Can I Cook Ham in an Air Fryer Discover Easy Delicious Results

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer—and it delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. The air fryer’s rapid circulation crisps the exterior while locking in moisture, making it perfect for glazed or pre-cooked ham in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to oven clutter and hello to easy, delicious meals!

Key Takeaways

• Cook ham in an air fryer for juicy, flavorful results in under 30 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
• Use a glaze or seasoning to enhance flavor and create a delicious crust.
• Score the ham’s surface to help it absorb glaze and cook evenly.
• Check internal temperature to ensure it reaches 140°F for safe consumption.
• Rest before slicing to lock in juices and improve taste.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can You Cook Ham in This Humble Appliance?

Let’s face it—cooking a ham can feel like a big deal. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or just a craving for that salty, smoky flavor, ham is often associated with long oven times, basting, and the constant fear of drying it out. But what if I told you there’s a faster, easier, and just as delicious way to cook ham? Enter the air fryer, the kitchen gadget that’s taken the culinary world by storm. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I cook ham in an air fryer?”—you’re not alone. I was skeptical at first, too. But after testing it out (and eating way too much ham in the process), I’m here to tell you: yes, you absolutely can. And it’s *so* much simpler than you think.

When I first got my air fryer, I used it for the usual suspects—frozen fries, chicken wings, maybe some reheated pizza. But as I got more comfortable, I started pushing the limits. Could I cook a whole roast? A turkey breast? And then, one day, it hit me: *What about ham?* I did a quick search and found a mix of opinions, from “It’s a game-changer!” to “It’s too small for a ham.” So I decided to experiment. I bought a small spiral-sliced ham, prepped it like I would for the oven, and tossed it in the air fryer. The results? Crispy edges, juicy center, and a golden glaze that made my mouth water. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking ham in an air fryer—from choosing the right ham to mastering the glaze and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just dipping your toes in, this guide will make your next ham dinner effortless and delicious.

Why the Air Fryer Might Be Your New Ham Hero

The air fryer isn’t just for reheating leftovers or crisping up frozen snacks. It’s a versatile tool that uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, with little to no oil. But how does it handle something as classic as ham? Let’s break it down.

The Science Behind Air-Fried Ham

Traditional ham cooking relies on slow roasting in the oven, which can take hours. The air fryer, on the other hand, uses convection technology—similar to a convection oven but in a smaller, more efficient space. The hot air circulates around the ham at high speed, creating a crisp exterior while locking in moisture. This is especially great for pre-cooked hams (like spiral-sliced or city hams), which just need to be heated through and glazed. The air fryer’s high heat (usually 350–400°F) ensures the ham warms evenly without drying out—something many people struggle with when using the oven.

Benefits Over Traditional Methods

Here’s why cooking ham in an air fryer might be your new go-to:

• Speed: A small ham (3–4 lbs) can be heated and glazed in under an hour—half the time of an oven. Perfect for last-minute dinners or when you’re short on oven space during the holidays.
• Even cooking: The air fryer’s compact size means the heat reaches every part of the ham, reducing the risk of cold spots.
• Less mess: No basting, no foil, no splatter. Just pop the ham in, set the timer, and walk away.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity than ovens, which is great for your wallet (and the planet).
• Versatility: You can cook ham *and* side dishes (like roasted veggies or potatoes) in the air fryer at the same time.

Real-World Example: A Holiday Hack

Last Thanksgiving, I had a full oven with turkey, stuffing, and casseroles. When it came to heating the ham, I was out of space. So I tried the air fryer. I prepped a 3.5-lb spiral ham with a brown sugar glaze, set the air fryer to 325°F, and cooked it for 30 minutes (turning it halfway). Not only did it free up oven space, but the ham had a perfect crust and stayed moist. My family couldn’t believe it was air-fried!

Choosing the Right Ham for Your Air Fryer

Not all hams are created equal, and the type you choose will affect how well it cooks in the air fryer. Let’s talk about the best options—and which ones to avoid.

