The Ultimate Air Fryer Ham Recipe: Juicy, Glazed Perfection

Craving a ham that’s both incredibly flavorful and quick to make? Look no further! This Air Fryer Ham recipe delivers a perfectly glazed ham in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven methods. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings or a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner.

Whether you’re planning a festive holiday meal or searching for an easy and delicious dinner option, this Air Fryer Ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The delightful brown sugar glaze, the slightly crispy exterior, and the tender, juicy meat inside combine to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Getting a fantastic dinner on the table has never been faster or easier!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Air Fryer Ham Recipe

Cooking ham in an air fryer is a game-changer, offering numerous advantages over traditional methods:

1. Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior: The air fryer’s convection heating ensures a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior while maintaining the ham’s natural juiciness and tenderness. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked ham forever!
2. Remarkably Fast Cook Time: Forget spending hours waiting for your ham to cook. Air fryers work their magic quickly, providing a significant time-saving advantage. Your ham will be ready to enjoy in a fraction of the time compared to oven roasting.
3. A Healthier and Lighter Option: The air fryer requires minimal oil, resulting in a healthier version of your favorite ham dish. Enjoy the same incredible taste with less guilt!
4. Effortless Cleanup: No more scrubbing greasy pans or dealing with a messy oven. This recipe utilizes aluminum foil, making the cleanup process incredibly simple and stress-free.
5. Perfect for Small Gatherings: If you’re not cooking for a huge crowd, an air fryer is the ideal way to prepare a ham without leftovers for days. It’s just the right size!
6. Conserves Oven Space: During the holidays, oven space is at a premium. Free up your oven by cooking your ham in the air fryer!

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Ham

This easy-to-follow recipe requires just a handful of readily available ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. You can easily find everything you need at your local grocery store.

• Pre-Cooked Ham: It’s crucial to use a pre-cooked, small boneless ham, as this recipe is specifically designed for pre-cooked hams. Opt for a 3-pound ham (ideally between 2.5 and 3.25 pounds) for optimal results. Spiral cut hams also work well.
• Glaze Ingredients: The secret to the irresistible sweet and sticky glaze lies in these key ingredients: light brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your personal preferences. Some people add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Ham Perfection

For your convenience, a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions are provided in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. Here are step-by-step photos and a quick air frying guide to help you achieve success in cooking your ham in the air fryer!

Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 320°F for approximately 2-3 minutes. This ensures even cooking of the ham.

1. Wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil, ensuring the seal is facing upwards. Place the foil-wrapped ham in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320°F for 20 minutes.

2. While the ham is air frying, prepare the glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until well combined.

3. Carefully open the foil packet and generously brush half of the prepared glaze over the surface of the ham, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.
4. Close the foil back up and air fry again for an additional 10 minutes to allow the glaze to penetrate the ham.

5. Open the foil one last time and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the ham. Air fry for a final 10 minutes, uncovered, to caramelize the glaze and create a beautiful, glossy finish. The ham is fully heated through when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads an internal temperature of 145°F. (However, remember that this is pre-cooked ham, so achieving this temperature shouldn’t be a concern – we’re mainly focusing on heating it through and setting the glaze).

6. Carefully transfer the fully cooked ham to a cutting board and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Ham

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

While preheating is not strictly required, it can contribute to a more consistent and even cooking result. Preheating the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before placing the ham inside helps ensure that the ham is heated thoroughly and evenly throughout.

Can I use any type of ham in the air fryer?

Absolutely! This particular recipe is tailored for boneless, pre-cooked ham. However, the air fryer is versatile and can accommodate various cuts of meat, including bone-in ham, spiral-cut ham, and boneless ham. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, and always monitor the internal temperature to ensure it’s properly heated.

What’s the best way to store leftover ham?

To store leftover ham, first allow it to cool down completely. Then, transfer the leftover ham to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. Properly stored, leftover ham remains safe and delicious to enjoy in various dishes.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Ham

Air-fried ham pairs beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes, creating a complete and satisfying meal. Some of our favorite accompaniments include:

• Potatoes: The creamy richness of scalloped potatoes or Instant Pot mashed potatoes provides a delightful counterpoint to the ham’s savory flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your meal with roasted asparagus or green beans, adding both texture and a boost of nutrients.
• Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of glazed carrots perfectly complements the savory ham, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are always a welcome addition to any holiday meal.
• Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.

Leftover Ideas:

Leftover ham slices are fantastic for making delicious ham sandwiches. Alternatively, dice leftover ham and use it in omelets, quiches, or fried rice for a flavorful and protein-packed addition.

Wine Pairings for Glazed Air Fryer Ham

The sweet glaze on this ham pairs exceptionally well with a full-bodied white wine. Consider a Chardonnay to complement the richness of the homemade glaze and enhance the overall dining experience.

Explore our article on the best wine pairings for ham for more in-depth recommendations.

Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Here’s a list of the essential kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:

• Air Fryer: An air fryer is the star of the show. We recommend an 8-quart air fryer for this recipe.
• Tongs: Tongs are invaluable for safely opening and closing the aluminum foil while the ham is still hot.
• Large Bowl: You’ll need a large mixing bowl and a whisk to prepare the honey glaze.
• Basting Brush: A large basting brush is essential for evenly coating the ham with the glaze.
• Cutting Board: A large, sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are necessary for slicing the ham after cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is a great tool for ensuring that the ham is fully heated through.

More Delicious Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

Looking for more inspiration for your air fryer? Check out these other fantastic dinner recipes: