ready at the same time, and your meal will be a well-rounded culinary experience.

Remember, proper resting is a key component of achieving restaurant-quality ham at home. It's a simple technique that can elevate your air-fried ham from good to exceptional. So, the next time you cook bone-in ham in your air fryer, don't skip this essential step!

Frequently asked questions