Cooking a ham in an air fryer works best at 325°F, with timing based on weight and whether it’s fully cooked or needs heating through. So how long do you cook a ham in an air fryer? For most fully cooked hams, plan on about 12 to 15 minutes per pound at that temperature.
That simple rule covers the majority of hams you’ll buy at the store. But there are a few things that change the numbers, like the size of your air fryer basket and the type of ham you picked up. This guide breaks it all down so you get a warm, juicy center without drying out the edges.
How Long Do You Cook A Ham In An Air Fryer
The short answer is 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F for a fully cooked ham. A 3-pound ham takes roughly 36 to 45 minutes. A 5-pound ham needs about 60 to 75 minutes.
Always check the internal temperature before you pull it out. The ham should reach 140°F in the thickest part. That number matters more then any timer.
Quick Timing Chart By Weight
- 2 pounds: 24 to 30 minutes
- 3 pounds: 36 to 45 minutes
- 4 pounds: 48 to 60 minutes
- 5 pounds: 60 to 75 minutes
- 6 pounds: 72 to 90 minutes
These times assume a fully cooked ham at 325°F. If your air fryer runs hot, start checking five minutes early.
Fully Cooked Vs Raw Ham
Most hams sold in stores are fully cooked. You are just reheating them. That’s why the target temp is only 140°F.
Fresh or raw ham is different. It needs to hit 145°F and rest for three minutes. Raw ham also takes longer per pound, closer to 20 minutes per pound. Check the label before you start. If it says “cook before eating,” treat it as raw.
Spiral Cut Ham In The Air Fryer
Spiral cut hams heat faster because the slices are already separated. Plan on 10 to 12 minutes per pound instead of 12 to 15.
Wrap the ham in foil to keep the slices from drying out. Open the foil for the last 10 minutes if you want a bit of browning on top.
Step By Step Cooking Instructions
- Take the ham out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Room temp ham cooks more evenly.
- Pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any plastic disc or netting.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern if you want glaze to stick better.
- Place the ham in the air fryer basket, flat side down. If it doesn’t fit, cut it into two pieces.
- Set the air fryer to 325°F. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes per pound.
- Check the internal temp at the thickest part around the two-thirds mark. It should read 140°F.
- If you want a glaze, brush it on during the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in.
Do You Need To Wrap It In Foil
Foil is not required, but it helps. A foil tent keeps the outside from drying out while the inside heats through. Loosely cover the ham for the first half of cooking, then uncover it.
If your ham already has a glaze packet, add that near the end. Sugar burns fast at high heat, so keep an eye on it.
What Temperature To Use
325°F is the sweet spot for ham in an air fryer. Lower temps take too long and dry the meat out. Higher temps cook the outside before the center warms up.
Some air fryers run 10 to 15 degrees hotter then the dial says. Use an oven thermometer to check yours once. It saves a lot of guesswork later.
Tips For A Juicy Ham Every Time
- Choose a ham that fits with an inch of space around it. Crowding steams the meat instead of roasting it.
- Add a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the basket. The steam helps keep things moist.
- Baste every 20 minutes with the pan juices or a simple glaze.
- Don’t skip the rest time. Cutting early lets the juice run out.
- Use a meat thermometer. Timers are a guide, not a guarantee.
Best Glazes For Air Fryer Ham
A basic glaze is brown sugar, honey, and a little mustard. Mix equal parts honey and brown sugar, then add a spoon of Dijon. Brush it on in the last 10 minutes.
You can also use maple syrup with a pinch of cloves. Or orange juice and brown sugar for a lighter, citrusy finish. Keep it simple so the ham flavor still comes through.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
The biggest mistake is overcooking. Ham is already cooked, so you are only heating it. Once it hits 140°F, take it out.
Another mistake is using a ham that’s too big for the basket. If it touches the heating element, the top will burn. Cut the ham down to size if you need to.
Also, don’t glaze at the start. The sugar will burn before the ham is warm. Save it for the final stretch.
Storing And Reheating Leftovers
Let leftover ham cool, then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It keeps for three to four days.
To reheat, set the air fryer to 300°F. Warm slices for 3 to 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon of water to the basket to keep them from drying out.
You can also freeze ham for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How Long Does Ham Last
- Fridge: 3 to 4 days after cooking
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Room temp: no more then 2 hours
If it smells off or feels slimy, toss it. No need to risk it.
Final Word On Timing
So how long do you cook a ham in an air fryer? Plan on 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F for a fully cooked ham. Spiral cut hams run a bit faster at 10 to 12 minutes per pound. Raw ham needs longer, around 20 minutes per pound, and a higher finish temp of 145°F.
Use the chart above as your starting point. Then trust your thermometer over the clock. A ham that hits 140°F and rests for 10 minutes will come out warm, tender, and ready to serve every single time.