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

Yes, you can cook ham in the air fryer for a quick, juicy, and flavorful result with minimal effort. The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures even cooking, creating a delicious caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender—perfect for holiday leftovers or a weeknight dinner. Just glaze, season, and air fry for a mess-free meal in under 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Cook ham in air fryer: Achieve juicy, tender results in under 30 minutes.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat to 360°F for even browning and texture.
• Use minimal oil: A light spray enhances flavor without excess fat or mess.
• Score the ham: Improves glaze absorption and speeds up cooking time.
• Check internal temp: Ensure it reaches 140°F for safe, perfect doneness.
• Glaze last 5 minutes: Prevents burning while adding sweet, caramelized flavor.

Why the Air Fryer Might Be Your Ham’s New Best Friend

Let’s be honest—cooking ham can feel like a big deal. It’s often a centerpiece for holidays, family dinners, or even a Sunday night treat. But between the oven preheating, constant basting, and the fear of drying it out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I remember my first attempt at roasting a ham—I left it in too long, and the edges turned into something closer to jerky than the juicy, tender slice I was hoping for. Sound familiar?

That’s why I was so excited when I discovered I could cook ham in the air fryer. Yes, that little countertop appliance that’s already doing double duty for fries and chicken wings might just be the secret to stress-free, delicious ham. Whether you’re reheating a leftover spiral ham, cooking a small fresh ham, or even trying your hand at a glazed masterpiece, the air fryer delivers fast, consistent results with minimal effort. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro to get it right.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic on Ham

You might be wondering, “Can I cook ham in the air fryer?” The short answer is yes—and it’s not just possible, it’s often *better* than traditional methods. But to understand why, let’s break down how the air fryer works and why it’s such a great fit for ham.

Air Fryer Mechanics 101

The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food. Think of it like a mini convection oven with superpowers. A heating element warms the air, and a high-speed fan pushes it around the food, creating a crispy exterior while sealing in moisture. Unlike a conventional oven, which heats slowly and unevenly, the air fryer gets hot fast and maintains a steady temperature. This is perfect for ham, which needs gentle, even heat to stay juicy.

For example, when I reheated a leftover spiral ham slice in my air fryer, it took just 8 minutes at 325°F (163°C). The outside got a light caramelization, while the inside stayed tender and moist—something my oven usually struggles with. No dry edges, no soggy center. Just pure ham happiness.

Why Ham Loves the Air Fryer

• Speed: Air fryers preheat in 2-3 minutes and cook faster than ovens. A 1-pound ham portion can be ready in 10-15 minutes.
• Even cooking: The circulating air prevents hot spots, reducing the risk of overcooking.
• Less mess: No roasting pan, no basting, no drippings to clean up. Just place the ham in the basket and go.
• Energy efficiency: Smaller cooking chamber means less energy used, which is great for the environment and your electric bill.

One caveat: not all hams are created equal. Pre-cooked, spiral-cut, and fresh hams all behave differently in the air fryer. But with the right technique, you can handle any type with confidence.

Types of Ham You Can Cook (and Which Work Best)

Before you toss any old ham into the air fryer, it’s worth knowing which types are ideal and which might need a little extra care. Let’s look at the most common ham varieties and how they perform in the air fryer.

Pre-Cooked Spiral Ham (The Air Fryer MVP)

This is the perfect candidate for air frying. Spiral hams are already cooked, so your goal is just to reheat and add a little flavor. The air fryer excels at this because it heats evenly and quickly, without drying out the meat.

Pro tip: Place the ham cut-side down in the basket to protect the delicate slices from drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For a 1-pound slice, that usually takes 10-12 minutes at 325°F (163°C).

I once reheated a spiral ham for a last-minute dinner guest. I added a simple glaze of honey, brown sugar, and a splash of pineapple juice, and in under 15 minutes, I had a restaurant-quality dish. The glaze caramelized beautifully, and the ham stayed juicy—no one could believe it came from the air fryer.

Fresh Ham (Raw, Uncooked)

Yes, you can cook raw ham in the air fryer, but it’s not ideal for large roasts. The air fryer works best with smaller cuts—think ham steaks, diced ham, or a small bone-in portion (under 3 pounds).

Example: I cooked a 1.5-pound fresh ham steak for a weekend brunch. I seasoned it with garlic, thyme, and a touch of brown sugar, then cooked it at 350°F (177°C) for 18 minutes, flipping halfway. The result? A tender, flavorful cut with a slightly crisp exterior—perfect with scrambled eggs and toast.

For larger fresh hams, consider using the air fryer for the final 10-15 minutes of cooking (after pre-roasting in the oven) to add a glaze or crisp the outside.

Pre-Sliced Deli Ham

Want to upgrade your lunch sandwich? Air-fry pre-sliced ham for 3-5 minutes at 300°F (149°C). It gets slightly crisp and more flavorful, without losing moisture. I do this all the time for grilled ham and cheese—it takes the flavor to the next level.

Ham Steaks and Cubes

These are air fryer superstars. Diced ham? Perfect for fried rice, omelets, or pasta. A ham steak? Great for a quick dinner. Just season, toss in the basket, and cook at 350°F (177°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between pieces so the hot air can circulate. I once tried cooking four ham steaks at once—they steamed instead of seared, and the result was disappointing. Lesson learned: cook in batches if needed.

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

Now that you know which hams work best, let’s walk through the actual process. Whether you’re reheating, glazing, or cooking from raw, these steps will help you nail it every time.

Step 1: Prep the Ham

For spiral ham: Leave it whole or slice into 1-inch thick portions. Place cut-side down in the basket. For fresh ham: Trim excess fat (leave a little for flavor), and pat dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and improves browning.

