Can You Cook Ham in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Method

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. The air fryer’s rapid circulation cooks ham evenly, creating a deliciously crisp exterior while locking in moisture, all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or holiday leftovers!

Key Takeaways

• Cook ham in an air fryer: Yes, it’s quick, juicy, and perfectly caramelized.
• Preheat for best results: Always preheat to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
• Glaze after cooking: Add glaze at the end to avoid burning and boost flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer: Ensure internal temp reaches 145°F for safe, tender ham.
• Save leftovers easily: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days refrigerated.
• Choose the right size: Opt for hams under 3 lbs for ideal air fryer fit.

Can You Cook Ham in an Air Fryer? Discover the Perfect Method

Let’s be honest—cooking ham can feel like a big deal. Maybe you’re prepping for a holiday feast, or you just want to turn that leftover spiral ham into something delicious without heating up the whole kitchen. You’ve got your trusty air fryer sitting on the counter, and a question pops into your head: can you cook ham in an air fryer?

Yes, you absolutely can. And honestly, it might be one of the smartest moves you make in the kitchen this year. I remember the first time I tried it. I had a small bone-in ham leftover from Easter, and my oven was already packed with side dishes. On a whim, I tossed it in the air fryer, crossed my fingers, and 25 minutes later—bam!—a juicy, slightly crispy, glazed ham that made my family ask for seconds. No dry edges, no soggy bottom, just pure ham perfection. That’s when I knew: the air fryer isn’t just for chicken wings and fries. It’s a ham-cooking powerhouse.

So, if you’ve been wondering whether you can cook ham in an air fryer and do it well, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through everything—types of ham that work best, how to prep, glaze ideas, cooking times, and even how to reheat leftovers without drying them out. Whether you’re a first-time air fryer user or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with a method so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Cooking Ham

You might be thinking: “Wait, isn’t ham already cooked? Why do I need to cook it again?” Great question. Most store-bought hams—especially spiral-cut or pre-cooked ones—are fully cooked. But here’s the thing: they’re often best enjoyed when warmed through and given a little extra flavor and texture. That’s where the air fryer shines.

Even Heat, No Hot Spots

The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly. Unlike ovens, which can have cold zones or require preheating, the air fryer heats up fast and surrounds the ham from all sides. This means no dry spots on the edges and no undercooked centers. For spiral hams, which can easily dry out when overheated, this even cooking is a total win.

Faster Cooking, Less Mess

Traditional oven methods take 1.5 to 2 hours to warm a ham. In an air fryer? You’re looking at 20–30 minutes for a small to medium ham. Plus, no roasting pan, no basting every 20 minutes, and no greasy oven cleanup. The air fryer basket catches drips, and most are dishwasher-safe. It’s like cooking ham, but with 70% less stress.

Better Texture and Flavor

Because the air fryer browns the outside while keeping the inside moist, you get that perfect contrast: tender, juicy meat with a slightly caramelized or glazed exterior. I love how the glaze sets into the spiral cuts, giving every bite a burst of flavor. It’s like giving your ham a quick, flavorful “makeover” without any extra effort.

And let’s not forget: if you’re cooking for a small household or just want to reheat a single serving, the air fryer is ideal. No need to fire up a full oven for a tiny portion. Just pop it in, and in minutes, you’ve got a restaurant-quality ham slice.

Pro tip: If you’re using a glaze, apply it during the last 5–10 minutes to prevent burning. The high heat can caramelize sugars fast, so timing is key.

Choosing the Right Ham for Your Air Fryer

Not all hams are created equal—and not all will work perfectly in an air fryer. The key is matching the ham’s size, shape, and type to your air fryer’s capacity. Let’s break it down.

Best Types of Ham for Air Frying

• Spiral-cut ham (pre-cooked): This is the most popular choice—and for good reason. The slices are already separated, so heat penetrates evenly. Just be sure to keep it moist (more on that below).
• Half ham (bone-in or boneless): A 3–5 pound half ham fits perfectly in most 5–6 quart air fryers. Bone-in adds flavor, but boneless is easier to handle.
• Ham steaks or slices: Ideal for quick weeknight dinners. No need to thaw if frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
• Ham leftovers (reheating): Yes, you can reheat leftover ham in the air fryer! It brings back moisture and texture better than microwaving.

