Tillie Doyle
Cooking a honey-glazed ham in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a meal for a small family gathering. The air fryer's hot air technology produces a juicy and tender ham with a sweet and tangy flavour. The recipe is simple: combine honey with a selection of seasonings, create a glaze, and cook the ham in the air fryer for around 50 minutes. The result is a tasty ham that can be served with a variety of side dishes.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Honey Baked Ham in an Air Fryer:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ham Weight | 2-4 pounds |
| Ham Type | Boneless, pre-cooked, pre-sliced |
| Glaze Ingredients | Honey, brown sugar, orange juice, mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, ground mustard, garlic powder, dry parsley |
| Glaze Preparation | Combine ingredients, heat until bubbling, brush on ham |
| Foil | Required, wrap ham tightly, avoid contact with heating element |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 300-400 degrees F |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes per pound, additional time for glazing |
| Internal Temperature | 140-145 degrees F |
| Rest Time | 10 minutes |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ham
First and foremost, ensure that your chosen ham fits comfortably inside your air fryer. Hams come in various shapes and sizes, so select one that suits your air fryer's dimensions. A good rule of thumb is to leave some extra space between the ham and the heating element to prevent the foil from touching it. If your ham is too close to the heating element, you may need to trim its bottom to adjust the height.
Opt for a fully cooked boneless ham that weighs around 2 to 4 pounds. A 3-pound ham is commonly used in recipes, but you can go up to 5 pounds if your air fryer accommodates it. If you're using a pre-cooked ham, ensure it doesn't already have a glaze, as you'll be adding your own delicious honey glaze.
For convenience, consider choosing a pre-sliced ham. This eliminates the need for cutting the ham yourself. However, if your ham isn't pre-sliced, you can score it with shallow 1/2-inch criss-cross cuts to help the skin crisp up and make carving easier.
If your ham comes with netting, you can generally leave it on during the initial cooking process. However, some recipes suggest removing the netting before glazing and air-frying the ham.
When selecting a ham, consider the number of people you plan to serve. A 2-pound ham can feed a small family gathering, while a larger ham may be more suitable for a bigger group.
Lastly, decide if you prefer a smoked or unsmoked ham. Smoked ham can add a unique flavour dimension to your dish.
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Preparing the glaze
If your ham has a netting, remove it before glazing. If your ham is not pre-sliced, you can score the ham with shallow 1/2-inch criss-cross cuts to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively. You can also use pre-sliced ham, which eliminates the cutting process.
For a 3-pound ham, you will need to cook it for a total of 50 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit. If your ham is larger, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, aiming for about 15-20 minutes per pound.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for honey-baked ham in an air fryer depend on the size of the ham and the desired level of browning. It is recommended to cook the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound, and adjust the cooking time accordingly if your ham is larger or smaller than the recipe suggests.
For a 3-3.5 pound fully cooked ham, cook at 320 degrees F for a total of 50 minutes. If you are using a 4-pound ham, you may want to cook it for a total of 40 minutes at 300 degrees F, and then increase the temperature to 400 degrees F for the last 5 minutes to lock in the brown sugar glaze. You can also cook a 2-pound ham at 300 degrees F for 40 minutes and then increase the temperature to 350 degrees F for the last 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
If you are cooking a pre-cooked and pre-sliced ham, wrap the slices in foil and heat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 325 degrees F.
It is important to note that the ham should be brought to room temperature about 2 hours before cooking and that the foil should not touch the heating element of the air fryer.
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Wrapping the ham in foil
Start by removing the ham from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. This will help the glaze adhere better to the ham and prevent it from becoming soggy. You can also trim the bottom of the ham if it is too tall for your air fryer, but be careful not to cut too much, as you don't want to lose too much meat.
Next, place the ham on a piece of aluminium foil that is large enough to completely wrap around the ham. You may need two pieces of foil, overlapping to form an "X" shape, to ensure the ham is fully covered. Bring the foil up around the sides of the ham, making sure the seam is at the top. 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 can secure the foil around the ham. Make sure to wrap it tightly, ensuring there is extra space between the ham and the foil. This will help prevent the foil from touching the heating element of the air fryer, which can be dangerous. A loose foil wrap can also cause the glaze to drip and make a mess.
Once the ham is securely wrapped, you can place it in the air fryer basket and follow your recipe's cooking instructions. Remember to preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature before adding the ham.
Finally, when the ham is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and open the foil carefully, as steam will have built up inside. You can then brush the glaze onto the ham and return it to the air fryer, uncovered, to caramelize the glaze.
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Serving suggestions
Honey-baked ham cooked in an air fryer is a juicy, tender, and flavorful dish that can be served for a variety of occasions, from weeknight dinners to holiday meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious meal:
Side Dishes
Green beans, roasted carrots, creamy grape salad, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, asparagus salad, and grilled zucchini are all excellent side dishes to accompany your air fryer honey-baked ham. These sides offer a balance of flavors, textures, and colors to enhance your meal.
Holiday Feasts
Air fryer honey-baked ham is an excellent choice for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. It is a great option when oven space is limited, and its juicy, flavorful taste is sure to impress your guests. You can also prepare it ahead of time and reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or microwave, making it a convenient choice for busy holiday gatherings.
Leftovers
Leftover air fryer honey-baked ham can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals. Use the slices for sandwiches, or incorporate them into recipes like ham and pea pasta salad, ham and potato soup, or a comforting ham and corn chowder. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, and reheated in the air fryer to maintain moisture.
Breakfast Options
If you have leftover ham, consider incorporating it into your breakfast routine. You can make a hearty breakfast casserole or a ham and cheese omelet. These options are a great way to start your day with a boost of protein and flavor.
Special Occasions
Air fryer honey-baked ham is perfect for small family gatherings or special occasions. Its juicy, tender texture and sweet and savory flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser. You can serve it as the main course and adjust the size of the ham depending on the number of guests.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, air fryer honey-baked ham is a fantastic option for a range of serving suggestions. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast, enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that it takes 15-20 minutes per pound of ham to cook in the air fryer. For example, a 4-pound ham would take 40 minutes to cook, and a 3-pound ham would take 50 minutes.
The air fryer should be preheated to 320-325°F. To lock in the brown sugar, increase the temperature to 400°F for 5 minutes.
A 2-4 pound ham is recommended for most air fryers. If the ham is too large, it may touch the heating element, so it is important to trim the ham if necessary.
A honey glaze can be made by combining honey, brown sugar, orange juice, mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Heat the mixture and whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved.
Remove the ham from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature about 2 hours before cooking. If the ham has netting, remove it. If it is not pre-sliced, score the ham with shallow 1/2-inch criss-cross cuts. Wrap the ham in foil, making sure it doesn't touch the heating element, and place it in the air fryer basket.
