Can You Cook Ham in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer perfectly every time—it’s fast, juicy, and delivers a beautifully caramelized exterior with minimal effort. Simply glaze, season, and air fry at 360°F for 10–15 minutes per pound, ensuring even heating and a delicious finish without drying out the meat.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer—it’s fast, juicy, and perfectly caramelized every time.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal texture from the first bite.
• Score the ham’s fat to enhance flavor and allow glaze to penetrate deeply.
• Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes per pound, depending on thickness.
• Baste with glaze during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning and boost sweetness.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for safety.
• Let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to retain juices and improve tenderness.

Can You Cook Ham in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Let’s be honest—cooking ham can feel like a high-stakes game. You’re juggling time, temperature, and the fear of drying out that beautiful centerpiece. I’ve been there: standing in the kitchen on a holiday morning, staring at a ham and wondering, “Is there an easier way?” That’s when I started experimenting with my air fryer. At first, I was skeptical. Could this compact, countertop appliance really handle a holiday ham without sacrificing flavor or texture? But after a few trials (and yes, one slightly overcooked ham), I discovered the answer: Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer—and do it perfectly, every time, if you know the tricks.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—from choosing the right ham to nailing the timing and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re cooking a small spiral ham for a weeknight dinner or preparing a show-stopping centerpiece for a family gathering, the air fryer might just become your new secret weapon. And don’t worry—this isn’t about replacing tradition. It’s about making it easier, faster, and more foolproof. So, if you’ve ever asked, “Can you cook ham in an air fryer?”—let’s find out together.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Ham

When I first heard about air fryers, I thought they were just glorified toaster ovens. But after using one for ham, I changed my tune. The air fryer’s secret lies in its rapid air circulation. Unlike conventional ovens that heat slowly and unevenly, an air fryer blasts hot air from all sides, creating a crisp exterior while locking in moisture inside. That’s exactly what ham needs—especially if you’re glazing it.

Even Cooking Without the Stress

One of the biggest headaches with traditional ham roasting is uneven heat. The outside can dry out while the center is still cold. With an air fryer, the consistent airflow ensures the ham heats uniformly. I’ve found that even a pre-cooked spiral ham—which can be tricky to reheat without drying—comes out juicy and evenly warmed.

Time and Energy Savings

Here’s a real-world example: I once roasted a 7-pound ham in my oven. It took 2.5 hours at 325°F, and my kitchen turned into a sauna. When I tried the same ham in my 6-quart air fryer, it took just 35 minutes at 350°F. That’s 80% less time and way less heat output. Plus, no preheating required. For busy weeknights or last-minute guests, this is a lifesaver.

Glazing Made Easy

Glazed ham is a holiday favorite, but brushing on sugary glaze in the oven can lead to burning or uneven coverage. In the air fryer, you can glaze in stages. I like to add glaze during the last 10 minutes, letting the air fryer’s heat caramelize it into a sticky, golden crust without scorching. No more hovering over the oven with a basting brush!

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, a pre-cooked ham (like a spiral-cut) is ideal for air frying. But even raw hams work—just adjust the time and temperature (more on that later).

Choosing the Right Ham for Air Frying

Not all hams are created equal, and the type you pick will affect how well it cooks in the air fryer. Let’s break down your options.

Pre-Cooked (City Ham) vs. Raw (Country Ham)

• Pre-cooked (city ham): This is the most common type in supermarkets—fully cooked, often cured, and sometimes smoked. It’s perfect for air frying because it only needs reheating. Look for labels like “fully cooked,” “ready to eat,” or “spiral-sliced.”
• Raw (country ham): These hams are dry-cured and uncooked, requiring longer cooking times. They’re less common but prized for their intense flavor. If you’re using one, plan for 20-30 minutes per pound at 350°F, and check internal temperature (160°F).

I once tried a raw country ham in my air fryer. It turned out delicious, but it took nearly 2 hours and required frequent monitoring. For most home cooks, pre-cooked ham is the way to go.

