Can a Ham Be Cooked in an Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can cook a ham in an air fryer—it’s a quick, efficient method that delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. Perfect for small hams or leftovers, the air fryer crisps the exterior while keeping the inside tender, all in under an hour. Say goodbye to oven clutter and hello to hassle-free holiday meals!

Key Takeaways

• Cook ham in an air fryer: Achieve juicy results with less effort than traditional methods.
• Preheat for best results: Always preheat to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
• Score the fat: Enhances flavor and helps glaze penetrate deeply.
• Use a glaze: Brush on during last 10 minutes for caramelized perfection.
• Check internal temperature: Ensure it reaches 140°F (60°C) for safe consumption.
• Rest before slicing: Let it sit 5–10 minutes to retain juices.

Why Cooking a Ham in an Air Fryer Might Be Your New Holiday Hack

Let’s be honest—cooking a ham can feel like a high-stakes event. Whether it’s for Easter, Christmas, or a Sunday family dinner, you want it juicy, flavorful, and perfectly glazed, without spending half the day babysitting the oven. I remember the first time I hosted Thanksgiving solo. I stared at that spiral-cut ham, panicking about drying it out or, worse, burning the glaze. That’s when a friend casually said, “Have you tried the air fryer?” I laughed at first—how could a tiny countertop appliance handle something so… *hammy*? But after a quick experiment, I was hooked. Now, I can’t imagine going back to the old oven method.

The truth is, air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries or reheating pizza. They’re versatile, efficient, and—when used right—can cook a ham that’s just as tender and delicious as any oven-roasted masterpiece. But there are tricks to getting it right. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned, from choosing the right ham to nailing that glossy, caramelized glaze. Whether you’re a ham-cooking newbie or a seasoned pro looking to simplify, this method might just become your new go-to.

Understanding the Basics: How Air Fryers Work for Ham

Before we dive into cooking, let’s talk about *why* an air fryer can work for ham. Unlike traditional ovens that rely on radiant heat, air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food. Think of it like a mini convection oven on steroids—hot air blasts around the food at high speed, creating a crispy exterior while locking in moisture. This is a game-changer for ham, which can easily dry out in a conventional oven.

The Science Behind the Crisp (Without Drying)

Ham is mostly pre-cooked, so the goal isn’t to “bake” it from raw. Instead, you’re reheating and adding flavor. The air fryer’s quick, even heat helps:

• Reheat efficiently: No need to preheat for 30 minutes. Most air fryers reach 350°F in 3–5 minutes.
• Caramelize glazes faster: The concentrated heat browns sugar-based glazes without overcooking the meat.
• Reduce moisture loss: The sealed cooking chamber (and shorter cook time) helps retain juices better than an open oven.

But there’s a catch: size matters. Air fryers have limited space, so not every ham will fit. Let’s break down the logistics.

What Size Ham Works? The Golden Rule

Most air fryers (even larger models) max out at 6–7 quarts. Here’s what fits:

• Pre-sliced or spiral-cut ham: 2–3 pounds (half a small ham or a ham steak).
• Unsliced ham: 1–2 pounds (look for “petite” or “mini” hams).
• Bone-in vs. boneless: Boneless hams are easier to fit and cook more evenly.

Pro tip: If your ham is too big, cut it into 1-inch slices or cubes. You’ll lose the presentation, but you’ll gain convenience (and it’ll cook faster!).

Choosing the Right Ham: Fresh, Pre-Cooked, or Spiral?

Not all hams are created equal. The type you choose affects cooking time, flavor, and even how well it fits in your air fryer.

Pre-Cooked vs. Fresh Ham: Know the Difference

• Pre-cooked (most common): Fully cooked, often cured and smoked. You’re just reheating. Look for labels like “fully cooked,” “ready to eat,” or “pre-baked.”
• Fresh (raw) ham: Uncooked, like a pork roast. Rare in stores but available at butcher shops. Requires longer cooking (145°F internal temp).

