Can I Cook a Spiral Ham in an Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in an air fryer—it’s a fast, convenient method that delivers juicy, evenly heated results in under an hour. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the ham in a foil-lined basket to retain moisture, and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally for a delicious glaze and tender texture. Perfect for holidays or quick meals, this method saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Cook spiral ham in air fryer: Yes, it’s quick and easy with proper prep.
• Preheat air fryer: Ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
• Score the ham: Helps glaze penetrate and prevents drying out.
• Glaze after cooking: Prevents burning; apply during last 5 minutes.
• Check internal temp: Must reach 140°F for safe consumption.
• Use foil for cleanup: Makes removing drips and cleanup effortless.

Can I Cook a Spiral Ham in an Air Fryer? Here Is How

Picture this: it’s the holiday season, or maybe it’s just a cozy Sunday dinner, and you’ve got a gorgeous spiral ham sitting in your fridge. It’s pre-sliced, pre-cooked, and all it needs is a little warmth and a glaze to make it shine. But here’s the twist—your oven is tied up with side dishes, or maybe you’re just tired of waiting for it to preheat. Then it hits you: *Can I cook a spiral ham in an air fryer?*

You’re not alone in asking this. Air fryers have become kitchen MVPs, turning crispy fries and juicy chicken wings in minutes. But when it comes to a big, juicy spiral ham, things get a little more complicated. Can this countertop appliance really handle a ham that’s typically roasted for hours? Spoiler: yes, but with some caveats. In this guide, we’ll explore how to cook a spiral ham in an air fryer, the benefits and limitations, and how to get that sweet, smoky, glazed perfection without the oven. Whether you’re short on time, space, or patience, this method might just become your new go-to.

Why Cooking a Spiral Ham in an Air Fryer Makes Sense

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest perks of using an air fryer is speed. Traditional oven roasting can take 2–3 hours, depending on the ham’s size. In an air fryer, you can heat and glaze a spiral ham in **under an hour**. Since spiral hams are already fully cooked, you’re just reheating and browning—perfect for the air fryer’s rapid, convection-style cooking.

For example, a 3–4 pound ham (a common size for small gatherings) can be ready in about 30–40 minutes at 325°F (163°C). That’s a huge win if you’re hosting a last-minute dinner or just don’t want to wait all afternoon.

Energy Efficiency and Countertop Convenience

Ovens use a lot of energy, especially when preheating and running for long periods. Air fryers, on the other hand, are compact and heat up almost instantly. They use up to **70–80% less energy** than full-sized ovens, making them a greener, more cost-effective option.

Plus, if you’re cooking in a small kitchen, a studio apartment, or during a heatwave, the air fryer won’t turn your space into a sauna. It’s a game-changer for those who want to keep things cool (literally).

Perfect for Small Portions

Not every meal calls for a 10-pound ham. If you’re cooking for 2–4 people, a full oven roast might feel like overkill. An air fryer lets you reheat a smaller portion (like a half ham or a pre-sliced spiral) without drying it out. This is especially handy if you’ve got leftovers from a bigger event and just want to revive a few slices.

Understanding the Limitations: What You Need to Know

Size Matters—A Lot

Here’s the reality check: **air fryers come in different sizes**, and most can’t fit a full-sized spiral ham. A typical air fryer basket is 3–5 quarts, which works for a 2–4 pound ham. Anything larger (like a 6+ pound ham) will either not fit or cook unevenly.

For example, a 4-quart air fryer (like the popular Ninja Foodi or Cosori models) can handle a ham up to 3.5 pounds. If your ham is bigger, you’ll need to cut it into sections or stick with the oven. Always measure your air fryer basket and ham before starting!

Moisture and Juiciness

Air fryers circulate hot air, which can dry out meat if you’re not careful. Spiral hams are already pre-cooked and can lose moisture quickly. To avoid a dry, chewy result:

• Use a drip pan or foil to catch juices and keep the ham moist.
• Cover the ham loosely with foil for the first half of cooking, then remove it to glaze and crisp the surface.
• Add a splash of liquid (like pineapple juice, apple cider, or water) to the bottom of the basket to create steam.

Glaze Application Challenges

Glazing a ham in the oven is easy—you just brush it on and let it caramelize slowly. In an air fryer, the intense heat can burn the glaze if you’re not careful. The key is to:

• Glaze in stages: Apply a thin layer halfway through, then again at the end.
• Use a lower temperature (300–325°F) for glazing to prevent burning.
• Watch closely—air fryers cook fast, and sugar-based glazes can go from golden to black in seconds.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook a Spiral Ham in an Air Fryer

What You’ll Need

• Spiral ham (2–4 pounds)
• Air fryer (3–5 quarts)
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Basting brush
• Glaze ingredients (e.g., brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice)
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Prep the Ham

Start by removing the ham from its packaging and placing it on a cutting board. If the ham is too large, you can cut it into sections (but keep the slices intact). Wrap the ham tightly in **heavy-duty foil** or parchment paper, leaving the top exposed. This prevents the ham from drying out and makes it easier to handle.