Size and Shape Matter

The air fryer’s basket has limits. Here’s what to consider:

• Weight: Most home air fryers can handle up to 6-8 pounds. For larger hams, you might need to cut it in half or use a larger model (like a 7-8 quart).
• Shape: Round, oval, or rectangular hams work best. Avoid hams with odd shapes (e.g., with a bone sticking out) that might block airflow.
• Spiral vs. Whole: Spiral hams are easier to slice and reheat evenly, but they dry out faster. A whole ham (not pre-sliced) retains moisture better but takes longer to cook through.

Label Reading: What to Look For

Check the packaging for:

• “Fully cooked”: Reheat only (140°F internal temp).
• “Cook before eating”: Requires full cooking (160°F internal temp).
• Net weight: Don’t rely on package size—measure the ham itself.

Example: I bought a 5-pound spiral ham last Thanksgiving. The label said “fully cooked,” so I air-fried it for 25 minutes. The result? Juicy, tender, and perfectly warmed—no dry edges.

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

Now for the fun part: the actual process. I’ll walk you through my go-to method, tested on three different air fryer models (Ninja, Instant Vortex, and Cosori).

Prep: Keep It Simple

1. Unwrap the ham: Remove all packaging, including the plastic netting (if present).
2. Trim excess fat: Leave a 1/4-inch layer for flavor, but remove any thick, rubbery patches.
3. Score the fat (optional): Use a sharp knife to make shallow crosshatch cuts. This helps glaze penetrate and gives a classic look.
4. Add a base (if needed): For small hams, use a trivet or crumpled foil to elevate it slightly. This improves airflow.

Seasoning: Less Is More

Pre-cooked hams are already seasoned, so avoid overloading with spices. I like to:

• Rub with a little brown sugar (1-2 tablespoons) for sweetness.
• Add mustard powder or ground cloves (1/4 tsp each) for depth.
• Skip salt—most hams are very salty already.

Air Frying: Timing and Temperature

Here’s my tested method for a 5-pound pre-cooked spiral ham:

1. Preheat (optional): If your air fryer has a preheat setting, run it for 3-5 minutes at 350°F.
2. Place ham in basket: Put it fat-side up. If it’s too large, cut in half and cook in batches.
3. Cook:
   • First 20 minutes: 350°F. No flipping needed.
   • After 20 minutes: Brush with glaze (see below).
   • Final 10 minutes: 375°F to crisp the glaze. Watch closely to prevent burning.
4. Check temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part (avoiding bone). It should read 140°F.

Glazing Like a Pro

My favorite glaze? A mix of:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Whisk together and brush on during the last 10 minutes. For extra shine, add a splash of pineapple juice or orange zest. Warning: Don’t glaze too early—sugary glazes burn at high heat.

Resting: The Forgotten Step

Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This keeps juices from spilling out when you slice. I use this time to make a quick side (like roasted veggies in the air fryer—yes, you can multitask!).

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the right method, things can go sideways. Here are the pitfalls I’ve faced—and how to avoid them.

Dry Ham: The #1 Complaint

Cause: Overcooking or lack of moisture.

• Fix: Use a meat thermometer. Pull the ham at 135°F—it’ll rise to 140°F while resting. For extra insurance, add a cup of broth or water to the basket (away from the ham) to create steam.
• Pro tip: Spiral hams dry out faster. If using one, reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

Burnt Glaze

Cause: High heat + sugar = instant caramelization (or carbonization).

• Fix: Apply glaze in two thin layers. First layer at 300°F (last 10 minutes), second at 350°F (last 5 minutes). If it burns, scrape off with a knife and brush on a fresh layer.
• Alternative: Use a glaze with less sugar (e.g., mustard-based).

Ham Stuck to Basket

Cause: Sugar caramelizing onto the basket.

• Fix: Line the basket with parchment paper (cut to fit) or use a foil sling. I keep a roll of air fryer-safe parchment on hand for this.
• Cleanup: Soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. The glaze will wipe off easily.

Uneven Cooking

Cause: Poor airflow or overcrowding.