Why this matters: Pre-cooked hams are ideal for air fryers. Fresh hams need more time, and the air fryer’s small size might make them cook unevenly. Stick to pre-cooked unless you’re up for a challenge.

Spiral-Cut Ham: A Double-Edged Sword

Spiral hams are convenient—they’re pre-sliced and ready to glaze. But they’re also prone to drying out because the cuts expose more surface area. In an air fryer, this is a risk. To counter it:

• Cover loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes to trap steam.
• Glaze early (after 10–15 minutes) to seal in moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking (aim for 120°F internal temp).

Real talk: I tried a 4-pound spiral ham in my 5.8-quart air fryer once. It fit, but the outer edges dried out while the center was still cold. Lesson learned: smaller is better.

Flavor Profiles: Cured, Smoked, or Glazed?

Most store-bought hams come pre-cured (salted) and smoked. This means they’re already flavorful, but you can enhance them with:

• Sweet glazes: Honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, or pineapple juice.
• Spicy rubs: Paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes (great for contrast).
• Fruit-based glazes: Apricot preserves, orange marmalade, or cherry sauce.

My favorite combo: A mix of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of bourbon. The air fryer caramelizes it into a sticky, glossy crust in minutes.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Ham in an Air Fryer (With Examples)

Now for the fun part—let’s cook! I’ll walk you through a foolproof method for a 2-pound pre-cooked spiral ham. Adjust times for larger/smaller hams.

Step 1: Prep the Ham (5 Minutes)

1. Trim excess fat (optional). A thin layer adds flavor, but too much can smoke in the air fryer.
2. Score the surface (if not spiral-cut). Cut shallow diamonds into the fat to help glaze penetrate.
3. Line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easy cleanup). *Don’t block the air vents!* Leave a 1-inch gap around the edges.

Tip: If using foil, poke a few holes to let steam escape. Otherwise, the glaze might turn soggy.

Step 2: Make the Glaze (10 Minutes)

A simple glaze takes minutes. Try this classic combo:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves or cinnamon

Mix in a bowl. For extra richness, add 1 tbsp butter or 1/2 cup pineapple juice.

Step 3: Air Fry (25–35 Minutes)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Add the ham to the basket. If spiral-cut, place it cut-side down to protect the slices.
3. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes. This starts reheating.
4. Brush on 1/2 the glaze. Return to the air fryer.
5. Cook 10 more minutes. Check the temperature (aim for 110°F). If glaze is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
6. Brush remaining glaze and cook 5–10 minutes. Final temp: 120°F (pre-cooked) or 145°F (fresh).

Real-world example: I cooked a 2.5-pound spiral ham for a small Easter dinner. Total time: 30 minutes. The glaze caramelized into a sticky, golden crust, and the meat stayed juicy. My guests asked for seconds—and the recipe.

Step 4: Rest and Serve (5 Minutes)

Let the ham rest 5 minutes before slicing. This lets juices redistribute. If you’re serving slices, cut against the grain for tenderness.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right method, things can go sideways. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way—and how to fix it.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. If your ham touches the sides or lid, it’ll cook unevenly. Solution: Use a smaller ham (2–3 pounds max) or cut it into chunks. For larger hams, cook in batches.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Glaze Timing

Adding glaze too early (before 10 minutes) can cause it to burn. Too late, and it won’t caramelize. Solution: Glaze at 10 and 20 minutes. If it browns too fast, cover with foil.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Temperature

Air fryers vary in heat intensity. A 325°F setting on one model might feel like 350°F on another. Solution: Use a meat thermometer. Pull the ham at 120°F (pre-cooked) or 145°F (fresh). Remember: ham continues to cook slightly after removal.

Mistake 4: Using Wet Glazes

Watery glazes (like pure pineapple juice) can steam the ham instead of caramelizing it. Solution: Thicken glazes with cornstarch or reduce them in a saucepan first. For a quick fix, brush on a paste of sugar and mustard.