Hams to Approach with Caution

While most hams work, here are a few to consider carefully:

• Whole hams (10+ lbs): These are too big for standard air fryers. Stick to half hams or smaller portions.
• Fresh (uncooked) ham: These require longer cooking and more moisture. They can be done in the air fryer, but you’ll need to monitor closely and possibly use a meat thermometer. I’d recommend starting with pre-cooked for your first try.
• Extra-thick or irregularly shaped hams: If it doesn’t sit flat in the basket, it might cook unevenly. Trim excess fat or use a foil sling to help it fit better.

Size Matters: Matching Ham to Air Fryer Capacity

Most home air fryers range from 3 to 7 quarts. Here’s a quick guide:

• 3–4 quart: Best for ham steaks, slices, or small boneless half hams (2–3 lbs).
• 5–6 quart: Ideal for 3–5 lb spiral or bone-in half hams. This is the sweet spot for most families.
• 7+ quart: Can handle larger hams, but still not a full 10-pounder. Check your model’s max load.

Real-life example: I have a 5.8-quart Ninja Foodi. I’ve successfully cooked a 4.2 lb spiral ham with room to spare. But when I tried a 6 lb one, it was too tall and blocked the heating element. Lesson learned: measure your ham and your basket!

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

Now for the fun part—the actual method. I’ve tested this over a dozen times, tweaking times, temps, and glazes. Here’s the foolproof way to cook ham in an air fryer that’s juicy, flavorful, and stress-free.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pre-cooked ham (spiral, half, or steaks)
• Air fryer (3–7 quart, depending on ham size)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for moisture)
• Brush or spoon for glaze
• Meat thermometer (recommended but optional)
• Glaze ingredients (see next section)

Step 1: Prep the Ham

Remove the ham from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If it’s spiral-cut, gently separate the slices so air can circulate. For extra moisture, you can place a small heat-safe dish of water in the basket, but I’ve found it’s not always needed.

Optional: Wrap the ham loosely in foil if you’re concerned about drying out. This works great for reheating leftovers or cooking a very lean ham. But for a crispier glaze, leave it uncovered.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Helpful)

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes. This helps the ham warm evenly from the start. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip it, but preheating gives more consistent results.

Step 3: Place the Ham in the Basket

Put the ham cut-side down (for spiral hams) or flat-side down (for steaks or half hams). This helps retain moisture and prevents the edges from curling. If it’s too tall, you can cut it in half or use a foil sling to prop it up slightly.

Pro tip: For spiral hams, place a small oven-safe ramekin or foil cup in the center hole to catch drips and prevent burning.

Step 4: Cook in Batches (If Needed)

For a whole half ham, cook for 15–20 minutes first. Then, brush on your glaze and cook for another 5–10 minutes, depending on how caramelized you want it.

For ham steaks or slices: 8–12 minutes at 320°F, flipping halfway.

For reheating leftovers: 5–8 minutes at 300°F.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

After the initial cook, brush on your glaze (see next section). Return to the air fryer for 5–10 minutes. Watch closely—sugars can burn fast. If the glaze starts to blacken, remove it and let it rest.

Step 6: Check Temperature and Rest

The internal temperature of pre-cooked ham should reach 140°F (60°C) when reheated. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part (avoid the bone). Let the ham rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This lets the juices settle.

My go-to method: 4 lb spiral ham, 320°F, 20 minutes uncovered, then 10 minutes with glaze. Comes out perfect every time.

Glaze Ideas That Work Magic in the Air Fryer

One of the best things about air frying ham? The glaze gets extra delicious. The high heat caramelizes sugars quickly, giving you that sticky, glossy finish you’d normally need a broiler for. Here are my favorite glaze combos—tested and approved by picky eaters (aka my kids).

Classic Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Mix and brush on during the last 10 minutes. The vinegar cuts the sweetness, and the mustard adds depth. This is my holiday go-to.

Maple-Orange Glaze (Bright and Zesty)

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp orange juice (fresh is best)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Perfect for a Sunday brunch ham. The citrus lifts the richness of the meat.

Spicy Pineapple Glaze (Sweet Heat Combo)

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Simmer in a small pan for 5 minutes to thicken, then brush on. The pineapple juice adds moisture, and the heat gives it a kick.

Simple Honey-Balsamic Glaze (Minimalist’s Dream)

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

Just mix and brush. The balsamic gives it a rich, tangy finish without being too sweet.

Pro Glazing Tips

• Use a silicone brush—it’s heat-resistant and easy to clean.
• Apply glaze in thin layers. Thick glaze burns fast in the air fryer.
• If the glaze starts to smoke or blacken, remove the ham and let it rest. The heat is too high.
• For spiral hams, pour a little extra glaze into the center hole—it seeps into the slices as it cooks.

