Cooking a delicious ham in the air fryer? Yes, it’s possible! Air fryer ham is a game-changer, providing the perfect blend of crispy edges and juicy interior without the need for a long bake time. The air fryer seals in the flavors, creating a wonderful caramelized outer layer while keeping the meat tender and moist on the inside. This recipe is not only quick but incredibly easy, making it perfect for a weekday dinner or even a festive occasion.
If you’re looking for a convenient yet impressive meal to make, air fryer ham is the answer. Whether you’re cooking a smaller ham for your family or preparing a larger piece for guests, the air fryer is a reliable and time-saving method. Let’s walk through the process of creating a delicious, perfectly cooked ham in your air fryer, all with a few simple ingredients and steps.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Ham: The star of the show! For this recipe, you’ll want a pre-cooked, bone-in or boneless ham. The air fryer can handle both options, and using a pre-cooked ham means you only need to warm it up while adding flavors. You can go for a spiral-cut ham, which makes serving easier, or a traditional ham that you carve yourself.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to your ham, helping create that caramelized exterior. Brown sugar pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the ham, enhancing its natural sweetness while adding a touch of richness.
Honey: Honey contributes to the glaze, providing a luscious texture and additional sweetness. It blends wonderfully with the brown sugar to form a sticky, shiny coating that makes the ham look as good as it tastes.
Mustard: A little bit of mustard gives the glaze some tang. Dijon mustard works best, as its smooth texture and mild heat complement the other ingredients without overpowering the ham’s flavor.
Cloves: Cloves are optional but highly recommended if you’re aiming for that traditional holiday flavor. These aromatic spices give the ham an extra layer of complexity, offering a warm, fragrant touch.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps the glaze to spread more evenly and ensures the ham doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket. It also adds a bit of richness to the dish.
Ingredients List
- 1 pre-cooked ham (about 3-5 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Air Fryer Ham
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the ham will cook evenly and efficiently once it’s inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and olive oil. Stir until the ingredients form a smooth, thick glaze.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze to the Ham
Place your ham on a cutting board or plate. Using a brush or spoon, evenly coat the ham with the glaze mixture. Be sure to get it all over the surface, allowing the sugar and mustard to really stick to the ham.
Step 4: Cook the Ham
Place the glazed ham into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your ham. Every 5 minutes, open the air fryer and baste the ham with the remaining glaze to help create that caramelized finish.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the ham is golden and caramelized, remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Choose a Pre-Cooked Ham: Since this recipe calls for a pre-cooked ham, there’s no need to worry about fully cooking the meat. You’re simply reheating and adding flavor, which makes the process even quicker.
- Baste Frequently: To get that beautiful caramelized crust, baste your ham every 5 minutes during the cooking process. The sugar in the glaze will help form that sticky, crispy exterior.
- Adjust the Glaze: If you like a sweeter ham, feel free to add more brown sugar or honey. For a bit more tang, increase the mustard or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Size Matters: If you’re cooking a larger ham, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Just make sure to check the temperature (the ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F) and adjust accordingly.
- Rest Before Slicing: Letting the ham rest before slicing is crucial. This helps preserve its juiciness, preventing it from drying out when cut.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of mustard? Absolutely! If you prefer spicy mustard or honey mustard, feel free to switch it up. The Dijon mustard gives a nice balance of tang and smoothness, but other varieties can work just as well.
How do I store leftover air fryer ham? Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Do I need to add water to the air fryer when cooking the ham? No, the air fryer circulates hot air that helps cook the ham evenly. There’s no need to add water—just the glaze.
Can I use a frozen ham? It’s best to use a fully thawed ham for this recipe. If using a frozen ham, you’ll need to thaw it in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking.
Enjoy your delicious, air-fried ham with all the crispy, caramelized goodness!