Cody Casey
Air fryer ham is a delicious, easy, and convenient recipe to cook for the holidays or any time of the year. It is a great way to free up oven space and speed up the cooking process without drying out the meat. This recipe usually involves cooking a small, pre-cooked, boneless ham that has been basted or glazed with a sweet and sticky mixture of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pineapple. The ham is then wrapped in foil and placed in the air fryer for 20 minutes, after which the glaze is brushed on and it is cooked for another 20 minutes. Once the ham is cooked, it can be sliced and served, with leftovers stored for up to a week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Holiday dish | Yes |
| Glaze | Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, pineapple juice, honey, orange juice, mustard powder |
| Ham weight | 2-3 pounds |
| Ham type | Boneless, pre-cooked |
| Internal temperature | 140-145°F |
| Cooking time | 40-50 minutes |
| Reheating time | 2-3 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days |
| Freeze | Yes, for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a glaze for your boneless ham
A glaze is essential to making your boneless ham shine, adding flavour and texture to the meat. Here are some ideas for glazes you can make at home to elevate your air-fried ham.
Butter and Brown Sugar Glaze
This glaze is a classic combination of sweet and salty, with a tangy kick. It is a simple glaze to make, requiring only butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Melt the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Brush the glaze over the ham, covering all areas.
Honey Glaze
For a honey glaze, you will need honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The honey and brown sugar provide a sweet stickiness, while the mustard adds a savoury bite, and the vinegar balances the sweetness. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined. You can also heat this glaze on the stovetop to thicken it and allow the flavours to blend.
Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze
This glaze is a fruity twist on the classic brown sugar glaze. You will need butter, brown sugar, crushed pineapple with juices, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy flavour to your ham.
Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze
For a simple, yet delicious glaze, combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper. The mustard and spices add a savoury and slightly spicy kick to the sweet glaze. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, and pour over the ham.
Once you have added the glaze to your ham, cook it in the air fryer, following the recommended cooking times and temperatures.
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Preparing the ham before cooking
Firstly, it is important to ensure your ham is at room temperature before cooking. Remove the ham from the refrigerator about an hour before you plan to cook it. This will help the ham cook evenly in the air fryer.
Next, you will need to create a foil container for the ham. Start by removing the ham from its packaging and any wrapping. Then, take a long piece of foil and place the ham in the middle. Pull and fold the sides of the foil up and around the ham to create a "bowl" shape. It is important to ensure the foil is secure and that the seam is at the top of the ham. This will make it easier to open during cooking. If you prefer, you can add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the meat to prevent the foil from touching the ham directly.
Now, you will need to score the ham. Using a sharp knife, make 1-inch deep cuts across the top of the ham, about 0.5 inches apart. Turn the ham and make cuts in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and also give it a beautiful presentation.
Finally, you can prepare your glaze. For a simple butter and brown sugar glaze, melt butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Stir the mixture continuously to prevent scorching. Once it reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You can also add other ingredients like pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, ginger, and soy sauce for a fruity, tangy glaze.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for boneless ham in an air fryer depend on the size of the ham and the power of the air fryer. For a 3-pound ham, the cooking time is typically between 40 and 50 minutes. However, it is important to note that thinner and flatter hams will cook quicker than rounder and deeper ones.
When cooking boneless ham in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 300 and 325 degrees Fahrenheit. The ham should be wrapped in aluminum foil, with the overlapping sheets on top, and placed in the air fryer basket. The initial cooking time is usually around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe.
After the initial cooking time, the ham is glazed and returned to the air fryer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The ham is then uncovered and cooked for a further 5 to 10 minutes to achieve a golden brown color and a crispy texture. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee that it is safely cooked.
It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the make and model of the air fryer, as well as the personal preference for the doneness of the ham. Adjustments may be necessary for larger hams or air fryers with different power settings.
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How to store leftovers
When storing leftovers, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent harmful bacteria growth and food spoilage. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store and use leftovers of boneless ham cooked in an air fryer:
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the cooked ham to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to store the leftover ham. This helps prevent moisture loss and bacteria growth.
- Ensure your refrigerator temperature is set between 34°F and 40°F (1°C-4°C).
- Store the ham on the lower shelf or in a designated meat drawer in your refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature and avoid cross-contamination.
- Consume the leftover ham within 3-5 days for optimal food safety and quality.
- If you plan to keep the leftovers for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap the ham securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen ham can be stored for up to two months at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Using Leftovers:
- Reheat the leftover ham slices in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until they reach a safe internal temperature. In the air fryer, reheat at 320 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
- Leftover ham can be a versatile ingredient in various dishes, such as sandwiches, grilled cheese, soups, salads, and pasta.
- Get creative and experiment with different recipes, such as ham and pea pasta salad, ham and potato soup, ham with broccoli and cheese sauce, or ham salad with pickles, ground mustard, and mayonnaise.
- You can also use leftover ham for breakfast options like a breakfast strata with ham, eggs, cheese, and bread, or a unique twist on chicken and waffles with "fried" ham and savory waffles.
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What to serve with your ham
Now that you've cooked your ham in the air fryer, you might be wondering what to serve it with. Here are some ideas for sides and dishes that will complement your juicy, air-fried ham:
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like sugar snap peas or Brussels sprouts are always a great option. If you want something more elaborate, try French onion cabbage gratin or crispy Parmesan ranch smashed carrots. You could also try squash and fennel gratin, or green beans flavoured with ginger and coconut milk.
Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes are classic choices to serve with ham. For something more unique, try French onion smashed potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes, or garlic smashed potatoes.
Breads
A crusty roll or cornbread go well with ham, especially when paired with honey. Try peanut butter-honey cornbread or goat cheese-stuffed rolls.
Salads
A refreshing romaine salad can balance out the heartiness of the ham. If you're looking for something more substantial, a potato salad or pasta salad is a great choice.
Eggs
Deviled eggs sprinkled with paprika or chives are a classic side dish that pairs well with ham.
Fruits
The tartness of cranberry sauce, especially when served warm, can be a nice contrast to the savouriness of the ham.
Leftovers
Don't forget about leftovers! Ham slices can be used in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or fried rice. You can also add them to dishes like pea pasta salad, potato soup, or omelettes.
With these ideas, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal to enjoy your air-fried ham!
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the size of the ham and the shape. For a 2-3 pound ham, you will need about 40-50 minutes. A thinner, flatter ham will cook quicker than a rounder, deeper one.
Preheat your air fryer to 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can make a glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. You can also add pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, ginger, and soy sauce to the glaze.
You can store leftover boneless ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
