Ella Walter
Spiral ham cooked in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and juicy way to prepare a ham that will impress your family and friends. The air fryer locks in moisture and cooks the ham evenly, resulting in a delicious meal with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The cooking time for spiral ham in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ham, as well as the model of the air fryer. However, as a general guideline, you can cook a pre-cooked spiral ham at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound, or 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes per pound. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C) to 165°F.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 300-375°F (190°C) |
| Cook time | 10-20 minutes per pound |
| Total time | 30-50 minutes |
| Ham weight | 2-3 pounds |
| Glaze | Honey, brown sugar, butter, pineapple |
| Sides | Roasted vegetables, potatoes, mac & cheese, salad |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container for 3-7 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ham
First and foremost, ensure that the ham fits snugly into your air fryer basket. Ham comes in various shapes and sizes, and you don't want it to be too big for your air fryer. A 3-pound ham is commonly used in many recipes and fits well in most air fryers. However, it's always a good idea to check the size of your air fryer basket before purchasing the ham.
Secondly, it is recommended to use a fully cooked, boneless ham for air frying. This will ensure that your ham is cooked evenly and safely. Look for a ham that is pre-cooked and does not already have a glaze if you plan to add your own.
When it comes to the glaze, you have a variety of options. A popular choice is a brown sugar glaze, which can be made with butter, honey, or even coconut sugar. You can also add cinnamon for extra flavour. If you prefer a tangy taste, consider adding pineapple to your glaze.
Finally, consider the cooking time and temperature. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your ham, but as a general rule, you can cook a pre-cooked spiral ham at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound. However, different air fryers have different wattages, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the ham to ensure even cooking and better browning.
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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 the ingredients and stir until the mixture starts to bubble. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside. If you are using honey and pineapple, you can simply pour the honey over the ham, sprinkle on the brown sugar, and then add the pineapple tidbits and juice.
If you are using a glaze that comes with the ham, or you have made your own, place the ham on a layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper inside the air fryer basket. This will help to prevent the air fryer basket from getting too dirty. Make sure there is still room on the sides or bottom for the hot air to flow. You can also add a layer of foil or parchment paper between the ham and the glaze to prevent the foil from touching the meat.
Brush the glaze over the ham, covering the top and sides. You can then seal the ham with foil and place it in the air fryer.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for spiral ham in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the ham, as well as the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to use a pre-cooked ham that is about 2-3 pounds for most air fryers. If your ham is larger than 3 pounds, it may be too close to the heating element and require trimming.
To ensure even cooking and better browning, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking the spiral ham. The cooking time can vary from 10 to 20 minutes per pound of ham, depending on the air fryer model and ham size. For example, a 3-3.5 pound fully cooked ham may take about 50 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
When cooking spiral ham in an air fryer, it is essential to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. The ham is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-165 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
During the cooking process, it is important to baste the ham with the juices or glaze to keep it moist and flavorful. This can be done multiple times throughout the cooking process by opening the foil pouch and brushing the ham with the juices or glaze. After cooking, it is essential to let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
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Resting and serving the ham
Once your spiral ham is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the ham is juicy and tender. The ham should rest for at least 2 minutes and up to 20 minutes, depending on its size.
While the ham is resting, you can prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with it. Spiral ham goes well with roasted vegetables, potatoes, casseroles, green beans, roasted carrots, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, asparagus salad, or grilled zucchini.
After the ham has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it. If you glazed your ham, you can brush it with additional glaze before serving, or serve the extra glaze on the side. You can also combine the juices from the air fryer basket with the remaining glaze in a saucepan, simmer for 5 minutes, and serve this with the ham.
Finally, transfer the sliced ham to a serving platter and enjoy!
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Storing leftovers
If you plan on consuming the ham within a few days, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Most sources suggest storing for 3-5 days, but one source recommends up to a week. It is important to note that spiral ham is prone to drying out, so you'll want to make sure it stays moist during storage.
To reheat your spiral ham, simply place the slices in your preheated air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave or oven to reheat. If using an air fryer, adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help prevent the ham from drying out.
Leftover spiral ham is versatile and can be used in sandwiches, soups, salads, or pasta dishes. So, don't let that delicious ham go to waste! Properly store and enjoy it for several more meals.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Next, prepare your spiral ham by removing any packaging and excess fat. Pat it dry with a paper towel and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing gently to ensure all sides are coated. Season with salt and pepper, or add seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Place the ham in the air fryer basket, insert a meat thermometer, and cover loosely with foil. Air fry for about 12-15 minutes per pound. The ham is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
The cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the ham. As a general rule, cook a pre-cooked spiral ham at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound. For a 3-3.5 pound ham, it can take around 50 minutes at 320°F.
It is recommended to cook spiral ham in an air fryer at 320°F to 375°F (190°C). The higher temperatures may be better for browning the ham.
It is recommended to use a fully cooked ham that is about 2-3 pounds for most air fryers. Make sure the ham fits in the basket of your air fryer with some space for airflow.
Spiral ham cooked in an air fryer goes well with roasted vegetables, potatoes, casseroles, or salads. You can also use leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or pasta salads.
