Can I Cook a Ham in My Air Fryer A Complete Guide

Yes, you can cook a ham in your air fryer—it’s a fast, efficient way to achieve juicy, caramelized results with minimal cleanup. Preheat to 360°F, glaze your ham, and cook for 15–20 minutes per pound, basting occasionally for a perfect finish every time.

Key Takeaways

• Cook ham in air fryer: Yes, it’s quick, juicy, and hassle-free.
• Preheat for best results: Always preheat to ensure even cooking.
• Score the fat layer: Helps render fat and absorb glaze better.
• Glaze in last 10 mins: Prevents burning and boosts flavor.
• Check internal temp: Cook to 145°F for safe, tender ham.
• Use leftover ham: Reheat without drying using air fryer’s speed.

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

Let me set the scene: It’s a holiday morning, and the house smells like cinnamon rolls and coffee. The family is gathering, and I’m in charge of the ham. But this year, instead of wrestling with the oven for three hours, I tried something new—my air fryer. And honestly? It was a game-changer. Crispy edges, juicy center, and the best part? I didn’t have to babysit it like a nervous first-time chef. That’s when I realized: yes, you can cook a ham in your air fryer, and it might just be the easiest way to serve up that classic holiday centerpiece.

If you’ve ever stood in front of your kitchen wondering, “Can I cook a ham in my air fryer?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Maybe you’re short on time, or your oven’s already packed with sides. Or maybe you just want to try something new without risking a dry, overcooked disaster. The good news is that air fryers, with their rapid air circulation and compact cooking space, are surprisingly great for ham. Whether it’s a pre-cooked spiral ham or a raw ham steak, the air fryer delivers speed, flavor, and convenience. Let’s dive into how, why, and what you need to know to make it work perfectly every time.

How Air Fryers Work for Ham (And Why They’re Surprisingly Great)

Before we jump into recipes and temperatures, let’s talk about the science behind why the air fryer is such a solid choice for ham. At its core, an air fryer is a mini convection oven. It uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the food at high speed, creating that crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy. For ham, this is ideal—especially if you’re dealing with a pre-cooked ham that just needs heating and browning.

The Science of Crisp and Juicy

Ham is already cooked, so the goal isn’t to cook it from raw—it’s to warm it through, enhance the flavor with a glaze, and give it that appealing caramelized crust. The air fryer’s high-velocity heat does this beautifully. Because the space is small, the air hits the ham from all sides, creating even browning without drying it out. Unlike a slow oven roast, which can sometimes pull moisture from the meat, the air fryer’s quick cook time helps retain juices.

Think of it like this: a traditional oven might take 2–3 hours to warm a 5-pound ham. An air fryer can do it in under an hour—sometimes as little as 30 minutes. That’s a huge win when you’re juggling sides, drinks, and guests.

Size Matters: What Fits in Your Air Fryer?

Here’s the catch: not all hams fit. Most standard air fryers (4–6 quarts) can handle a small to medium pre-cooked ham—think 3 to 5 pounds. Spiral hams are ideal because they’re already cut, which helps heat penetrate faster. If your ham is too big, you can slice it into smaller portions (ham steaks or chunks) and cook them in batches. I once cut a 6-pound ham into four thick steaks, glazed each one, and cooked them one at a time. The result? Crispy edges, tender center, and zero stress.

Pro tip: Measure your air fryer basket before buying the ham. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 1 inch of space around the meat for air to circulate. If the ham touches the sides, it won’t brown evenly.

Pre-Cooked vs. Raw Ham: Know the Difference

This is critical. Most store-bought hams are pre-cooked (labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”). These just need reheating. Raw ham (rare, but sometimes found in specialty stores) must be cooked to 145°F internally. The air fryer works best with pre-cooked ham. If you’re using raw ham, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—don’t guess.

I learned this the hard way. One year, I bought a “fresh” ham from a local farm, thinking it was like a roast. It wasn’t. After 45 minutes in the air fryer, it was still pink inside. I had to finish it in the oven. Lesson learned: always check the label.

Step-by-Step: Cooking a Pre-Cooked Ham in Your Air Fryer

Now, let’s get practical. Whether it’s a holiday ham or a weeknight dinner, here’s how to cook a pre-cooked ham in your air fryer—without drying it out or setting off the smoke alarm.

Step 1: Prep the Ham (10 Minutes)

Start by removing the ham from its packaging. If it’s a spiral ham, leave the slices intact—they’ll help the heat penetrate. For a non-spiral ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern (about 1/4 inch deep). This helps the glaze soak in and creates more surface area for crisping.

• Tip: If the ham is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Cold meat takes longer to heat and can lead to uneven cooking.
• Optional: Wrap the ham in foil if you’re worried about moisture loss (but skip this if you want a crisp crust).

Step 2: Make a Simple Glaze (5 Minutes)

A good glaze adds flavor and helps create that shiny, caramelized crust. My go-to is a mix of:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or pineapple juice for a tropical twist)

Stir it all together and brush it over the ham. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg. I love using pineapple juice and brown sugar—it’s a classic combo that never fails.

Step 3: Air Fry (30–50 Minutes)

Place the ham in the air fryer basket. If it’s a spiral ham, position it cut-side down so the slices don’t dry out. For a whole ham, place it on its side or flat, depending on shape.

• Temperature: 325°F (160°C) is ideal. Higher temps (350°F+) can burn the glaze; lower temps (300°F) may take too long.
• Time: Cook for 30 minutes for a 3-pound ham, adding 10 minutes per additional pound. For example, a 5-pound ham = 50 minutes.
• Basting: Every 15 minutes, open the basket and baste the ham with the glaze (or pan drippings). This keeps it moist and builds flavor.

Real talk: I’ve forgotten to baste once, and the edges got a little dry. Basting is worth the extra effort!

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding the bone). For pre-cooked ham, you’re aiming for 130–140°F. That’s warm, not hot—remember, it’s already cooked. If it’s below 130°F, cook in 5-minute increments until it’s there.

Note: The glaze will darken as it cooks. If it’s browning too fast, tent the ham loosely with foil.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute. For spiral hams, the slices will fall apart easily. For whole hams, slice against the grain for tender pieces.

Pro move: Save the glaze drippings! Mix them with a little water and cornstarch to make a quick gravy.

Glaze Ideas and Flavor Boosters (Beyond the Basics)

Let’s be honest—ham is good, but it’s the glaze that makes it great. The air fryer’s high heat is perfect for caramelizing sweet and tangy sauces. Here are a few of my favorite combos, plus some creative twists.

Classic Brown Sugar & Mustard

The OG glaze. Mix:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Brush it on and air fry. The mustard adds depth, while the vinegar keeps it from being too sweet. This one’s a crowd-pleaser for holidays.

Pineapple & Honey (Tropical Twist)

For a fruity, summery vibe:

• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

The pineapple juice adds moisture, and the ginger gives it a little kick. I use this for Easter or summer BBQs.

Spicy Maple & Bourbon

Want to impress? Try:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp bourbon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp butter (melted)

The bourbon adds a rich, smoky note, and the cayenne gives it a slow burn. Perfect for adults-only dinners.

Garlic & Herb (Savory Option)

Not into sweet? Go savory:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Brush it on and cook. This pairs well with roasted veggies or a green salad. I use it when I’m serving ham as part of a charcuterie board.

Pro Tips for Glaze Success

• Thicken it: For a stickier glaze, simmer it on the stove for 5 minutes before brushing.
• Layer it: Brush a thin layer at the start, then add more halfway through. This prevents burning.
• Save leftovers: Glaze can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Use it on pork chops or roasted carrots!

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Ham Mistakes

Even with the best intentions, things can go sideways. Here’s how to avoid (or fix) the most common issues I’ve faced—and how to keep your ham from becoming a kitchen disaster.

Dry or Tough Ham

Cause: Overcooking, cold ham, or no basting.

Fix:

• Don’t guess the time. Use a thermometer (130–140°F for pre-cooked ham).
• Let the ham come to room temperature first.
• Baste every 15 minutes. Even a quick swipe with a spoon helps.
• If it’s already dry, slice it thin and serve with gravy or au jus.

Real story: My first air fryer ham was dry because I set it to 375°F and walked away. The edges were crispy, but the inside was like jerky. Now I stick to 325°F and baste religiously.

Burnt or Stuck Glaze

Cause: High heat, thick glaze, or not basting.

Fix:

• Use a thinner glaze (add a splash of juice or vinegar).
• Start at 325°F, not higher.
• Baste with the drippings—they’re less sugary than the glaze.
• If it burns, scrape off the charred bits and brush with fresh glaze.

Pro tip: Line the basket with parchment (with holes for airflow) to prevent sticking. Just don’t cover the entire basket—air needs to circulate.

Smoke or Burning Smell

Cause: Glaze dripping onto the heating element.

Fix:

• Place a liner or drip tray at the bottom of the basket (if your model allows).
• Baste over a bowl to catch drips.
• Clean the basket and tray after each use—sugar residue burns next time.

I once forgot to clean my air fryer after a glazed ham. The next time I used it, it smelled like a campfire. Lesson: clean it immediately after cooking!

Uneven Cooking

Cause: Ham is too big or not positioned correctly.

Fix:

• Cut large hams into steaks or chunks.
• For spiral hams, place cut-side down.
• Rotate the basket halfway through (if possible).

My 5-pound spiral ham once cooked unevenly because I placed it upright. The top slices were perfect, but the bottom was still cold. Now I lay it on its side.

Data Table: Air Fryer Ham Cooking Times & Temperatures

Here’s a quick-reference guide for different ham types and sizes. These are based on my tests and common air fryer models (4–6 quarts).

Ham Type	Weight	Temperature	Cooking Time	Internal Temp (Goal)
Pre-cooked Spiral Ham	3 lbs	325°F	30–35 minutes	130–140°F
Pre-cooked Spiral Ham	5 lbs	325°F	45–50 minutes	130–140°F
Pre-cooked Whole Ham (scored)	3 lbs	325°F	35–40 minutes	130–140°F
Ham Steaks (1-inch thick)	8 oz each	350°F	10–12 minutes	130–140°F
Raw Ham (whole)	3–4 lbs	325°F	60–75 minutes	145°F

Note: Always baste every 15 minutes. Times may vary based on air fryer model and ham thickness.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can—And Should—Cook Ham in Your Air Fryer

So, can you cook a ham in your air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, more convenient, and often tastier than traditional methods. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a holiday or just want a fuss-free dinner, the air fryer delivers juicy, flavorful ham with minimal effort. The key is prep: choose the right size ham, use a good glaze, and don’t skip the basting.

But here’s the best part: this isn’t just a holiday hack. I’ve used my air fryer to cook ham for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and even leftovers. Slice it thin for sandwiches, dice it for omelets, or serve it with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes. It’s versatile, delicious, and—most importantly—stress-free.

The next time you’re staring at a ham and wondering how to cook it, grab your air fryer. You’ll save time, avoid oven clutter, and end up with a ham that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. And who knows? You might just start a new tradition.

Happy cooking—and happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a ham in my air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook a ham in your air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve a juicy, evenly heated ham with a delicious glaze. Just adjust cooking time based on size and follow proper temperature guidelines.

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

Cooking time varies depending on the ham’s size, but generally, plan for 10–15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). Always check internal temperature (140°F for pre-cooked hams) to ensure food safety.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking ham?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and helps render fat more effectively. This step enhances the ham’s flavor and prevents uneven heating, especially for larger cuts.

Can I cook a frozen ham in the air fryer?

It’s not recommended to cook a fully frozen ham in the air fryer. Thaw it first for even cooking, but if needed, add 50% more time and cook at 300°F, checking frequently to avoid drying.

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

To retain moisture, baste the ham with glaze or broth every 15–20 minutes. Covering it loosely with foil during the last half of cooking also helps trap steam and prevent overcooking.

What size ham works best for an air fryer?

Smaller hams (3–5 lbs) or ham steaks fit best in most air fryer baskets. Larger spiral hams may need to be cut to size, so ensure it leaves room for air circulation to cook evenly.