Learning how to cook a small ham in the air fryer is a fantastic way to get a delicious main dish on the table with minimal effort. A small ham becomes a quick, glazed centerpiece when reheated and caramelized in your air fryer, offering juicy meat and a sweet, crispy crust in a fraction of the time of a traditional oven.
This method is perfect for small gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you simply want impressive flavor without the hassle. You’ll be surprised by how simple the process is and how professional the results taste.
This guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the right ham to creating a perfect glaze and achieving that ideal cook.
How To Cook A Small Ham In The Air Fryer
The core process for air frying a ham is straightforward. It essentially involves reheating a pre-cooked ham and adding a flavorful glaze. Because most small hams are already fully cooked, you are primarily warming it through and creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Success depends on a few key factors: choosing a ham that fits your air fryer, preparing it correctly, and using the right time and temperature. Follow this master method for a reliably excellent outcome every single time.
Essential Equipment And Ingredients
Before you begin, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and efficient.
You will need your air fryer, of course. A pair of kitchen tongs is very helpful for handling the hot ham. A sharp knife for scoring, a pastry brush for applying glaze, and a meat thermometer are also crucial for food safety and perfect results.
For the ham itself, look for a “fully cooked” or “ready-to-eat” small ham. Common types include spiral-cut, boneless, or a small shank portion. The glaze ingredients are simple and customizable.
- Your air fryer
- A fully cooked small ham (2-3 pounds is ideal)
- A reliable meat thermometer
- Kitchen tongs and a pastry brush
- For a basic glaze: brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a liquid like pineapple juice or apple cider vinegar.
Selecting The Right Ham For Your Air Fryer
Not every ham is suited for the air fryer basket. The size and shape are the most important considerations. You need a ham that will fit comfortably with space for air to circulate around it.
A ham that is 2 to 3 pounds is usually a safe bet for most standard air fryer models. If it’s too large, it won’t cook evenly and may block the airflow. Spiral-cut hams work exceptionally well because the glaze can penetrate into the slices.
Boneless hams are also a great choice for consistent cooking. If you have a bone-in ham, like a shank portion, just ensure it fits in your basket. Always check the label to confirm it is “fully cooked” or “ready-to-eat.”
Spiral-Cut Versus Boneless Hams
Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced for easy serving. The glaze seeps into the cuts, flavoring the meat throughout. However, the slices can sometimes dry out slightly faster, so careful timing is key.
A boneless ham, often shaped like a round roast, offers more solid surface area for a thick, caramelized glaze crust. It can be simpler to handle and may retain moisture very well. Both are excellent options; the choice depends on your preference for presentation and texture.
Preparing Your Ham For The Air Fryer
Proper preparation sets the stage for a flavorful and visually appealing ham. Start by taking the ham out of its packaging. If it’s wrapped in plastic or netting, remove it completely.
If your ham came with a glaze packet, you can use it or save it for another use. Pat the ham dry with paper towels. A dry surface helps the glaze adhere better and promotes browning.
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts about 1/4-inch deep. This allows the glaze to soak into the meat and gives the finished ham a professional look. If you’re using a spiral ham, scoring is usually not necessary.
Creating A Simple And Flavorful Glaze
The glaze is what transforms a simple reheated ham into something special. It adds sweetness, tang, and that sticky, glossy finish. A basic glaze is easy to make with just a few pantry staples.
Combine your ingredients in a small saucepan and warm them over low heat until the sugar dissolves. This creates a syrupy consistency that brushes on easily. Let it cool slightly before applying to the ham.
You can adjust the flavors to your taste. Prefer it more tangy? Add more mustard or vinegar. Like it sweeter? Add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon pineapple juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and let it cool and thicken for about 5 minutes before using.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Now for the main event: air frying your ham. These steps will guide you to a perfectly heated, beautifully glazed result. Remember, cooking times can vary slightly based on your specific air fryer model and the ham’s starting temperature.
Preheating your air fryer is recommended for the most consistent cooking. It helps start the cooking process immediately for even results.
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the prepared ham in the air fryer basket, flat-side down if it has one. If your ham is too tall, you can carefully trim a small portion from the bottom to create a stable base.
- Air fry the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound. For a 2-pound ham, start checking at around 20 minutes.
- After the initial cook time, brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read at least 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part for food safety.