Pre-Cooked vs. Raw Ham

Most hams sold at grocery stores are pre-cooked (also called “ready-to-eat”). These are the best choice for air frying because they just need to be reheated and glazed. Look for:

• Spiral-sliced ham: The classic holiday ham. The slices make it easy to portion and glaze. Just make sure it fits in your air fryer basket (more on that below).
• City ham: A wet-cured ham, usually sold boneless. It’s tender and flavorful, but may need a longer cook time to reach the right internal temperature.

Raw or uncooked hams (like fresh ham roasts) are *possible* to cook in an air fryer, but they require a longer cook time and careful monitoring. For beginners, stick with pre-cooked.

Size Matters: How Much Ham Can You Fit?

This is crucial. Air fryers come in various sizes, typically 3–6 quarts. Here’s a general guide:

• 3–4 quart: Ideal for small hams (2–4 lbs) or half a larger ham.
• 5–6 quart: Can fit a 5–6 lb ham, but check the dimensions. Some hams are wider than they are tall, which might not fit even in a large basket.

Pro tip: Measure your air fryer basket’s width and height before buying the ham. If you’re unsure, buy a smaller ham and cook it in batches (more on that later).

Bone-In vs. Boneless

Both work, but there are trade-offs:

• Bone-in: Adds flavor and moisture, but takes up more space. The bone also acts as a natural insulator, so the ham cooks more evenly.
• Boneless: Easier to fit in the basket and slice, but can dry out faster. Look for hams with a fat cap to keep them juicy.

What to Avoid

Stay away from:

• Extra-large hams (6+ lbs): They won’t fit in most air fryers and will cook unevenly.
• Hams with thick rinds or skin: These can burn or become rubbery in the air fryer’s high heat.
• Frozen hams: Always thaw completely before cooking. A frozen ham will cook unevenly and may not reach a safe internal temperature.

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

Ready to give it a try? Here’s my tried-and-true method for perfectly air-fried ham, with tips to avoid common mistakes.

Prepping the Ham

1. Thaw (if frozen): Place the ham in the fridge for 24–48 hours before cooking.
2. Trim excess fat: Leave a 1/4-inch layer for flavor, but remove any thick or hard fat.
3. Score the fat (optional): Use a sharp knife to cut shallow diamonds into the fat. This helps the glaze seep in and creates a pretty presentation.
4. Glaze it (optional): If you’re using a glaze, apply it now or wait until halfway through cooking (see below).

Air Fryer Settings and Timing

The key is low and slow—you’re reheating, not cooking from raw. Here’s my go-to method:

• Temperature: 325°F (163°C). Lower temps prevent burning and drying.
• Time: 10–12 minutes per pound. For a 3-lb ham, that’s 30–36 minutes total.
• Glaze timing: Apply the glaze halfway through cooking. This prevents it from burning.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F for 3–5 minutes.
2. Place the ham in the basket, fat-side up. If it’s too wide, cut it in half or use a smaller ham.
3. Cook for half the total time (e.g., 15 minutes for a 3-lb ham).
4. Brush on the glaze (see below for recipes). Flip the ham if possible (use tongs or a meat fork).
5. Finish cooking. Check the internal temp with a thermometer.
6. Let the ham rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.

Glaze Ideas (and How to Apply Them)

The glaze is where you can get creative. Here are three easy options:

• Classic brown sugar: Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Brush on halfway through.
• Pineapple glaze: Combine 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp ground cloves. Add pineapple rings on top for garnish.
• Maple-mustard: Whisk 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.

Pro tip: If the glaze starts to burn, cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding: Don’t stack hams or force a too-big ham in the basket. Air needs to circulate.
• High heat: Cooking at 375°F+ will dry out the ham or burn the glaze.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the ham rest ensures the juices redistribute.

Creative Variations and Side Dishes

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. The air fryer isn’t just for ham—it’s a full meal machine.