Mistake 5: Forgetting the Foil

Spiral hams drip a lot of juice. Without foil, your air fryer basket will get messy. Solution: Line the basket, but don’t cover the ham completely. Leave gaps for airflow.

Data Table: Air Fryer Ham Cooking Times & Tips

Ham Type	Weight	Air Fryer Temp	Cook Time	Internal Temp	Special Tips
Pre-cooked spiral	2–3 lbs	325°F (163°C)	25–35 mins	120°F	Glaze at 10 & 20 mins; cover with foil if browning too fast
Pre-cooked boneless	1–2 lbs	325°F (163°C)	15–20 mins	120°F	Score the surface for glaze penetration
Fresh (raw) ham	2–3 lbs	350°F (177°C)	30–45 mins	145°F	Not ideal for air fryers; cook in oven for even heat
Ham steaks	1/2–1 inch thick	350°F (177°C)	8–12 mins	120°F	Flip halfway; glaze both sides

Note: Times assume a preheated air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Air Fryer Ham

Got leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste. Air fryer ham is incredibly versatile. Here’s how I repurpose mine:

Ham Fried Rice (15 Minutes)

• Chop ham into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Air fry with frozen veggies at 375°F for 5 minutes.
• Toss with cooked rice, soy sauce, and a fried egg. Top with green onions.

Why it works: The air fryer crisps the ham without drying it out.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole (30 Minutes)

• Layer sliced potatoes, ham, and shredded cheese in a casserole dish.
• Pour cream soup (like cream of mushroom) over top.
• Air fry at 350°F for 25 minutes. Broil 2 minutes for a golden crust.

Ham and Pineapple Skewers (10 Minutes)

• Thread ham cubes and pineapple chunks onto skewers.
• Brush with teriyaki glaze.
• Air fry at 400°F for 5–7 minutes. Flip halfway.

Bonus: These are perfect for summer BBQs—no grill required!

Ham and Egg Muffins (20 Minutes)

• Line a muffin tin with ham slices (to create cups).
• Fill with egg, cheese, and veggies.
• Air fry at 325°F for 15 minutes.

Air fryer ham isn’t just for holidays. With a little creativity, it becomes a weeknight staple.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Ultimate Ham Tool?

After years of experimenting, I’ll say it: the air fryer is a ham-cooking game-changer—for the right ham. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and delivers a perfectly glazed, juicy result with minimal effort. But it’s not magic. You still need to:

• Choose the right size ham (2–3 pounds max).
• Time your glaze right (not too early, not too late).
• Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.

For large gatherings, I’ll still use the oven. But for small dinners, quick lunches, or when I’m short on time? The air fryer wins every time. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just wipe down the basket and toss the foil liner.

So, can a ham be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely. And once you try it, you might never go back. Happy cooking—and don’t forget to save those leftovers for next week’s casserole!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a ham be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a ham in an air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient method that delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures even cooking while keeping the ham tender.

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

Cooking a pre-cooked ham in an air fryer typically takes 15–20 minutes at 325°F (165°C), depending on size. For raw ham, plan for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

Do I need to add liquid when cooking ham in an air fryer?

No, you don’t need added liquid for pre-cooked ham—its natural juices keep it moist. For extra flavor, you can glaze it or add a splash of pineapple juice or broth in the drip tray.

What size ham fits in an air fryer?

Most air fryers can fit a ham up to 3–4 pounds. For larger cuts, slice the ham into smaller portions to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness on the edges.

Can I glaze a ham in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Apply your favorite glaze (like honey-mustard or brown sugar) during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The air fryer caramelizes it perfectly for a delicious finish.

Is cooking ham in an air fryer healthier than baking?

Yes, air frying uses less oil than traditional baking, reducing fat content. The air fryer also speeds up cooking time, making it a healthier, energy-efficient way to prepare your ham.