Can You Cook a Spiral Ham in an Air Fryer Find Out Now

Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in an air fryer—it’s a fast, juicy, and hassle-free method that delivers perfectly caramelized edges in under an hour. Just glaze, cook at 320°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes per pound, and baste occasionally for a delicious, evenly heated ham without drying it out. Ideal for small gatherings or quick holiday meals!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook spiral ham in an air fryer—it’s fast and convenient.
• Preheat the air fryer to 300°F for even, juicy results.
• Score the ham and glaze early to boost flavor and prevent drying.
• Cook 8-10 minutes per pound, basting occasionally for best texture.
• Use a meat thermometer—140°F internal temp ensures perfect doneness.
• Smaller hams fit better; trim if needed to avoid overcrowding.
• Rest before slicing to lock in juices and improve serving quality.

Why Cooking Spiral Ham in an Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer

Imagine hosting a holiday dinner or Sunday family lunch where the centerpiece is a juicy, glazed spiral ham—cooked to perfection in under an hour. Sounds impossible? Think again. I recently found myself staring at a 5-pound spiral ham, a packed kitchen calendar, and zero time to preheat the oven. That’s when I asked the question: *Can you cook a spiral ham in an air fryer?* After a few experiments (and one slightly over-glazed attempt), I discovered not only that it’s possible, but it might just be the most convenient way to serve up that classic ham flavor with a fraction of the effort.

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by making crispy, evenly cooked meals in minutes. But can they handle a dense, pre-cooked spiral ham—a dish traditionally baked, grilled, or slow-cooked? The short answer is yes, but there are caveats. This guide dives deep into the process, from choosing the right size to nailing the glaze, all while keeping your kitchen cool and your cleanup minimal. Whether you’re a busy parent, a solo cook, or just tired of oven heat, this method could be your new go-to.

Understanding Spiral Ham: What Makes It Unique?

Before we jump into air fryer techniques, let’s talk about the star of the show: spiral ham. Unlike whole hams, spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced into thin, concentric rings, which makes them easy to serve but tricky to cook evenly. The slices allow heat to penetrate faster, but they also expose more surface area to drying out—especially in high-heat appliances like air fryers.

Pre-Cooked vs. Raw: Know Your Ham

Most spiral hams sold in the U.S. are pre-cooked (usually smoked or cured). This means you’re not “cooking” them from raw but reheating them to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Always check the label. If it says “fully cooked” or “ready to eat,” you’re in the clear. If it’s raw or uncooked (rare for spiral cuts), you’ll need to follow USDA guidelines for safe cooking temperatures (145°F with a 3-minute rest).

Pro tip: A pre-cooked ham reheated in an air fryer will taste fresher and juicier than one microwaved, thanks to the Maillard reaction (that golden-brown, flavorful crust).

Size Matters: Can Your Air Fryer Fit a Spiral Ham?

Here’s the catch: air fryers vary widely in size. Most standard models range from 3.5 to 6.5 quarts, while XL models go up to 10 quarts. A typical spiral ham weighs 4–8 pounds. For a 4–5-pound ham, a 5.8–6.5-quart air fryer works well. Larger hams (6+ lbs) may need to be cut in half or cooked in batches. I once tried fitting a 7-pound ham into my 5-quart basket—let’s just say the lid didn’t close, and my smoke alarm did.

• Small air fryers (3.5–4.5 qt): Stick to hams under 4 lbs.
• Medium (5–6.5 qt): Ideal for 4–6 lbs.
• Large (7–10 qt): Can handle 6–8 lbs or even two smaller hams.

Measure your ham’s height and width. Spiral hams are usually 6–8 inches tall. If it doesn’t fit upright, place it on its side (more on that later).

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

Ready to try it? Here’s my tested, stress-free method. I’ve used this for Easter, Thanksgiving leftovers, and even a last-minute dinner party—and it’s never failed.

Step 1: Prep the Ham

Remove the ham from its packaging. If it’s wrapped in plastic, unwrap it and pat the surface dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better. For extra moisture retention, place the ham in a disposable aluminum pan (or a heat-safe ceramic dish) that fits your air fryer. The pan catches drippings and prevents the ham from touching the heating element.

Optional: Score the ham’s surface lightly with a knife to help the glaze penetrate. But don’t overdo it—spiral hams are already sliced, so deep scoring can dry them out.

Step 2: Apply the Glaze (or Not)

Glaze adds flavor, but it can burn in the air fryer’s high-heat environment. I’ve learned to glaze after the first 20 minutes of cooking. Here’s how:

• Store-bought glaze: Use the packet that came with the ham. Brush it on halfway through cooking.
• Homemade glaze: Try a mix of ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
• No glaze? No problem! A simple rub of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves works too.

Pro tip: If you’re using a sticky glaze, cover the ham with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 3: Air Fry the Ham

Place the ham (in its pan) into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and cook for:

• 3–4 lb ham: 25–30 minutes
• 5–6 lb ham: 35–40 minutes
• 7–8 lb ham: 45–50 minutes (or split into two batches)

Cook in 10-minute intervals, checking the ham’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 140°F (60°C). If the surface browns too quickly, tent it with foil.