Ham Steaks and Portions

Don’t want a whole ham? Try ham steaks (thick slices cut from a larger ham). They cook in 8–10 minutes at 350°F and are perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Pro tip: Sear them for 2 minutes per side first for extra crispiness.

Ham and Side Dishes in One Basket

The air fryer’s basket is big enough for more than one dish. Here’s how to cook ham and sides together:

• Roasted veggies: Toss carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes with olive oil and salt. Add them to the basket during the last 15 minutes of cooking (they’ll finish at the same time as the ham).
• Potatoes: Parboil small potatoes for 5 minutes, then air-fry with the ham for 15 minutes.
• Cornbread or rolls: Place in an oven-safe dish on top of the ham (if your air fryer has space).

Global Flavors: Spiced Hams

Want to switch up the flavor? Try these international twists:

• Mexican-inspired: Glaze with chipotle in adobo, lime juice, and brown sugar. Serve with black beans and avocado.
• Asian-style: Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and ginger for the glaze. Top with scallions.
• Caribbean jerk: Mix jerk seasoning, honey, and orange juice. Add a dash of allspice.

Leftovers? Make It a Meal

Ham leftovers are a gift. Here are ways to use them:

• Ham and cheese quesadillas: Air-fry tortillas with ham and cheese for 3 minutes.
• Ham fried rice: Cook rice, ham, and veggies in the air fryer for 8 minutes.
• Split pea soup: Use ham bone and scraps for a hearty soup (cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker).

Data Table: Ham Cooking Times and Tips

Ham Size	Air Fryer Temp	Cook Time	Internal Temp	Notes
2–3 lbs	325°F	20–30 min	140°F	Perfect for small families. Glaze halfway.
3–4 lbs	325°F	30–40 min	140°F	Most common size. Check fit before buying.
4–5 lbs	325°F	40–50 min	140°F	Only for large air fryers (5+ quarts). Rotate halfway.
Ham steaks (1-inch)	350°F	8–10 min	140°F	Sear first for crisp edges. Great for quick meals.

Conclusion: Your Air Fryer Ham Journey Starts Here

So, can you cook ham in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s one of the easiest, most delicious ways to do it. Whether you’re cooking a small ham for a weeknight dinner or a showstopper for a holiday, the air fryer delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. No more worrying about oven space, dry ham, or hours of basting. Just preheat, prep, and let the air fryer work its magic.

Remember, the key to success is choosing the right ham, using the right settings, and not overcomplicating it. Start with a pre-cooked spiral ham, keep the temperature low, and don’t skip the glaze. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with flavors and side dishes. The air fryer isn’t just a gadget—it’s a gateway to simpler, tastier meals. So go ahead, try it out, and let me know how it goes. Who knows? Your next ham dinner might just be your best one yet. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook ham in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve a juicy interior with a slightly caramelized exterior. Just ensure the ham fits safely in the basket and is preheated properly.

What type of ham works best in an air fryer?

Fully cooked, pre-sliced ham (like spiral ham or city ham) works best for air frying. These cuts reheat evenly and develop a delicious glaze when cooked at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

How long do you cook ham in an air fryer?

For a pre-cooked ham, air fry at 350°F for 10–15 minutes per pound, basting with glaze every 5 minutes. Always check the internal temperature reaches 140°F for safe consumption.

Can I add a glaze to my air fryer ham?

Absolutely! Adding a glaze (like honey-mustard or brown sugar) enhances flavor. Brush it on during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while achieving a sticky, caramelized finish.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for ham?

Yes, preheating the air fryer (3–5 minutes at 350°F) ensures even cooking and helps seal in juices. This step is especially important for larger ham slices or whole portions.

Is air fryer ham healthier than oven-baked ham?

Air frying ham uses less energy and reduces excess fat compared to roasting. The rapid circulation of hot air also cuts cooking time, making it a convenient and slightly healthier option.