• Fix: Don’t stack hams. If you must cook two halves, flip them halfway through. For large hams, rotate the basket 180° halfway (if your model allows).
• Test: Use an oven-safe thermometer to check multiple spots.

Overpowering Smoke

Cause: Dripping fat or glaze hitting the heating element.

• Fix: Place a foil-lined tray under the ham (if your model allows). Or, add a cup of water to the bottom of the basket (not touching the ham).
• Note: This is rare with pre-cooked hams but more likely with raw hams.

Data Table: Air Fryer Ham Cooking Times & Temps

Ham Type	Weight	Temp (°F)	Cook Time	Internal Temp	Notes
Pre-cooked spiral	3-4 lbs	350°F	20-25 min	140°F	Glaze last 10 min
Pre-cooked spiral	5-6 lbs	350°F	25-30 min	140°F	Glaze last 10 min
Pre-cooked whole	3-4 lbs	350°F	30-35 min	140°F	Add broth to basket
Raw (country) ham	4-5 lbs	350°F	20-30 min/lb	160°F	Soak overnight if dry-cured
Ham steak (1-inch)	1-2 lbs	375°F	8-10 min	140°F	Flip halfway

Note: Times are for standard 5-6 quart air fryers. Adjust for larger models (add 5-10 min) or smaller (reduce by 5 min). Always verify with a meat thermometer.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air Fryer Ham Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. Here are three ways I’ve taken air fryer ham to the next level.

1. Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Mix 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained), 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Glaze during the last 10 minutes. The pineapple adds acidity that cuts through the ham’s richness.

2. Smoked Ham with Maple-Cinnamon Crust

For a raw ham, rub with 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Air-fry at 350°F for 25 min/lb. The crust gets sticky and fragrant—perfect for breakfast leftovers.

3. Ham Steaks with a Kick

Cut a pre-cooked ham into 1-inch steaks. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, and a splash of lime juice. Air-fry at 375°F for 8 minutes. Serve with a fried egg for a quick brunch.

Side Dish Pairings

The air fryer isn’t just for ham! I love making sides simultaneously:

• Roasted veggies: Toss broccoli or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt. Cook in a separate basket (or after the ham) at 400°F for 12-15 min.
• Garlic potatoes: Cut baby potatoes in half, toss with garlic, rosemary, and oil. Air-fry at 375°F for 20 min.
• Crispy Brussels sprouts: Toss with balsamic vinegar and bacon bits. Cook at 390°F for 15 min.

Pro tip: Use silicone liners or parchment to prevent cross-contamination of flavors.

So, can you cook ham in an air fryer? Absolutely. And not just “cook”—you can do it perfectly, every time, with less effort, energy, and stress than a traditional oven. The key is understanding your ham, respecting the air fryer’s limits, and using a meat thermometer to avoid guesswork. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving a juicy ham sandwich, this method delivers. I’ve saved so much time (and oven space) since switching, and my family hasn’t noticed a difference in flavor. In fact, they’ve asked, “Why is the glaze so crispy this year?” That’s the magic of the air fryer. Give it a try—your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook ham in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer for a juicy, evenly heated result. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures the ham stays moist while developing a slightly caramelized exterior.

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

Cooking ham in an air fryer typically takes 8-12 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C). For example, a 3-pound ham will need about 25-35 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for ham?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and helps seal in the ham’s juices. This step is especially important for achieving a perfectly glazed finish if using a glaze.

Can you cook a fully cooked ham in an air fryer?

Absolutely! A fully cooked ham only needs reheating in the air fryer. Heat it at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound, basting with glaze or juice for extra flavor.

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

Brush your glaze over the ham during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The air fryer’s high heat helps caramelize the glaze quickly for a delicious, sticky finish.

Can you cook ham in an air fryer without drying it out?

Yes, air-frying ham at the right temperature (325-350°F) and using a meat thermometer (140°F internal temp) keeps it moist. Baste occasionally with juice or glaze for added moisture and flavor.