Perfect Air Fryer Ham: Easy Holiday Glazed Ham Recipe

Prepare to elevate your holiday feast or weeknight dinner with the ultimate convenience and flavor of **Air Fryer Ham**. This recipe transforms a simple boneless ham into a culinary masterpiece, featuring a luscious butter and brown sugar glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re searching for an effortless yet incredibly delicious centerpiece for your holiday spread or a fantastic meal any day of the year, look no further – this air-fried ham is truly one of the best ways to impress!

Ever since I welcomed an air fryer into my kitchen, it has become my go-to appliance for everything from everyday meals to special holiday dishes, including this fantastic ham. The air fryer’s ability to cook food efficiently while maintaining moisture and flavor makes it perfect for a tender, juicy ham with a beautifully caramelized glaze. If you’re planning a holiday menu and seeking complementary air fryer recipes, be sure to explore options like Air Fryer Stuffing, Air Fryer Turkey Breast, and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole. This air-fried ham also pairs wonderfully with our favorite Air Fryer Easter Recipes, making it a versatile choice for any festive occasion.

Why Air Fryer Ham is a Game-Changer

Cooking ham in the air fryer isn’t just a trend; it’s a remarkably efficient and delicious method that delivers exceptional results every time. It’s truly one of my favorite ways to utilize this versatile appliance. The air fryer excels at rapidly circulating hot air, which means your ham cooks faster and more evenly than in a traditional oven. The best part? It achieves a beautifully crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the interior incredibly tender and moist, preventing the dreaded dry ham.

Beyond the speed and perfectly cooked texture, the star of this dish is undoubtedly the mouth-watering brown sugar glaze. This sweet and savory coating caramelizes wonderfully in the air fryer, creating an irresistible crust that makes every bite a delight. Be sure to make extra, because you’ll definitely want those delicious leftovers!

For this particular recipe, I used a 3-pound boneless spiral ham, which fit perfectly into my 5.8-quart Cosori Air Fryer basket. The size of your ham is an important consideration for air frying, so make sure it fits comfortably without touching the heating element. This ensures optimal air circulation and even cooking. This method is incredibly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and beginners. Before you know it, you’ll have a show-stopping dish that serves as the perfect finishing touch to a festive holiday dinner or an impressive, yet easy, weeknight meal.

This recipe is also a fantastic addition to the ULTIMATE lists of Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes and Christmas Recipes, offering a delicious alternative or complement to turkey.

Looking for holiday gift ideas for the foodies in your life? Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive Ultimate Air Fryer Holiday Gift Guide!

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Ham

Creating this flavorful air fryer ham requires only a handful of simple ingredients, proving that extraordinary taste doesn’t always demand a complex shopping list. The key lies in the quality of these basic components and how they come together to form our signature glaze.

• 3 pound ham: For this recipe, a boneless spiral-cut ham is ideal. Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced, making them easy to serve and allowing the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat. If your ham isn’t spiral-cut, you can lightly score the surface with a sharp knife to create a crosshatch pattern, which helps absorb the glaze. Ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, as ham is already quite salty. The butter provides richness and helps create a smooth, emulsified glaze.
• Brown sugar: This is the star of our sweet and savory glaze, offering a deep molasses flavor that caramelizes beautifully. Both light and dark brown sugar work well; dark brown sugar will lend a richer, more pronounced molasses note.
• Ground cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory notes of the ham, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

• Other essential items: You will also need a basting brush for applying the glaze and aluminum foil to keep the ham moist during most of the cooking process. A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring the ham reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Pre-cooking tip: For the most even cooking, always allow your ham to sit at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This helps prevent the exterior from cooking too quickly while the interior remains cold.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Ham in the Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps to prepare a mouth-watering air fryer ham with a perfect butter and brown sugar glaze.

Step 1: Prepare the Irresistible Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is fully melted and the mixture begins to simmer gently. Remove from heat and set aside. This will be the delicious coating for your ham.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with two large sheets of aluminum foil, ensuring they are long enough to wrap around the ham. This will help contain the glaze and juices, making cleanup easier and keeping the ham moist. Carefully place the room-temperature ham into the center of the foil-lined basket.

Step 3: Apply the First Layer of Glaze
Using your basting brush, generously brush the prepared butter and brown sugar glaze over the entire top and sides of the ham. Make sure to get into any spiral cuts if you’re using a pre-sliced ham.

​Step 4: Initial Air Frying (Wrapped)
Once the ham is glazed, wrap it completely with the aluminum foil sheets, sealing the top to create a packet. This step is crucial for keeping the ham moist and allowing it to heat through gently. Place the wrapped ham into your preheated air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C) and cook for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Second Glaze and Cook
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the air fryer basket. Open the foil and brush the ham with an additional layer of the delicious glaze. Re-seal the foil around the ham and return it to the air fryer. Continue to cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C) for another 20 minutes. This second application helps build up that rich, sticky glaze.

Step 6: Final Glaze for Caramelization
Carefully pull back the aluminum foil from the top and sides of the ham, leaving the bottom protected. Brush the ham with the remaining glaze one last time. This final coating will caramelize and create that beautiful, crispy crust.

Step 7: Achieve Golden Perfection
Place the uncovered ham (with foil still underneath) back into the air fryer basket. Increase the heat to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195°C) and continue to air fry for just 3 minutes. This higher temperature will quickly caramelize the glaze and give the ham a golden-brown finish. Crucially, use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the ham has reached a safe 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C).

Step 8: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once the ham has reached 140°F, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket. Let the ham rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful ham. Then, slice and serve your perfectly air-fried glazed ham!

Pro Tips for the Best Air-Fried Ham

Achieving a perfectly cooked and delicious ham in your air fryer is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your results:

• Know Your Air Fryer: Air fryer models vary significantly in wattage and cooking efficiency. The cook times provided are a guideline based on a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Always monitor your ham, especially during the final uncovered stage, and adjust cooking times as needed for your specific appliance.
• Ham Size and Type Matters: This recipe uses a 3-pound boneless ham. Larger or bone-in hams will require longer cooking times. If your ham is close to the heating element, the top might brown faster when uncovered. Keep a close eye on it and consider loosely tenting with foil even during the last 3 minutes if it’s browning too quickly.
• Internal Temperature is Key: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C). Since most hams are pre-cooked, this temperature is for reheating thoroughly and safely without drying it out.
• Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the ham to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking is crucial. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slice.
• Glaze Variations: While the butter and brown sugar glaze is phenomenal, feel free to experiment! You can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a fruity brightness, or even a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for a different spice profile.
• Preventing Dryness: The foil is your best friend here! Keep the ham tightly wrapped during the initial cooking phases to trap moisture. The air fryer can be powerful, so careful timing and the use of foil are essential to avoid a dry ham.

Storage and Reheating Leftover Ham

Enjoying delicious leftover ham is one of the perks of making this recipe! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to maintain its fantastic flavor and texture:

• Storage: To keep your leftover ham fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, cooked ham can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Thaw frozen ham overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheating ham can be tricky, as the goal is to warm it through without drying it out.
  • Air Fryer Method: This is a great way to bring back some crispness. Place a tablespoon or two of water or ham broth in the bottom of your air fryer basket (under the ham, not directly on it, if possible, or alongside). Wrap individual slices or small chunks of ham loosely in foil to retain moisture. Reheat at 250-275 degrees F (120-135°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Check with a thermometer.
  • Oven Method: Place ham in an oven-safe dish with a splash of water or broth. Cover tightly with foil. Reheat at 300 degrees F (150°C) until warm, about 15-20 minutes for slices, longer for larger pieces.
  • Microwave Method: For quick reheating, place ham slices on a microwave-safe plate with a tablespoon of water or broth. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can easily dry out the ham.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Ham

This air fryer ham is a versatile centerpiece that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for holiday dinners or any family meal. I love to serve ham alongside these classic favorites:

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Stuffing

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Desserts

Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Bread

Beyond these, consider classic pairings like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts), or a vibrant fresh salad to complete your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Ham

I genuinely hope you and your family enjoy this effortless and delicious air fryer ham recipe as much as mine does. It’s a fantastic dish, made simple with minimal ingredients and the incredible convenience of the air fryer. This easy method ensures a perfect ham every time, making it a stress-free option for any occasion.

If you loved this straightforward way to prepare ham, you might also be interested in other creative air fryer recipes that put leftover ham to good use. Don’t let those delicious scraps go to waste!

More Irresistible Air Fryer Ham Recipes:

Dinner

Ham Steak in Air Fryer

Dinner

Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders

Dinner

Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole

Dinner

Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese

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