How to Cook Ham in an Air Fryer: Your Ultimate Guide

By Avi Green October 01, 2023

Welcome! If youve ever wondered how to cook ham in an air fryer to achieve perfection, youve landed at the right place. The air fryer, with its ability to give you a crispy outside and juicy inside, is the modern marvel of kitchen appliances. Whether its for holiday gatherings or a simple family dinner, cooking ham in an air fryer is convenient, quick, and unbelievably delicious.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of the cooking process, its important to discuss why an air fryer is a fantastic choice for cooking ham. Air fryers use hot air combined with a small amount of oil to cook food. This method allows food to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, which is especially beneficial for cooking ham. Traditional ovens can sometimes dry out the meat, but the air fryer locks in moisture while giving you that desirable golden-brown crust.

Choosing the Right Ham

Type of Ham

In the journey of learning how to cook ham in an air fryer, selecting the right type of ham is crucial. Opt for a pre-cooked, bone-in ham, as it generally cooks more evenly and remains moist. Spiral-cut hams are especially recommended because they allow for better air circulation, ensuring more even cooking. Avoid raw hams, as they require longer cooking times that may not be ideal for an air fryer.

Size of Ham

The size of the ham is another vital factor. Ensure the ham fits comfortably in your air fryer basket, typically between 7-10 pounds. Smaller hams around 4-5 pounds work best as they fit easily and cook more evenly. You can ask your butcher to cut the ham to fit your specific air fryer dimensions.

Ingredients

1 pre-cooked, bone-in ham (4-5 pounds)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional: Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for garnish

The Ultimate Air Fryer Ham Recipe

Preparation

Before you start the air frying process, its essential to prep your ham. Start by combining the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves in a bowl. This mixture will serve as your glaze, injecting mouth-watering flavor into your ham. Next, place the ham on a cutting board and score the surface in a crisscross pattern using a sharp knife. Make sure to use a quality knives set to make precise cuts. Scoring will allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing the flavor.

Glazing the Ham

Once scored, apply half of your glaze mixture generously over the entire ham, making sure to get it into the scored sections. Let the ham sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the glaze to seep in thoroughly. This wait time also allows the ham to come closer to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking when placed in the air fryer.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 320F (160C). Place the ham in the air fryer basket carefully, ensuring it does not touch the sides. Cook the ham for 10 minutes per pound. Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and apply the remaining glaze to the ham. This ensures a second layer of flavor and helps to develop that beautiful, golden crust. Remember to place aluminum foil over the top of the ham if it starts to brown too quickly.

Final Touches

Checking Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The temperature should read 140F (60C) for it to be finished. If it's not at the right temperature, place it back in the air fryer and check every 5 minutes until the desired internal temperature is achieved.

Serving

Once done, let the ham rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, providing a moist and flavorful piece of meat in every bite. Serve the ham on a beautiful platter, optionally adorned with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for an extra festive touch.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ham

Cooking ham in an air fryer is a game-changer, but following some additional tips can take your dish to the next level.

Use High-Quality Ingredients

The better the ingredients, the more delicious your ham will be. Choose high-quality brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard for the glaze, and consider adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for an extra flavor dimension.

Dont Overcrowd

Make sure the air can circulate freely around the ham. Overcrowding the air fryer could lead to uneven cooking, affecting both texture and flavor.

Regular Basting

Basting the ham with the glaze every 15-20 minutes can enhance the flavor profile and create a more appealing crust. A silicone basting brush works well for this task as it can withstand high temperatures and spread the glaze evenly.

FAQs About Cooking Ham in an Air Fryer

Can I Cook a Frozen Ham in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen ham in an air fryer, but keep in mind that it will require additional cooking time. Thawing the ham in the fridge overnight is highly recommended for more even cooking.

What Size of Air Fryer is Best?

An air fryer with a capacity of 5.8 quarts or larger is ideal for cooking a ham. Smaller air fryers might not provide enough room for the heat to circulate properly around the meat.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing the ham, which can last for up to two months.

Conclusion

Mastering how to cook ham in an air fryer opens up new culinary possibilities for your kitchen repertoire. Not only does this method save time, but it also delivers a succulent and flavorful ham that will leave your family and guests asking for seconds. From selecting the right type and size of ham to mastering the glaze and cooking process, every step is crucial in creating a culinary masterpiece. Dont forget to check out some other fantastic air fryer recipes to make the most out of this versatile appliance by visiting Love and Lemons.