Pro tip: Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper to catch drips and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Preheat and Cook (First Stage)

Preheat your air fryer to **325°F (163°C)**. This temperature is hot enough to reheat the ham without drying it out. Place the foil-wrapped ham in the basket, cut side down. Cook for **15–20 minutes per pound** (so a 3-pound ham = 45–60 minutes total).

For the first 20–30 minutes, keep the ham covered with foil to retain moisture. This is the “reheat” phase—no glaze yet!

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While the ham cooks, prepare your glaze. A classic combo is:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons pineapple or apple juice

Mix everything in a small saucepan and heat over low until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Glaze and Crisp (Second Stage)

After the first 20–30 minutes, remove the foil and brush a thin layer of glaze over the ham. Lower the air fryer temperature to **300°F (149°C)** to prevent burning. Cook for another **10–15 minutes**, brushing with glaze every 5 minutes. The goal is to create a sticky, caramelized crust—not a burnt mess!

Watch closely: If the glaze starts to darken too fast, cover the ham loosely with foil again or pause the air fryer.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the ham is heated through (internal temperature of 140°F/60°C) and glazed, remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for **5–10 minutes** to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice and serve!

Glaze Ideas and Flavor Hacks

Classic Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze

This is the gold standard—sweet, sticky, and foolproof. Just mix:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice

For extra depth, add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon.

Pineapple-Ginger Glaze

For a tropical twist, blend:

• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

It adds a bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with ham.

Spicy Maple-Bourbon Glaze

If you like a little heat, try:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (or apple juice)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

The smokiness of the paprika complements the ham’s saltiness.

No-Sugar-Added Glaze

For a healthier option, use:

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

It’s tangy and savory, with no added sugar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Overcooking and Dry Ham

The biggest mistake? Cooking the ham too long. Since it’s already pre-cooked, you only need to reheat it. Overcooking leads to dry, tough meat.

Solution: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (140°F is ideal). If you don’t have one, cut into the ham—it should be warm and juicy, not gray or stringy.

Burnt Glaze

Glaze burns fast in an air fryer. If you see smoke or dark spots, it’s already too late.

Solution: Lower the temperature to 300°F when glazing, and apply it in thin layers. Use a silicone basting brush (not metal) to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.

Uneven Cooking

If the ham is too big or not centered in the basket, some slices may cook faster than others.

Solution: Rotate the ham halfway through cooking. If it’s too large, cut it into smaller sections and cook them separately.

Messy Cleanup

Glaze drips and ham juices can stick to the basket, making cleanup a pain.

Solution: Always line the basket with foil or parchment paper. For stubborn residue, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes.

Data Table: Cooking Times and Temperatures

Ham Weight	Prep Time	Cook Time (Covered)	Glaze Time (Uncovered)	Total Time	Air Fryer Temp
2 lbs	5 min	20 min	10 min	35 min	325°F (163°C)
3 lbs	5 min	30 min	12 min	47 min	325°F (163°C)
4 lbs	5 min	40 min	15 min	60 min	325°F (163°C)

Note: Times are approximate. Always check the internal temperature (140°F) for safety. Larger hams (5+ lbs) are not recommended for most air fryers.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Right Choice?

So, can you cook a spiral ham in an air fryer? **Absolutely—but with some caveats.** It’s perfect for small hams (2–4 pounds), quick reheating, and energy efficiency. The result is a juicy, glazed ham with a crispy, caramelized crust that’s ready in under an hour. But if you’re cooking for a crowd or have a larger ham, the oven might still be your best bet.

The key to success is **preparation**. Measure your air fryer, prep your ham properly, and don’t rush the glazing process. With the right technique, your air fryer can turn out a ham that’s just as delicious as an oven-roasted one—without the long wait or high energy bill.

Next time you’re staring at that spiral ham and wondering how to make it shine, give the air fryer a try. It might just become your new holiday kitchen hero. After all, who doesn’t love a little speed, flavor, and convenience—all in one?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a spiral ham in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in an air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient method that delivers tender, juicy results with a slightly crispy glaze. Just ensure the ham fits in your air fryer basket with enough space for air circulation.

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

Cooking a spiral ham in an air fryer typically takes 20–30 minutes at 300°F (150°C), depending on the ham’s size and thickness. Baste it with glaze every 10 minutes for best flavor and texture.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for spiral ham?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) ensures even cooking and helps seal in the ham’s juices. This step is especially important for achieving a golden, caramelized glaze.

What’s the best way to glaze a spiral ham in an air fryer?

Brush the glaze evenly over the spiral ham during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. For extra flavor, add a layer of pineapple slices or cloves before glazing.

Can I cook a frozen spiral ham in an air fryer?

It’s best to thaw a spiral ham before air frying to ensure even cooking and food safety. If cooking from frozen, add 10–15 extra minutes per pound, but check internal temperature (140°F/60°C) for doneness.

How do I keep my spiral ham from drying out in the air fryer?

To retain moisture, cover the ham loosely with foil for the first half of cooking, then uncover to crisp the glaze. Basting frequently and using a meat thermometer (140°F/60°C) also helps prevent overcooking.