For hams that won’t fit upright: Lay them on their side. Rotate the ham halfway through cooking for even heating.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

After 20 minutes, open the air fryer and brush on the glaze. Return the ham and cook for the remaining time. For a caramelized finish, increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 5 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.

Let the ham rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right steps, things can go sideways. Here’s what I’ve learned from my (sometimes smoky) experiments.

Drying Out the Ham

Air fryers circulate hot air aggressively, which can dry out the ham’s surface. To combat this:

• Use a pan to catch juices and create a steamy environment.
• Baste the ham with its own drippings or a mix of pineapple juice and butter every 10 minutes.
• Don’t overcook! A pre-cooked ham only needs to be reheated, not “cooked through.”

Example: My first attempt, I set the timer for 45 minutes (for a 4-lb ham) and ended up with jerky. Now I stick to 25–30 minutes and trust the thermometer.

Burnt Glaze or Smoke

High-sugar glazes (like honey or brown sugar) burn at 350°F+. Solutions:

• Glaze after 20 minutes of cooking.
• Line the air fryer drawer with foil to catch drips (replace it between batches).
• Use a glaze with less sugar or add water to thin it.

Pro tip: If smoke starts, immediately turn off the air fryer, open a window, and wipe the basket with a damp cloth. No need to panic—it happens to the best of us.

Uneven Cooking

Spiral hams have uneven thicknesses due to the slicing. To ensure even reheating:

• Rotate the ham or flip it halfway through.
• Place a small oven-safe bowl of water in the air fryer to add moisture.
• Check the thickest part (usually the center) with a thermometer.

Flavor Boosters: Glazes, Rubs, and Serving Ideas

Why stop at basic ham? These upgrades take your air fryer spiral ham from good to unforgettable.

Glaze Recipes to Try

• Pineapple-Orange Glaze: ½ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp orange marmalade, 1 tbsp soy sauce. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
• Spicy Maple Glaze: ½ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp ginger.
• Classic Brown Sugar-Cinnamon: ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cloves.

Apply glaze in thin layers—multiple light coats caramelize better than one thick layer.

Rub It Right

For a dry rub (great if you’re skipping glaze):

• Mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp black pepper.
• Rub it on the ham before cooking.

Bonus: Add a pineapple ring or maraschino cherry to each slice for a retro twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your air fryer ham with:

• Air fryer sides: Roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or asparagus (cook them in the same air fryer after the ham).
• Classic sides: Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or a tangy coleslaw.
• Sandwiches: Use leftovers for ham and cheese sliders or a Cuban sandwich.

Pro tip: Save the ham bone! Simmer it with beans, lentils, or split peas for a flavorful soup.

Data Table: Air Fryer Spiral Ham Cooking Times

Use this quick-reference table to plan your cook time. All temperatures are for pre-cooked hams.

Ham Weight	Air Fryer Size	Cook Time (325°F)	Internal Temp Goal
3–4 lbs	3.5–4.5 qt	25–30 minutes	140°F (60°C)
4–5 lbs	5–6.5 qt	30–35 minutes	140°F (60°C)
5–6 lbs	5–6.5 qt	35–40 minutes	140°F (60°C)
6–7 lbs	7–10 qt	40–45 minutes	140°F (60°C)
7–8 lbs	7–10 qt (or split)	45–50 minutes	140°F (60°C)

Note: Add 5–10 minutes if cooking from frozen (not recommended for spiral hams—they dry out faster).

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

So, can you cook a spiral ham in an air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and delivers a juicy, flavorful ham with minimal effort. The key is respecting the ham’s pre-cooked status, using a pan to retain moisture, and glazing at the right time. I’ve served this method to skeptical guests (including my mom, who swears by the oven), and every time, they’re amazed at how tender and flavorful it turns out.

But it’s not perfect. Air fryers can dry out ham if you’re not careful, and larger hams may require creative solutions. Still, for weeknight dinners, holiday leftovers, or anyone short on oven space, this method is a game-changer. Next time you’re staring at a spiral ham and a packed schedule, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, a trusty thermometer, and a glaze brush—and enjoy a stress-free, delicious ham that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Remember: Cooking is about adapting. If your first attempt isn’t perfect, that’s okay. The beauty of the air fryer is that it’s fast, forgiving, and fun. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook a spiral ham in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in an air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient method that yields juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort.

What size spiral ham fits in an air fryer?

Most air fryers can accommodate a 2-4 pound spiral ham, depending on the basket size. Always measure your ham and air fryer before cooking to ensure a proper fit.

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

For a fully cooked spiral ham, heat it at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste with glaze during the last 10 minutes for extra flavor.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for spiral ham?

Preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and helps the spiral ham heat through more efficiently. It’s especially helpful for larger cuts of ham.

Can you glaze a spiral ham in the air fryer?

Yes, glazing is easy! Apply your favorite glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. The air fryer’s high heat caramelizes the glaze beautifully.

Is cooking a spiral ham in an air fryer healthier than oven baking?

Air fryers use less energy and require little to no added fat compared to traditional baking. The result is a leaner, evenly cooked spiral ham with a crisp glaze—all in less time.