How To Cook Boneless Ham In Air Fryer

You want a fast and delicious ham dinner. Learning how to cook boneless ham in an air fryer is the perfect solution for a quick and crispy result.

This method cuts down cooking time dramatically compared to an oven. You get a beautifully browned exterior and a juicy, tender inside without much effort. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, small gatherings, or even a special holiday meal when you’re short on time. Let’s get your ham ready for the air fryer.

This section covers the core process. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation is what creates that fantastic crispy crust while keeping the inside moist. It works with both pre-cooked and cured hams you find at the store.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Ham?

An air fryer offers several big advantages. First, it preheats in minutes, not like a full-sized oven. The cooking time is often cut in half or more. You also get exceptional browning and crisping on all sides of the ham. Cleanup is usually easier too, with just the air fryer basket to wash.

It’s also more energy-efficient for a smaller meal. You won’t be heating your entire kitchen. This makes it a smart choice for warmer weather or when you just need a simple, tasty protein.

What You’ll Need

A boneless ham (fully cooked or cured).
An air fryer.
Oil or butter for brushing (optional, but helps with browning).
Your choice of glaze ingredients (like brown sugar, honey, mustard, or pineapple juice).
Kitchen twine (if your ham needs to be reshaped).
A meat thermometer is highly recommended.

Choosing the Right Boneless Ham

Most boneless hams at the grocery store are already fully cooked or cured and smoked. This means you are essentially reheating it and adding flavor. Look for a ham that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket with some space around the edges for air flow.

A 2 to 3-pound boneless ham is a great size for most standard air fryers. If it’s spiral-cut, that’s fine—it will just allow glaze to penetrate deeper. Just be aware the edges might crisp up a bit more.

Prepping Your Ham for the Air Fryer

Start by taking the ham out of its packaging. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface will steam instead of brown, so this step is key for crispiness.

If your ham is uneven or floppy, you can use kitchen twine to tie it into a more uniform shape. This promotes even cooking. Score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife if you like; it looks nice and lets glaze soak in.

Lightly brush the entire ham with a neutral oil or melted butter. This helps the skin or exterior become golden and crispy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This usually takes about 3 minutes.
Place the ham in the basket. Put it flat-side down if it has one. You can use a trivet or rack if your air fryer came with one, but it’s not required.
Cook the ham. Air fry for 10-12 minutes per pound. For a 2-pound ham, that’s 20-24 minutes.
Check the temperature. At the halfway mark, open the basket and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Apply your glaze (if using). In the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, brush your glaze all over the ham. Increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) to caramelize the glaze.
Rest before slicing. Once the ham reaches temperature, carefully remove it from the basket. Let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist.

Creating the Perfect Glaze

A simple glaze can take your ham from good to great. The high heat of the air fryer caramelizes sugars beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful crust.

Classic Brown Sugar and Honey Glaze

This is a timeless favorite. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and a tablespoon of melted butter or pineapple juice. Stir until it forms a thick paste. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking.

Spicy Maple Mustard Glaze

For a tangy kick, combine 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes. The vinegar adds a nice brightness that cuts through the ham’s richness.

Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze

Drain a small can of crushed pineapple, reserving the juice. Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of the pineapple juice to make a glaze. You can even press some of the crushed pineapple onto the glazed ham before the final cook for extra texture and flavor.

Essential Tips for Success

Follow these tips to avoid common mistakes and get the best results every single time.

Don’t Overcrowd: Give the ham space. If it’s too big, it won’t brown evenly and the middle might not heat through properly.
Use a Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to know your ham is done. Guessing can lead to dry meat.
Let it Rest: Slicing immediately will cause all the flavorful juices to run out onto the board. Letting it rest keeps them in the meat.
Check for Doneness Early: Air fryers can vary in power. Start checking the temperature a few minutes before the estimated finish time.
Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer. Putting food in a cold air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Ham is dry: It was likely overcooked. Use a thermometer next time and pull it at exactly 140°F. Also, ensure you are starting with a fully cooked ham, not one that requires longer cooking from raw.

Exterior is burning: Your temperature might be too high, especially during the glazing phase. Try reducing the final caramelizing temperature to 360°F. Also, sugar-based glazes burn quickly, so only apply them for the last few minutes.

Ham isn’t browning: The surface was probably too wet. Pat it drier next time. Also, a light coating of oil will promote browning. Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated.

Serving Suggestions and Leftovers

Your crispy air fryer ham is the star of the plate. But what should you serve with it?

Perfect Side Dishes

Classic Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or sweet potato casserole.
Vegetables: Air fryer green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad.
Breads: Warm dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread are excellent for soaking up any extra glaze.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months.

The best way to reheat leftover ham is right back in the air fryer. Place slices in the basket and heat at 350°F for 2-4 minutes, until warm. This helps revive some of the crispiness. The microwave will work but can make it rubbery.

Leftover ham is fantastic in omelets, sandwiches, soups, or fried rice. It adds a lot of flavor to many simple dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I cook a frozen boneless ham in the air fryer?

It is not recommended. For food safety and even cooking, you should fully thaw your ham in the refrigerator first. Cooking from frozen could result in a cold, undercooked center while the outside burns.

How long to cook a 3 pound boneless ham in air fryer?

At 320°F, plan for about 30-36 minutes total (10-12 min/lb). Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F in the thickest part, especially during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Do I need to add water to the air fryer basket?

No, you should not add water. The air fryer works by circulating hot, dry air to crisp food. Adding water will create steam and prevent the ham’s surface from getting crispy.

Can I make a spiral ham in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a boneless spiral ham in the air fryer. The process is the same. Be extra careful with glazing, as it can drip between the slices and burn. You might want to glaze it a little later in the process to prevent this.

What’s the best temperature for air fryer ham?

325°F is a good standard temperature for reheating and cooking the ham through. For caramelizing a glaze, a higher temperature of 360°F to 375°F for the last few minutes is effective.

Why is my ham tough?

A tough ham usually means it was overcooked. Even though it’s pre-cooked, too much time in the hot air fryer can dry it out and make the proteins tough. Using a thermometer is the best defense against this.

Final Thoughts

Cooking a boneless ham in the air fryer is a game-changer for speed and texture. The method delivers a juicy interior with a wonderfully caramelized, crispy exterior that’s hard to achieve so quickly in a traditional oven. By following the simple steps of preheating, checking the temperature, and glazing at the right moment, you’ll have a impressive main dish with minimal active time.

Remember, the key tools are your meat thermometer and a well-preheated appliance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different glazes to find your family’s favorite. This technique proves that you don’t need hours to prepare a centerpiece-worthy ham. With your air fryer, a delicious and satisfying meal is just minutes away, any day of the week.