Can I Bake a Ham in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can bake a ham in an air fryer—it’s a fast, efficient method that delivers juicy, flavorful results with a perfectly caramelized exterior. With minimal prep and cook times as short as 15–20 minutes per pound, air frying is a game-changer for holiday meals or weeknight dinners, saving time without sacrificing taste.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake a ham in an air fryer for juicy, caramelized results in under an hour.
• Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for even cooking and optimal texture.
• Glaze early and often to enhance flavor and achieve a sticky, golden crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 140°F (60°C) for safety.
• Choose a boneless ham or cut slices to fit your air fryer basket easily.
• Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper heat circulation.

Why Baking Ham in an Air Fryer Might Be Your New Go-To

Let’s be honest—cooking a ham can feel like a high-stakes event. You’ve got the glaze bubbling, the aroma filling the house, and the pressure of making it juicy without drying it out. But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify the process without sacrificing flavor or texture? Enter the air fryer, that countertop wizard that’s already revolutionized how we make fries, chicken, and even cookies. Could it be the secret to your next perfect ham?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical too. When I first heard someone say they baked a ham in their air fryer, I imagined a sad, rubbery slab of meat. But after testing it myself (and yes, eating way more ham than necessary), I’ve become a convert. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender—all in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Plus, no more babysitting the oven or dealing with a messy roasting pan. If you’re curious about whether your air fryer can handle this holiday staple (or any weeknight ham craving), let’s dive in.

How Air Fryers Work for Baking Ham

The Science Behind the Magic

Air fryers use convection heating—basically, a powerful fan circulates hot air around your food at high speed. This creates a Maillard reaction (that fancy term for browning) on the outside while sealing in moisture inside. For ham, this means you get a beautifully glazed, slightly crispy crust without drying out the lean meat. Think of it like a mini rotisserie oven, but on your countertop.

The key here is the direct exposure to hot air. Unlike a slow oven, which heats gradually, the air fryer’s intense airflow locks in juices faster. This is especially useful for pre-cooked (or “city”) hams, which are already tender and just need reheating and glazing. But even if you’re working with a raw ham, the air fryer’s precision can help avoid overcooking.

Why Ham and Air Fryers Are a Match Made in Heaven

Here’s what makes this combo work so well:

• Speed: A 3-pound ham can go from fridge to table in 30–40 minutes. Compare that to 2+ hours in an oven.
• Juiciness: The quick cooking time reduces moisture loss. No more dried-out ham!
• Glaze Perfection: The intense heat caramelizes sugar-based glazes (brown sugar, honey, pineapple) into a sticky, glossy finish—no basting required.
• Cleanup: No splattered roasting pan. Just wipe the basket or line it with foil.

Pro tip: If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, the air fryer’s airflow gets into all those crevices, ensuring every slice gets crispy edges. It’s like the ham version of “crispy edges” on a lasagna.

Choosing the Right Ham for Your Air Fryer

Pre-Cooked vs. Raw Ham: What’s the Difference?

Not all hams are created equal. Here’s what you need to know:

• Pre-cooked (city ham): Fully cooked, often brined and smoked. This is the most common type at grocery stores. It just needs reheating and glazing. Ideal for air frying.
• Raw (country ham): Uncooked, salt-cured, and often aged. Requires longer cooking. Not recommended for air fryers unless you’re experienced.

Stick with pre-cooked ham unless you’re a ham pro. I learned this the hard way when I tried to air-fry a country ham—it took 2 hours and still wasn’t safe to eat. Oops.

Size Matters: How Much Ham Can Your Air Fryer Handle?

Air fryer baskets vary, but most range from 3.5 to 6.5 quarts. Here’s a quick guide:

• 3–4 quart: Fits a 2–3 pound ham (feeds 4–6 people).
• 5–6.5 quart: Handles up to 5 pounds (great for leftovers or a crowd).

Pro tip: Measure your ham’s dimensions. A 3-pound spiral ham is usually 7–8 inches long, so it’ll fit snugly in a 5-quart basket. If it’s too big, slice it in half horizontally (like a bagel) and cook in batches.

Spiral-Cut vs. Whole Ham: Which Works Better?

Spiral-cut hams are a game-changer in air fryers. The pre-sliced layers:

• Absorb glaze faster.
• Crisp up evenly on all sides.
• Make portion control easier (no carving drama).

Whole hams work too, but they’ll take slightly longer and need occasional rotation. For a weeknight, I’ll always pick spiral-cut. For a holiday centerpiece? Whole ham for that “ta-da!” moment.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake Ham in an Air Fryer

Prep Your Ham: Simple Steps for Big Flavor

1. Trim excess fat: Leave a thin layer (¼ inch) for flavor, but remove thick chunks to prevent flare-ups.
2. Score the fat (optional): Use a knife to make shallow diamond cuts on the surface. This helps glaze penetrate and creates a pretty pattern.
3. Line the basket: Use parchment paper or foil with holes poked in it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Pro tip: For spiral hams, don’t separate the slices. Keep them intact—they’ll crisp up better.

Glaze It Right: Sweet, Tangy, or Savory?

Glaze isn’t just for looks—it’s flavor insurance. Here are my go-to combos:

• Classic Brown Sugar: ½ cup brown sugar + ¼ cup honey + 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Brush on in the last 10 minutes.
• Pineapple-Orange: ½ cup pineapple juice + ¼ cup orange marmalade + 1 tbsp soy sauce. Adds tropical zing.
• Spicy Maple: ½ cup maple syrup + 1 tbsp sriracha + 1 tsp smoked paprika. For heat lovers.

