Emilie Meyer
Cooking Christmas ham in an air fryer is a great way to save time and energy without drying out the meat. It's also a good option if you don't have an oven or are short on oven space. The air fryer's hot air technology cooks the ham evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. With a simple glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, your Christmas ham will be mouth-wateringly delicious. The best part? It's easy to prepare and clean up afterward!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ham | Boneless, pre-cooked, gammon joint |
| Ham weight | 2-3 pounds |
| Temperature | 300-340°F |
| Cooking time | 40-50 minutes |
| Glaze | Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, dijon mustard, marmalade |
| Other ingredients | Cloves |
| Equipment | Air fryer, aluminium foil, saucepan, meat thermometer |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ham
Ham Size:
Select a ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer. Opt for a fully cooked ham weighing around 2 to 3 pounds for most air fryers. Larger hams may touch the heating element, requiring trimming. Smaller hams are ideal for air fryers as they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Pre-cooked or Uncooked:
Clarify whether the ham or gammon joint you're using has been pre-cooked or not. This information is crucial, especially if you're following a specific recipe. Pre-cooked hams require reheating and glazing, while uncooked hams need thorough cooking.
Bone-in or Boneless:
Decide between a bone-in or boneless ham. Boneless hams are convenient for air frying as they fit more easily in the basket. However, bone-in hams can also be used, ensuring you consider the size and shape to fit your air fryer.
Glazed or Un-glazed:
Choose whether you want a pre-glazed ham or prefer to glaze it yourself. Pre-glazed hams come in various flavors like smoked, honey mustard, or honey. If you opt for a pre-glazed ham, you can still add additional glaze during cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
Type of Ham:
Select the type of ham that suits your taste and preferences. Options include spiral-cut hams, honey-baked hams, or traditional gammon joints. Spiral hams offer a convenient option, while honey-baked hams provide a classic flavor.
Remember to consider the size and weight of the ham, ensuring it fits your air fryer, and always follow food safety guidelines when handling and cooking ham.
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Preparing the glaze
If you are using a glaze, wrap the ham in foil first, making sure the seam is at the top to avoid the foil touching the heating element. Then, brush the glaze over the ham. You can also add a layer of parchment paper between the foil and the meat if you prefer.
It is important to glaze the ham halfway through the cooking process, and you can decide how much longer to cook it for based on how dry it looks. You can also finish the ham uncovered for the last 5 minutes for a crispy, caramelized texture.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for your Christmas ham in an air fryer will depend on the weight and type of ham you are using. It is recommended to use a fully cooked, boneless ham that weighs between 2 and 3 pounds for most air fryers. If your ham is larger than 3 pounds, it may be too close to the heating element.
If you are using a pre-cooked ham, wrap it in foil and place it in the air fryer basket. For a 3-3.5 pound ham, cook at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 50 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, glaze the ham again. During the last half of cooking, check to ensure the ham is not drying out. For the final 5 minutes of cooking, you can leave the ham uncovered for a crispy, caramelized texture.
If you are using an uncooked ham, the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the weight of your joint. As a guide, preheat your air fryer to 340 degrees Fahrenheit and cook a foil-covered gammon joint for 40 minutes. The ham is cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If the ham is not cooked to your desired temperature, continue cooking until it reaches the right temperature.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
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Carving and serving
Once your Christmas ham has been cooked in the air fryer, remove it from the appliance and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This will give you time to make any last-minute preparations for your side dishes and set the table.
When you're ready to serve, use a sharp knife and a cutting board to slice the ham. If you glazed your ham, you may want to slice off the crispy, caramelized top layer first and divide it into portions before slicing the rest of the joint. Cut the ham into thin slices, or thicker ones if you prefer, and transfer them to a serving platter.
You can serve your air-fried Christmas ham with a variety of side dishes. Green beans and roasted carrots are classic choices, but you could also try creamy grape salad, mac and cheese, instant pot mashed potatoes, asparagus salad, or grilled zucchini. If you have leftover ham, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can use the leftovers in pea and ham soup, carbonara, or chicken pasta bake.
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Storing leftovers
Firstly, it's important to note that leftover ham should be stored in the refrigerator. Cut the ham into thin slices or smaller portions, and place them in an airtight container. Make sure the ham is cooled to room temperature before sealing the container and placing it in the fridge.
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. It's important to consume the ham within this timeframe to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover ham again, simply reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. To reheat in the air fryer, place the slices in the air fryer basket and heat at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes. You can also use the oven or microwave, adjusting the time and temperature settings as needed.
Leftover ham is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Consider using it to make sandwiches, soups, pasta salads, or even as a substitute for bacon in recipes like chicken pasta bake. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and recipes to enjoy your leftover ham in new and exciting ways.
Remember to practice good food safety habits and always ensure your ham is thoroughly cooked and stored properly to prevent food spoilage and maintain its delicious taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the ham and the temperature of the air fryer. A good estimate is 15-20 minutes per pound of ham. For example, a 3-pound ham will take around 50 minutes to cook at 320 degrees F.
It is recommended to use a fully cooked ham that is 2-3 pounds or less for most air fryers. If the ham is too large, it may touch the top heating element.
Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F or 160 degrees C.
Glazing the ham is not necessary, but it will add flavor and help keep the ham moist. You can use a variety of glazes, such as honey, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, or marmalade.
The ham is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees F or 62-75 degrees C. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The ham should also be easy to pierce with a knife.