Seasoning ideas: Keep it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or go bold with a dry rub (brown sugar, smoked paprika, mustard powder). For glazes, apply during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s a general guide (adjust based on your air fryer model and ham size):

• Spiral ham (reheat): 325°F (163°C), 8-12 minutes per pound
• Fresh ham steak: 350°F (177°C), 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway
• Ham cubes: 350°F (177°C), 6-8 minutes, shake basket halfway
• Deli ham (crisp): 300°F (149°C), 3-5 minutes

Pro tip: Always preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. I skip this step sometimes, and the difference in texture is noticeable—preheating is worth the extra minute.

Step 3: Add Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Glaze is where the magic happens. For a classic flavor, mix:

• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp pineapple juice (optional, for tang)

Brush the glaze on during the last 3-5 minutes. Too early, and it’ll burn; too late, and it won’t caramelize. I like to add a splash of bourbon or orange juice for extra depth—just reduce the liquid first so it doesn’t make the ham soggy.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to avoid guesswork. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham:

• Spiral ham (reheat): 140°F (60°C)
• Fresh ham: 145°F (63°C) for medium, 160°F (71°C) for well-done

Let the ham rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside and makes it easier to cut cleanly.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Even with a great method, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer ham mishaps—and how to avoid them.

Overcooking and Drying Out

This is the #1 complaint. Ham is already cooked (in most cases), so overcooking turns it dry and tough. The solution? Use a meat thermometer. It’s the best tool you have. I once forgot mine and relied on time alone—result: chewy, rubbery ham. Now, I never cook without it.

Quick fix: If your ham is dry, slice it thinly and serve with gravy, mustard, or a creamy sauce. Or chop it up and add to soups or casseroles.

Burnt Glaze

Sugar burns easily, especially in the air fryer’s intense heat. To prevent this:

• Apply glaze in the last 3-5 minutes
• Use a lower sugar glaze (try mustard-based)
• Spritz with a little water or juice if it starts to darken too fast

I once made a bourbon glaze that turned into charcoal—lesson learned: less is more with sweet glazes.

Uneven Cooking

Overcrowding the basket is a common mistake. The hot air needs space to circulate. If you’re cooking multiple pieces, do it in batches. I’ve ruined many a ham steak by trying to cook too much at once. Now, I cook two at a time and just wait an extra few minutes. It’s worth it for the perfect sear.

Not Preheating

Skipping preheat? You’ll get inconsistent results. The air fryer needs a few minutes to reach the right temperature. I used to skip this, and my ham always came out lukewarm in the middle. Now, I set a timer and wait—no exceptions.

Air Fryer Ham Cooking Times & Temperatures (Data Table)

Ham Type	Weight/Thickness	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Spiral Ham Slice	1-inch thick	325°F (163°C)	8-12 minutes	Cut-side down; glaze last 3 min
Whole Spiral Ham	3-4 lbs	325°F (163°C)	10-12 min/lb	May not fit in standard air fryer; use oven for large hams
Fresh Ham Steak	1-1.5 inches	350°F (177°C)	10-15 minutes (flip halfway)	Rest 5 min before slicing
Ham Cubes	1-inch cubes	350°F (177°C)	6-8 minutes (shake halfway)	Great for stir-fries, omelets
Deli Ham Slices	1-2 slices	300°F (149°C)	3-5 minutes	For crispy grilled ham & cheese
Glazed Ham	Any size	325°F (163°C)	As above + 3-5 min for glaze	Apply glaze last 3-5 min

Note: Cooking times may vary by air fryer model. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Best Way to Cook Ham?

So, can I cook ham in the air fryer? Absolutely. And for most people, it’s one of the easiest, most reliable ways to get delicious results. Whether you’re reheating a holiday leftover, cooking a small fresh cut, or just want to upgrade your lunch sandwich, the air fryer delivers speed, flavor, and convenience.

It’s not perfect for every scenario—large whole hams still belong in the oven, and very fatty cuts might smoke a bit (keep an eye on that). But for everyday ham cooking? The air fryer is a game-changer. I’ve used mine for everything from quick weeknight dinners to impressive holiday sides, and it never fails to deliver.

The key is knowing your ham type, using the right temperature and time, and not skipping the meat thermometer. Add a good glaze, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like you spent hours on it—when really, you just pressed a few buttons.

Next time you’re staring at a package of ham and wondering what to do with it, try the air fryer. You might just find it becomes your go-to method. And hey, if you mess it up? No big deal—ham is forgiving. Slice it thin, add some sauce, and call it “rustic.” We’ve all been there. But with these tips, your next ham is bound to be a winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook ham in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook ham in the air fryer for a quick, juicy, and flavorful result. The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures even cooking while keeping the ham tender and moist.

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

Cooking ham in the air fryer typically takes 15–20 minutes at 360°F (182°C), depending on the size and thickness. Always check internal temperature for doneness (140°F or 60°C for pre-cooked ham).

Do I need to preheat the air fryer to cook ham?

Preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 360°F (182°C) ensures even cooking and a better glaze set. While not mandatory, it helps achieve a perfectly caramelized exterior when cooking ham in the air fryer.

Can I use a glaze when cooking ham in the air fryer?

Yes, glazing is a great way to add flavor! Apply your favorite glaze (like honey or brown sugar) during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while enhancing taste.

What size ham works best in the air fryer?

Smaller hams or ham steaks (under 3–4 pounds) fit best in most air fryers. For larger cuts, consider cutting them into portions to ensure even cooking and optimal air circulation.

Is cooking ham in the air fryer healthier than oven-baking?

Yes, air frying ham uses less oil and reduces cooking time, making it a healthier option. The air fryer also renders fat more efficiently, resulting in a leaner dish with the same delicious flavor.