Apply glaze in layers: Start with a light coat at the 15-minute mark, then add more every 5 minutes. This prevents burning and builds flavor.

Timing and Temperature: The Golden Rules

Here’s the formula I use:

1. Reheat (pre-cooked ham): 325°F for 10 minutes per pound. Example: 3-pound ham = 30 minutes.
2. Glaze: Add glaze in the last 10–15 minutes. Crank heat to 375°F to caramelize.
3. Rest: Let it sit 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps juices inside.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temp should hit 140°F. No thermometer? Pierce the thickest part—juices should run clear, not pink.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a foolproof method, hiccups happen. Here’s how to fix them:

• Ham’s too dry? You overcooked it. Next time, reduce time by 5 minutes per pound or tent with foil.
• Glaze burned? Sugar burns fast at high heat. Lower temp to 350°F and glaze later.
• Ham sticks to the basket? Line it better! Foil or parchment is a must.

Remember: Every air fryer is different. Start with less time and add as needed.

Air Fryer Ham Recipes to Try Tonight

Classic Glazed Ham (30-Minute Weeknight Win)

Ingredients:
– 3-pound spiral ham
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup honey
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Steps:
1. Preheat air fryer to 325°F.
2. Score ham (optional) and place in lined basket.
3. Cook 20 minutes.
4. Mix glaze ingredients. Brush on ham.
5. Increase heat to 375°F. Cook 10 minutes more, glazing every 3 minutes.
6. Rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve.

This is my go-to for Sunday dinner. The glaze gets so sticky, my kids fight over the “crust” pieces.

Pineapple-Cherry Ham (Holiday Showstopper)

Ingredients:
– 4-pound whole ham
– 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
– ½ cup cherry preserves
– 2 tbsp bourbon (optional)
– 1 tsp cinnamon

Steps:
1. Preheat to 325°F.
2. Place ham in basket. Cook 30 minutes.
3. Mix glaze ingredients. Brush on ham.
4. Cook 15 minutes more at 350°F, glazing twice.
5. Garnish with maraschino cherries. Rest 5 minutes.

The bourbon adds depth, and the cherries? Pure holiday magic.

Low-Carb Ham (Keto-Friendly Twist)

Ingredients:
– 3-pound ham
– ¼ cup erythritol
– 2 tbsp mustard
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– ½ tsp garlic powder

Steps:
1. Preheat to 325°F.
2. Cook ham 20 minutes.
3. Mix glaze. Brush on.
4. Cook 10 minutes at 350°F.
5. Rest and serve.

No sugar, no guilt. My keto friend devoured this and asked for seconds.

Comparing Air Fryer Ham to Other Methods

Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Showdown

Method	Time	Energy Use	Glaze Results	Cleanup
Air Fryer	30–45 minutes	Low (small appliance)	Caramelized, crispy	Easy (wipe basket)
Conventional Oven	1.5–2.5 hours	High (heats whole oven)	Even but less crispy	Moderate (roasting pan)
Slow Cooker	4–6 hours	Medium	Moist, no crisp	Easy (liner-friendly)

The air fryer wins for speed and crispness. But if you’re cooking for 10+ people, the oven might still be better for volume.

When to Avoid the Air Fryer

Air fryers aren’t perfect. Avoid them if:

• Your ham is over 5 pounds (too big for most baskets).
• You’re cooking a raw country ham (needs slow, even heat).
• You’re not home to monitor it (air fryers need attention).

For those cases, stick with the oven. No shame in using the right tool!

Conclusion: Should You Air-Fry Your Next Ham?

After countless tests, I can say with confidence: Yes, you can bake a ham in an air fryer—and you probably should. It’s faster, juicier, and easier to clean up than any other method. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, the air fryer delivers that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender meat.

But like any tool, it’s not magic. You’ll still need to:

• Choose the right ham (pre-cooked, 3–5 pounds).
• Glaze it strategically (less heat, more layers).
• Watch the clock (overcooking is the enemy).

So next time you’re craving ham, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, a jar of honey, and 30 minutes. You’ll have a dish that’s almost as easy as takeout—but way more satisfying. And hey, if your first try isn’t perfect? That’s what leftovers (and ham sandwiches) are for. Happy frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake a ham in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake a ham in an air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve a juicy, caramelized ham with less mess than traditional oven roasting. Just ensure your ham fits in the basket and leave space for air circulation.

How long does it take to cook a ham in an air fryer?

Cooking time depends on the ham’s size, but a pre-cooked ham typically takes 15–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C), basted occasionally. For raw ham, plan for 20–30 minutes per pound, checking internal temperature.

Do I need to adjust the air fryer temperature for a glazed ham?

Yes, lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prevent the glaze from burning. Apply the glaze during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking for a perfect sticky finish.

Can I cook a spiral ham in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Spiral hams work well in an air fryer. Use a foil-lined drip pan to catch juices and prevent mess, and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes, basting as needed.

What’s the best way to keep ham moist when air frying?

Baste the ham with pineapple juice, honey, or broth every 5–10 minutes. Covering it loosely with foil during cooking also helps retain moisture while achieving a crispy exterior.

Can I use an air fryer to reheat leftover ham?

Yes! Reheat slices at 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway. For larger pieces, cover with foil to avoid drying out while warming through.