Tiffany Haney
Cooking a fully cooked ham in an air fryer is a great way to save time and oven space during holiday cooking. The air fryer is a counter-top convection oven that cooks food by circulating hot air above and around it. It gives the ham a gorgeous crust and a juicy middle. The key to a moist ham is to wrap it in foil to allow it to heat through without drying out. You can also add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the ham to prevent the foil from touching the meat. The cooking time depends on the size of the ham and the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking a Fully Cooked Ham in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ham | Boneless, pre-cooked |
| Ham weight | 3-5 lb. |
| Air fryer capacity | 5.8-10 qt. |
| Glaze | Butter, brown sugar, honey, sriracha, mustard, coconut sugar, etc. |
| Temperature | 320-375°F |
| Cook time | 25-45 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 135-145°F |
| Reheating | 250°F for 3-5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ham
First and foremost, ensure that you select a fully cooked ham. This is important because the air fryer is primarily used to reheat and crisp the ham, rather than cook it from raw. Check the packaging to confirm that the ham is fully cooked before purchasing.
The size of the ham is another critical factor. Air fryers come in various sizes, so you need to choose a ham that fits comfortably inside your specific model. For example, a 6-quart air fryer can typically accommodate a 3-pound ham, while a 5-pound boneless ham is better suited for a 10-quart air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, consider using a smaller ham or cutting a larger ham into two equal pieces to ensure it fits.
The shape of the ham is also worth considering. Hams come in different shapes and sizes, and larger hams with a more rounded shape may be closer to the heating element, potentially browning the top when the foil is removed during the final stages of cooking. Therefore, opting for a ham with a flatter shape or scoring the ham to create a flat surface can help ensure even cooking.
Additionally, bone-in hams tend to be larger and may not fit in standard-sized air fryers. For this reason, it is generally recommended to use a boneless ham for air frying.
Lastly, consider the glaze you plan to use and whether the ham is pre-glazed. While you can make your own glaze, some hams come pre-glazed, so choosing a ham that aligns with your preferred glaze flavours can enhance your overall dish.
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Preparing the glaze
Once you have your ingredients, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the rest of your ingredients and stir until the mixture starts to bubble. Remove the saucepan from the heat and your glaze is ready to be brushed onto your ham.
If you're using a brown sugar glaze, you can also try adding a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the ham before brushing on the glaze. This will help to ensure that the ham doesn't dry out.
After brushing the glaze onto the ham, close up the foil and cook the ham in the air fryer for an additional 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your ham and the desired level of browning. Finally, fold the foil down and brush on any remaining glaze. Cook the ham uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is browned and the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
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Wrapping the ham
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the ham fits in your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to opt for a smaller ham or even slice a larger ham into two equal pieces. A 6-quart air fryer can typically accommodate a 3-4 lb. boneless ham, while a 10-quart air fryer can fit a 5 lb. boneless ham.
Once you have the right-sized ham, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest preheating temperatures ranging from 320 degrees F to 400 degrees F. Adjust the temperature according to your air fryer model and personal preference.
Now, it's time to wrap the ham. Use aluminium foil to wrap the ham completely, ensuring that the seam is at the top. This will help contain the heat and catch any drips of glaze, making cleanup easier. If you prefer the foil not to touch the meat directly, you can add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the ham.
After wrapping the ham, place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes. This initial cooking time allows the ham to heat through without drying out. While the ham is cooking, you can prepare the glaze by melting butter and mixing it with other ingredients, creating a sweet and sticky coating for your ham.
Once the ham has cooked for the initial 20-25 minutes, open up the foil and brush the ham with the prepared glaze. Close up the foil again and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.
In summary, wrapping the ham in foil is crucial to prevent drying and ensure even cooking. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully wrap the ham and achieve mouth-watering results.
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Cooking the ham
Next, wrap the ham in foil, ensuring the seam is at the top. If you don't want the foil to touch the meat, you can add a layer of parchment paper first. Place the ham in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. While the ham is cooking, make the glaze. For a brown sugar glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add the rest of the ingredients. For a Sriracha honey glaze, simply mix the two ingredients together.
Once the ham has cooked for 20 to 25 minutes, open the foil and brush the ham with the glaze. Close the foil and cook for another 20 minutes. Then, fold the foil down and brush on more glaze. Finally, cook the ham uncovered for 5 to 15 minutes, or until it is browned and has reached an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your ham is too tall to fit in the air fryer, you can slice it before wrapping it in foil. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to use a smaller ham.
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Reheating and storing leftovers
Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep for 3-4 days, although some sources suggest it can last for up to 5 days. If you don't plan on eating the ham within this time frame, you can freeze it. To do this, cut the ham into slices, add them to freezer bags, remove the air, label the bags with the freezing date, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When reheating leftover ham in an air fryer, it's important not to dry it out. One way to reheat ham in the air fryer is to 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. Alternatively, you can wrap the ham slices in foil and heat them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 325°F. You can also reheat ham in the microwave or oven.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook a fully cooked ham in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees F. Then, wrap the ham in foil, making sure the seam is at the top, and place it in the air fryer basket. While the ham is cooking, make the glaze by melting butter and adding brown sugar, honey, or other ingredients of your choice. After 25 minutes, unwrap the ham and coat it with the glaze. Place the ham back in the air fryer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees F.
It takes around 40-45 minutes to cook a fully cooked ham in an air fryer.
The size of the ham depends on the size of your air fryer. A 3-pound ham will fit in a 5.8-quart air fryer, while a 6-quart air fryer can fit a 3-4 pound boneless ham.
To reheat leftover ham in an air fryer, place the slices in the air fryer at 320 degrees F and heat for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat ham in the microwave or oven.
