Air-Fryer Ham Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer ham steaks are a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal. The key to this dish is the air fryer, which makes it simple and fast to prepare. The ham steaks are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, with a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior. You can also add a glaze to your ham steaks, such as brown sugar, butter, honey, maple syrup, or even dijon mustard, for extra flavour.

How to glaze a ham steak

Glazing a ham steak is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to glaze a ham steak in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

The first step is to prepare the glaze that will be used to coat the ham steak. A simple glaze can be made by mixing melted butter with brown sugar. You can also add other ingredients like honey, orange juice, pineapple juice, or mustard to enhance the flavour. It is important to ensure that the butter is completely melted and mixed well with the other ingredients to form a smooth glaze.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures that the ham steak cooks evenly and efficiently.

Step 3: Prepare the Ham Steak

Remove the ham steak from its packaging and place it in the air fryer basket or rack. If desired, you can brush the ham steak with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent it from drying out. You can also cut the ham steak into smaller pieces or slices to fit your air fryer or to create more surface area for the glaze.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

Using a brush, generously apply the glaze to both sides of the ham steak. Make sure to coat the ham steak evenly and thoroughly for the best results.

Step 5: Cook the Ham Steak

Place the glazed ham steak in the preheated air fryer and cook for 5-6 minutes. Then, flip the ham steak over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. If desired, you can apply more glaze while the ham steak is cooking to create a thicker, caramelized coating.

Step 6: Serve the Ham Steak

Once the ham steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve it immediately. Glazed ham steaks go well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, rolls, or green beans.

Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer a simpler glaze, you can use maple syrup instead of a brown sugar glaze.
• To add a savoury twist, season your ham steak with dijon mustard, soy sauce, or garlic granules.
• For a sweeter dish, serve your glazed ham with pineapple slices or sauce.
• If you're cooking multiple ham steaks, you can keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature until ready to serve.
• Be cautious when removing the air fryer basket as the glaze can sizzle or pop while cooking.

How to cook ham steaks from frozen

Ingredients:

• Ham steaks (boneless or bone-in)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Brown sugar
• Honey (optional)
• Thyme (dried or fresh)
• Maple syrup (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the ham steaks from their packaging and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. This will help the ham steaks cook more evenly in the air fryer.
• While the ham steaks are freezing, create your glaze by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and thyme together in a bowl. You can also use maple syrup instead of butter and brown sugar for a simpler glaze.
• Once the ham steaks are frozen, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Brush the ham steaks with half of the glaze.
• Air fry the ham steaks for 7-10 minutes, depending on their thickness.
• Flip the ham steaks and brush with the remaining glaze.
• Air fry for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the ham steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Remove the ham steaks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• If your air fryer starts to smoke, stop it immediately and add a piece of bread or a small amount of water under the basket to absorb the drippings.
• Different air fryers may vary in size and temperature, so check your ham steaks on the early side of the recommended cook time to avoid overcooking.
• If you are cooking for multiple people, you can keep the finished ham steaks warm in the oven at its lowest temperature until ready to serve.

How to reheat ham steaks

Reheating ham steaks in an air fryer is simple and quick. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep the heat lower than the original cooking temperature to avoid the ham burning on the outside before warming through on the inside.

Next, place the ham steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are reheating multiple slices, you can layer them slightly, but ensure they are not overcrowding the basket.

Cook the ham steaks for 2-3 minutes. You may wish to flip them halfway through to ensure even heating.

Once the ham steaks are heated thoroughly, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

If you are reheating a large quantity of ham steaks, you can keep the cooked ones warm in an oven set to its lowest temperature, usually around 170 degrees Fahrenheit, until you are ready to serve.

Some other tips for reheating ham steaks include:

• Using a brush to glaze the ham steaks before reheating for added flavour.
• Adding a piece of bread to the bottom of the air fryer basket to absorb any excess drippings.
• Storing leftover ham steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months.

How to stop your air fryer from smoking

How to Make Ham Steak in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• Ham steak
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Honey (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl.
• Place the ham steak in the preheated air fryer and baste with half of the brown sugar and butter mixture.
• Cook the ham for 5-6 minutes.
• Flip the ham over, baste with the remaining mixture, and add honey (if using).
• Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes.
• Remove the ham steak from the air fryer and serve.

If your air fryer starts smoking, unplug the appliance and ventilate your kitchen by opening a window or turning on your vent hood. To prevent smoking, try the following:

• Place a slice of bread or a couple of tablespoons of water in the bottom of the air fryer drawer. This will help to absorb excess grease and prevent it from splattering and causing smoke.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Ensure your food is not touching the heating element.
• Clean your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods.

What to serve with ham steaks

Ham steaks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy and tender ham steak:

Vegetables and Starch

Ham steaks go well with any vegetables and starch, such as rice, rolls, or potatoes. You can serve them with roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and beets, or opt for mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting and slightly sweet side. If you're looking for something crispy, try breaded and baked green beans or air fryer green beans with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Asparagus and Brussels sprouts are also a delicious and healthy option.

Casseroles and Salads

For a more indulgent side, try a broccoli and cheese casserole or a cauliflower mac and cheese. If you're looking for something lighter, an herbed quinoa salad with fresh vegetables is a great option.

Fruits

The sweet and tangy taste of grilled pineapple can add a refreshing contrast to the savoury ham steak.

Beans

Ham and beans are a classic combination. You can chop up your ham steaks and stew them with beans for a savoury dish, or serve them with baked beans for a comforting and memorable meal.

Eggs

Ham steaks are great for breakfast too. Chop them up and mix them with eggs to make a hearty breakfast casserole or frittata.

Other Sides

Other sides that go well with ham steaks include cornbread, coleslaw, creamed corn, glazed carrots, and scalloped potatoes.

So, whether you're serving ham steaks for a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, there are plenty of delicious side dish options to choose from!

Frequently asked questions