Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook ham? Look no further than your air fryer!
Air frying is a great way to cook ham, as it allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. But how long should you cook your ham in the air fryer?
With varying cook times and temperatures depending on the size and type of ham, it can be confusing to know exactly how long to cook it for.
In this article, we’ll break down the different factors that affect cooking time and provide some helpful tips for cooking the perfect ham in your air fryer.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Ham In Air Fryer?
The cooking time for ham in an air fryer can vary depending on a few factors. The size and shape of the ham, as well as the wattage of your air fryer, can all affect how long it takes to cook.
As a general rule of thumb, a fully cooked ham should be cooked for about 15-20 minutes per pound at 300°F. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the ham with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 145°F.
For boneless ham, the cooking time is typically around 15 minutes per pound. Again, it’s important to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
It’s also important to note that different air fryer models may cook at slightly different temperatures, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that can affect the cooking time for ham in an air fryer. One of the biggest factors is the size and shape of the ham. A larger ham will take longer to cook than a smaller one, and a bone-in ham may take longer than a boneless one. It’s important to keep this in mind when estimating cooking times.
Another factor to consider is the wattage of your air fryer. Different models may cook at slightly different temperatures, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It’s a good idea to consult your air fryer’s manual for specific cooking instructions and recommended wattage.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that air fryers cook by rushing hot air down onto the food. For this reason, it’s important to flip the ham over halfway through cooking time to ensure even frying and prevent overcooking or burning.
Lastly, preheating your air fryer is crucial for successful cooking. This step should not be skipped, as it ensures that the air fryer reaches the correct temperature before you begin cooking.
By considering these factors and following recommended cooking times, you can achieve perfectly cooked ham in your air fryer every time.
Choosing The Right Type Of Ham For Air Frying
When it comes to air frying ham, choosing the right type of ham is crucial. The ideal ham for air frying is a fully precooked, boneless, uncut ham. This type of ham is already cooked and smoked, which means that when we air fry it, we’re just reheating it.
If you already have a spiral cut ham, don’t worry, you can still use it for air frying. However, the cooking time may vary slightly from the recommended time for a boneless ham.
If you’re unsure about what size ham to choose, a quarter-leg boneless ham is usually around 3 pounds and is a good option for smaller air fryers. If your ham won’t fit in your air fryer, you can always carve off a bit to make it fit.
It’s important to note that if you have a gammon joint to cook in your air fryer, you can use the same process as for cooking boneless ham. However, the cooking time will be much longer since gammon needs to fully cook rather than just heat through like pre-cooked ham.
Preparing Your Ham For Air Frying
Before you start air frying your ham, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it.
First, remove the ham from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 2 hours before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly.
Next, you’ll want to make the glaze for your ham. There are a variety of glaze recipes available, but a common one involves combining brown sugar, honey, orange juice, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Heat the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is well combined. Set it aside until you’re ready to use it.
If your ham is not pre-sliced, score it with shallow 1/2-inch criss-cross cuts. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and give it a nice flavor.
For basket-style air fryers, line the air fryer basket with two pieces of long, overlapping foil sheets. Lay the ham on top of the foil and brush about one-third of the glaze over it. Close the foil tightly over the ham.
For oven-style air fryers, place the ham in an 8″x8″ baking pan that fits in your air fryer. Brush it with some of the glaze and then close the foil tightly over it.
Once your ham is wrapped in foil, place it in the preheated air fryer at 300°F for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the ham from the air fryer and add additional glaze. Seal the top of the foil onto the ham and cook at 300°F for an additional 20 minutes.
After cooking for a total of 40 minutes, carefully pull down at least half of the aluminum foil and brush with more glaze. Place back into the air fryer and increase the heat to 380°F and continue to air fry for 3 minutes.
Finally, remove your ham from the air fryer basket and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can also brush on any remaining glaze or juices from the air fryer basket before serving or serve alongside in a bowl for everyone to add as they like.
Remember that different air fryer models may cook differently, so be sure to adjust your cooking time as needed based on your specific model and size of ham.
Recommended Cooking Times For Different Types Of Ham
When it comes to cooking different types of ham in an air fryer, the recommended cooking times can vary. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
– For a half ham weighing between 5 to 7 pounds, cook at 300°F for 22-25 minutes per pound.
– For a whole ham weighing between 10 to 14 pounds, cook at 300°F for 18-20 minutes per pound.
– For a boneless ham weighing around 1 pound, cook at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
– For a bone-in ham, add an additional 5-10 minutes per pound to the cooking time.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and the cooking time may vary depending on the specific type of ham and the wattage of your air fryer. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
By following these recommended cooking times, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked ham in your air fryer.
Tips For Achieving The Perfect Air Fryer Ham
To achieve the perfect air fryer ham, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
1. Remove the rind: Before cooking your ham, remove the rind using a sharp knife. This will allow the glaze to seep into the ham as it cooks, creating a juicy and delicious flavor.
2. Score the fat: Use a sharp knife to score the white fat diagonally at about 1-inch intervals to make a diamond-like pattern. This will help the ham cook evenly and allow the glaze to penetrate the meat.
3. Use a small dish or roasting pan: When cooking your ham in the air fryer, use a small dish or roasting pan with a little water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can place the ham on a small square of aluminum foil, just make sure to leave space around the foil for air circulation.
4. Glaze, and glaze again: This recipe has three cooking intervals. The first is just ham with a little water, then the glaze is added and you air fry the ham for the second interval. Then a final layer of glaze is added and there is a final cooking interval of between 15 and 20 minutes. The air fried ham should be caramelized and golden when it is done.
5. Rest your ham: Once your ham is cooked, remove it from the air fryer, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the temperature to continue to rise and ensure that it reaches at least 145°F before serving.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your air fryer ham turns out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Serving Suggestions And Leftover Ideas
Once you’ve cooked your ham in the air fryer, there are plenty of serving suggestions and leftover ideas to make the most of your delicious meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Serve with sides: Ham is a classic main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also use the ham to make a sandwich or wrap for a quick and easy lunch.
2. Make a breakfast scramble: Use leftover ham to make a delicious breakfast scramble. Simply chop up the ham and sauté it with some eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies for a filling and flavorful breakfast.
3. Make a soup or stew: Ham is a great ingredient to add to soups and stews. Use leftover ham to make a hearty ham and bean soup or add it to a vegetable soup for extra flavor.
4. Freeze leftovers: If you have leftover ham that you don’t plan on using right away, consider freezing it for later use. Simply wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
5. Use in casseroles: Leftover ham is also great in casseroles. Try making a cheesy ham and potato casserole or use the ham in a pasta bake.
No matter how you choose to serve or use your leftover ham, cooking it in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious results every time.