Real-life win: I used the maple-orange glaze on a ham steak last week. My 8-year-old, who normally avoids ham, ate two slices and asked for more. That’s the power of a good glaze!

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go sideways. I’ve made a few of these mistakes myself—so let me save you the trouble.

Overcooking the Ham

Pre-cooked ham only needs to be warmed, not cooked from raw. Overcooking = dry, chewy ham. Stick to the time guidelines and use a thermometer. If the ham feels warm to the touch and reaches 140°F, it’s done.

Skipping the Rest Time

I used to slice the ham right away. Big mistake. The juices were all over the plate, not in the meat. Let it rest 5 minutes. I promise, it’s worth the wait.

Using Too Much Glaze at Once

Glaze is delicious, but it can burn fast. I learned this the hard way when my first air-fried ham came out with a charcoal ring around the edge. Now I apply it in the last 5–10 minutes and watch closely.

Ignoring Airflow

If your ham is too tall or crowded, hot air can’t circulate. This leads to uneven cooking. Trim fat, cut in half, or use a foil sling to prop it up if needed.

Forgetting to Pat Dry

Wet ham = steam, not sear. Always pat it dry before cooking. This helps the outside crisp up and the glaze stick better.

Not Checking Your Air Fryer’s Max Load

Some models have weight limits. A 6 lb ham might fit, but if it’s too heavy, it can damage the basket or motor. Check your manual or test with a lighter load first.

Quick fix: If your ham is drying out, tent it with foil for the last few minutes. This traps steam and keeps it moist without losing the glaze.

Data Table: Air Fryer Ham Cooking Times & Temperatures

Ham Type	Weight	Temp	Cook Time (Initial)	Glaze Time	Internal Temp
Spiral-cut half ham	3–4 lbs	320°F (160°C)	20 min	5–10 min	140°F (60°C)
Spiral-cut half ham	4–5 lbs	320°F (160°C)	25 min	5–10 min	140°F (60°C)
Ham steaks (1/2 inch thick)	6–8 oz each	320°F (160°C)	8–10 min	3–5 min	140°F (60°C)
Ham slices (leftovers)	2–4 oz	300°F (150°C)	5–7 min	2–3 min (if glazing)	140°F (60°C)
Boneless half ham	3–4 lbs	320°F (160°C)	20 min	5–8 min	140°F (60°C)

Note: Times are approximate. Always check internal temperature and adjust for your air fryer model. Smaller models may cook faster.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Should Cook Ham in Your Air Fryer

So, can you cook ham in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and you should. It’s faster, cleaner, and often tastier than traditional methods. Whether you’re warming a holiday ham, cooking a quick dinner, or reheating leftovers, the air fryer delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort.

I love how versatile it is. One night I’ll glaze a spiral ham for a festive dinner. The next, I’ll toss in a ham steak with a quick honey-mustard glaze for a 15-minute meal. And when I have a few slices left? The air fryer brings them back to life in under 10 minutes—no dry, rubbery ham here.

The key is to keep it simple: choose the right ham, prep it well, use a good glaze, and don’t overcook it. Follow the times in the table, and you’ll nail it every time. And if you make a mistake? That’s okay. I’ve had a few burnt glazes and dry slices in my journey. But each one taught me something new.

So go ahead—give it a try. Your air fryer is more powerful than you think. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite way to cook ham. After all, the best kitchen discoveries usually start with a simple question: “Can I try this?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook ham in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook ham in an air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve a juicy, evenly heated ham with a slightly crispy exterior. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures consistent results in less time than traditional oven methods.

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

Cooking ham in an air fryer typically takes 15–20 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C). For a 3-pound ham, expect around 45–60 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and desired level of caramelization.

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

Adding a glaze is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and a caramelized finish. Apply the glaze during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning due to the air fryer’s intense heat.

What type of ham works best for air fryer cooking?

Fully cooked, pre-sliced, or spiral-cut hams are ideal for air fryer cooking. Their uniform shape allows for even heating, and they reheat beautifully without drying out.

Can you reheat leftover ham in an air fryer?

Yes, reheating leftover ham in an air fryer is a great way to restore its texture. Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 5–10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Is air fryer ham healthier than oven-baked ham?

Cooking ham in an air fryer can be healthier as it requires little to no added oil compared to some oven methods. The rapid cooking process also helps retain moisture, reducing the need for extra fats or sugars.