Emilie Meyer
Cooking a pre-cooked ham in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious meal on the table in no time. This cooking method is perfect for a smaller crowd and can be done in less than an hour. It's also a great option for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. To get started, you'll need a pre-cooked boneless ham, which can be easily found at your local grocery store or butcher. Make sure your ham fits in the air fryer basket, and if it's too big, you can always slice it into portions. Then, simply follow these steps: preheat the air fryer, prepare the glaze, wrap the ham in foil, and cook it to perfection!
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Pre-cooked Ham in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ham | Pre-cooked, boneless, sliced |
| Weight | 3-4 pounds |
| Glaze | Brown sugar, honey, butter, cinnamon, pineapple juice, nutmeg, salt |
| Air fryer temperature | 300-380°F |
| Cooking time | 20-30 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 135-145°F |
| Storage | 4 days in the refrigerator, 6 months in the freezer |
| Reheating | 2-5 minutes in the air fryer at 320-350°F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ham
Type of Ham
There are three main types of ham: fully cooked, fresh, and country ham. Fully cooked hams, also known as city hams, are the most convenient option as they are already cooked and simply need to be heated. They are available both bone-in and boneless. Fresh ham, on the other hand, is a piece of raw, uncured pork, sometimes called a "green ham" or "fresh leg of pork." Country ham, also known as Virginia, Tennessee, or Kentucky ham, is dry-cured, smoked, and aged for several months to over a year. It is very salty and requires a long preparation process before cooking.
Bone-in vs. Boneless
Bone-in ham is considered to have superior flavour and juiciness compared to boneless ham, but it requires more skill to carve. Boneless ham, on the other hand, is easier to cook, slice, and serve. If you opt for bone-in, you can choose between the shank end (leaner meat with a classic ham profile) and the butt end (fattier, more tender meat with a richer flavour but a tricky-to-carve T-shaped bone).
Size
Consider the size of the ham and how many people you need to serve. A whole ham can weigh 15 to 20 pounds and serve up to 30 people. If you're cooking for a smaller group, a 3-pound ham is a good option for the air fryer. You can also cut a larger ham into two equal pieces to fit into your air fryer.
Spiral-cut or Regular
Spiral-sliced ham is pre-cut, making it easy to serve and reducing the need for carving skills. However, they tend to dry out faster than regular ham, so keep them covered when heating. Many spiral-sliced hams come glazed, so check the label if you plan to follow a specific recipe.
Glazed or Unglazed
If you want to follow a specific glaze recipe, be sure to choose an unglazed ham. Glazed hams come with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings, and you can also glaze your own ham with brown sugar, honey, or even melted jelly.
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Preparing the glaze
Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until well combined. You can also add honey to this mixture for extra sweetness. If you're feeling fancy, try adding pineapple juice, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the glaze. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then set it aside.
If you prefer your glaze to be more on the savory side, you can opt for a raisin sauce or ham gravy instead. You can also use any glaze that comes with your ham or a glaze of your choice.
Remember, the glaze is what gives your ham that mouth-watering, caramelized exterior, so don't skimp on the ingredients!
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Cooking the ham
First, remove the ham from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. If your ham is a little fatty, you can place a piece of bread under the basket to catch any fat drippings. Preheat your air fryer to 300–380°F (149–193°C).
Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the basket from getting sticky. Place the ham on top of the foil or paper. If you're using a glaze, now is the time to add it. Glazes can be made with brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, pineapple juice, nutmeg, and salt. You can also use a store-bought glaze.
Cook the ham for 15–30 minutes at 300–350°F (149–177°C). If you're using a glaze, add it in the last 5–10 minutes of cooking. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 145–165°F (63–74°C) before serving.
If you want a crispy, golden crust on your ham, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 2–5 minutes.
Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to six months. To reheat, place the ham in the air fryer at 320–350°F (160–177°C) for 2–5 minutes.
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Avoiding common issues
When cooking a pre-cooked ham in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your ham turns out juicy and tender, with a crispy exterior.
Firstly, it is important to prepare the ham correctly. If your ham is frozen, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking, as thawing at room temperature can promote bacterial growth. Trimming any thick layers of fat and scoring the surface of the ham will help any glazes or seasonings penetrate more deeply, enhancing the flavor and creating a beautiful caramelized crust.
Secondly, preheating your air fryer is essential for optimal results. The ideal temperature for heating a pre-cooked ham is around 300°F to 350°F, as this will warm the meat evenly without drying it out. Wrapping the ham in aluminum foil before placing it in the air fryer will also help trap moisture and prevent drying. However, be cautious not to block air circulation completely, and ensure that the ham fits comfortably in the basket without being overly squeezed.
Additionally, monitoring the internal temperature of the ham is crucial. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any bones. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-165°F.
Finally, allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender.
By following these tips, you can avoid common issues and enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked ham from your air fryer.
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Storing and reheating
When you're ready to enjoy your ham again, simply reheat it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on a microwave-safe plate, or pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. You can also reheat ham in the oven at 325°F for 15-18 minutes per pound, or in a slow cooker on low for 5-8 hours.
No matter which reheating method you choose, make sure your ham reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F before serving. This is the recommended temperature for food safety.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 30 minutes to cook a pre-cooked ham in an air fryer.
You should cook the ham at 300-350°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 320°F or 380°F.
You can use a variety of glazes for your ham, including brown sugar, honey, or melted jelly. You can also try Raisin Sauce or ham gravy for something different.