- Carefully remove the ham using tongs, transfer it to a cutting board, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Checking For Doneness And Resting
Never skip using a meat thermometer. It is the only reliable way to know your ham is safely and perfectly heated through. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bone if present.
The USDA recommends reheating pre-cooked ham to an internal temperature of 140°F. Once it reaches that temperature, it is ready. Overcooking can lead to dry meat, so remove it promptly.
Resting the ham is a small but important step. Allowing it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This means when you slice into it, those flavorful juices stay in the ham instead of running out onto the cutting board.
Creative Glaze And Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic glaze, you can experiment with different flavor profiles. Changing the glaze can make your ham taste completely new and exciting.
Consider the other flavors you are serving and choose a glaze that complements them. A spicy glaze pairs well with savory sides, while a fruity glaze can brighten up the whole meal.
- Maple Bourbon Glaze: Use maple syrup instead of honey and add a tablespoon of bourbon to the saucepan.
- Orange Ginger Glaze: Substitute orange juice for the pineapple juice and add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.
- Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze: Emphasize the mustard flavor by using a whole grain mustard and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Apricot Glaze: Use apricot preserves as the base, thinning it slightly with a little water or orange juice.
Serving Suggestions And Side Dishes
A beautifully cooked air fryer ham deserves great accompaniments. The sides you choose can turn this main dish into a complete and balanced feast.
Classic pairings always work well. Think of flavors that contrast or complement the sweet and salty notes of the ham. You’ll want a mix of textures and colors on the plate.
Since your oven is free, you can prepare sides that require baking or roasting. Or, use your air fryer to prepare some of the sides before or after the ham for a full air fryer meal.
- Classic scalloped potatoes or a creamy potato gratin
- Roasted asparagus or green beans with almonds
- Air fryer roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
- A simple garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Warm, buttery dinner rolls or biscuits
Storing And Reheating Leftovers
Leftover ham is a wonderful thing. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh and tasty for future meals. Let the ham cool completely before storing it.
Wrap the leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to 2 months.
The air fryer is also excellent for reheating leftover ham slices quickly without drying them out. It’s much better than using a microwave, which can make the meat rubbery.
- Place leftover ham slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, just until warmed through.
- For a single serving, you can even reheat a small portion directly on an air fryer tray.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoiding a few common pitfalls will guarantee a better result. The most frequent errors involve temperature, timing, and preparation.
Using a ham that is too large for the basket is the top mistake. It leads to uneven cooking. Another is applying the glaze too early, which can cause it to burn before the ham is heated through.
Not using a meat thermometer is another misstep. Guessing the internal temperature can result in undercooked or overcooked meat. Finally, skipping the rest period can mean less juicy slices.
- Choosing a ham that is too large for your air fryer basket.
- Adding the glaze at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Overcrowding the basket, which blocks air flow.
- Not checking the internal temperature with a thermometer.
- Skipping the rest time before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking ham in an air fryer.
Can I Cook A Frozen Small Ham In The Air Fryer?
It is not recommended to cook a frozen ham directly in the air fryer. The exterior may cook too quickly while the interior remains frozen, leading to uneven heating and potential food safety issues. Always thaw your ham completely in the refrigerator before air frying it.
What If My Ham Is Not Spiral Cut?
A non-spiral ham works perfectly fine. Just be sure to score the surface in a diamond pattern before cooking. This helps the glaze penetrate and allows heat to reach more of the meat’s surface for better caramelization. The cooking times and temperatures remain the same.
How Do I Prevent The Glaze From Burning?
To prevent burning, only apply the glaze during the last 5 to 7 minutes of cooking, after the ham is mostly heated through. Using a lower sugar temperature of 375°F for the glazing phase, rather than a higher broil setting, also helps. Keep a close eye on it during the final minutes as air fryers can vary in heat intensity.
Can I Use The Air Fryer To Cook A Ham Steak?
Absolutely. A ham steak is a thick slice from a larger ham and cooks very quickly in the air fryer. Cook it at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, and add glaze in the last 2-3 minutes. It’s a fantastic option for a quick and easy single-serving meal.
What Are Good Side Dishes To Cook In The Air Fryer With The Ham?
You can cook several sides in your air fryer to accompany the ham. Consider air fryer roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. You can cook these before or after the ham, or even in a second air fryer if you have one. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetable and keep the meal planning simple.