If you're looking for a delicious way to cook ham, you've gotta try this Air Fryer Ham recipe! Cooking ham in the air fryer is such an easy way to get a delicious glazed ham in a fraction of the cooking time. Perfect for holiday dinners and busy weeknights alike!
Whether you're looking to cook up a holiday feast or you're looking for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner, this Air Fryer Ham recipe is a winning dish the entire family will love!
With a delicious brown sugar glaze, a slightly crisp exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, cooking ham in the air fryer is a great way to get an amazing dinner on the table fast.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
Cooking ham in the air fryer is one of the best ways to cook ham!
- Crispy exterior, tender interior - The air fryer's convection heat ensures a delightful crispiness on the outside. Meanwhile, the ham stays juicy and tender inside. Say goodbye to dry and overcooked hams!
- Fast cook time - No need to wait for hours! Air fryers work their magic quickly, making them a time-saving alternative to traditional cooking methods. Your ham will be ready in a fraction of the time.
- Healthier option - The air fryer uses minimal oil, resulting in a healthier version of your favorite ham. Enjoy the same great taste with less guilt!
- Easy cleanup - Forget about scrubbing pans and dealing with messy ovens. This recipe cooks the ham in aluminum foil, making for a stress-free clean-up experience.
🛒 Ingredient notes
This easy recipe calls for just six simple ingredients. You can easily find all of these ingredients in any local grocery store.
- Pre-Cooked Ham - It's important that you use a pre-cooked, small boneless ham, as this recipe is based around a pre-cooked ham. Choose a 3-pound ham (aim for 2.5 - 3.25 pounds) for this recipe.
- Glaze ingredients - To make the sweet and sticky glaze, you'll need light brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
A full list of ingredients and detailed instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are step-by-step photos and a quick air frying guide to help you find success cooking ham in the air fryer!
First: preheat your air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes. This helps the ham cook evenly.
- Wrap the ham in aluminum foil. Place in the air fryer basket, seal sides up. Air fry at 320°F for 20 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the ingredients to make the glaze.
3. Carefully open the foil packet and brush half of the glaze over the ham.
4. Close up the foil and air fry again for 10 minutes.
5. Open the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Air fry for a final 10 minutes. Ham is fully cooked when a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145°F. (Although, remember this is pre-cooked ham, so this should not be an issue).
6. Transfer the fully cooked ham to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
While preheating is not mandatory, it can help achieve a more consistent result. In other words, it helps heat the ham thoroughly and evenly. Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before placing the ham inside.
Yes, you can! This particular recipe calls for boneless precooked ham. But whether it's a bone-in ham, spiral-cut ham, or boneless ham, the air fryer adapts well to various cuts of meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Allow the ham to cool down, then store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days.
🍽 Serving ideas
Air-fried ham can be served with so many different side dishes to make a complete meal. Some of our favorite sides to serve it with include:
- Potatoes - The creamy goodness of scalloped potatoes or Instant Pot mashed potatoes balance the ham's savory profile.
- Roasted vegetables - Enhance the meal with roasted asparagus for added texture and flavor.
- Glazed carrots - The sweetness of glazed carrots complements the savory ham beautifully.
Leftover ideas:
Leftover ham slices are also great to enjoy for ham sandwiches. Or cube leftover ham to use in omelets or fried rice!
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
This glazed ham with its sweet glaze pairs deliciously with a full-bodied white wine. Pair it with a Chardonnay to match the richness of the homemade glaze.
🍷 Learn about the best wine pairings for ham in our food and wine pairing article.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:
- THE NINJA FOODI DELUXE XL: The deluxe pressure cooker that also crisps.
- TENDERCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Quickly pressure cook ingredients to lock in juices, then give them a crispy, golden air-fryer finish.
- Air fryer - I use my 8-quart Ninja Foodi multicooker to make this ham in the air fryer. You can use any brand 8-quart air fryer.
- Tongs - Kitchen tongs make it easy to open the aluminum foil and close it back up while in the hot air fryer.
- Large bowl - You'll need a large mixing bowl and a whisk to make the honey glaze.
- Brush - You'll need a large basting brush to brush the glaze on the ham.
- Cutting board - Use a large sturdy cutting board and sharp knife to slice the ham.
More air fryer dinner recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Easy Air Fryer Ham
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 3-pound ham (pre-cooked)
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon orange juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 320° for 2 minutes.
- Wrap the ham in aluminum foil. With the sealed edge on top, add it to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 320°F for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the glaze: in a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, olive oil, mustard, and garlic powder.
- After 20 minutes, open the aluminum foil and brush about half of the glaze over the top of the ham. Then seal up the top of the aluminum foil again.
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Open up the foil packet and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Leave uncovered and air fry for another 10 minutes.
- Remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Slice the ham into thin slices and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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