Are you looking for a new and easy way to cook a bone-in ham? Look no further than your trusty air fryer!
With its quick cooking time and ability to create crispy textures, the air fryer is the perfect tool for cooking a delicious ham. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to switch up your weeknight meals, this guide will walk you through the steps to cook a perfect bone-in ham in your air fryer.
From glazing to temperature control, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started and impress your guests with this mouth-watering dish!
How To Cook A Bone In Ham In Air Fryer?
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Before you start cooking, make sure your ham is fully thawed and at room temperature. Remove any packaging and pat the ham dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
While your air fryer is preheating, it’s time to make the glaze. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a sweet and savory glaze, such as brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and mustard powder. Combine your chosen ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Set aside.
Step 3: Wrap the Ham
Place the ham in the center of a large sheet of foil, ensuring that the seam is at the top so it can be opened later. Brush the glaze over the top and around the sides of the ham. Fold the foil up and around the ham to create a “bowl” shape.
Step 4: Cook in Air Fryer
Place the wrapped ham in the air fryer basket and cook 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.
Step 5: Brown the Top (Optional)
To achieve a crispy texture on top of your ham, open up the foil and fold it back to expose the top of the ham to the heat. Air-fry at 350°F for a few minutes.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham carefully from the air fryer basket and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensure a tender and flavorful result.
Choosing The Right Ham For Your Air Fryer
When it comes to choosing the right ham for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the ham is fully cooked and bone-in. This will ensure that the ham is tender and juicy after air frying.
Next, consider the size of your air fryer basket. It’s important to choose a ham that will fit comfortably in the basket without touching the top heating element. A fully cooked ham that’s about 2-3 pounds is a good choice for most air fryers. If the ham is too large, you may need to trim the bottom to ensure it fits properly.
If you’re using a spiral cut ham, don’t worry! You can still air fry it, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. And if your ham won’t fit in your air fryer, don’t be afraid to carve off a bit so that it will fit. You can always cook the extra separately or save it for sandwiches.
Finally, consider any additional ingredients or glazes you may want to use. A sweet and savory glaze can add a delicious flavor to your ham, so be sure to choose ingredients that complement each other well.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect ham for your air fryer and create a delicious and impressive main course for any occasion.
Preparing Your Ham For Cooking
To prepare your bone-in ham for cooking in an air fryer, there are a few simple steps you should follow. First, make sure your ham is fully thawed and at room temperature. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the ham from drying out.
Next, remove any packaging from the ham and pat it dry with paper towels. You can also remove the netting from the ham if it has one.
Now it’s time to make the glaze for your ham. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a sweet and savory glaze, such as brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and mustard powder. Combine your chosen ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Set aside.
Once your glaze is ready, place the ham in the center of a large sheet of foil, ensuring that the seam is at the top so it can be opened later. Brush the glaze over the top and around the sides of the ham. Fold the foil up and around the ham to create a “bowl” shape.
Now you’re ready to cook your ham in the air fryer. Place the wrapped ham in the air fryer basket and cook 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.
If you want to achieve a crispy texture on top of your ham, you can open up the foil and fold it back to expose the top of the ham to the heat. Air-fry at 350°F for a few minutes.
Finally, remove the ham carefully from the air fryer basket and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensure a tender and flavorful result.
Seasoning And Glazing Your Ham
One of the most important steps in cooking a bone-in ham in an air fryer is seasoning and glazing it properly. This will not only add flavor to the ham but also help to keep it moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
To begin, you can use a variety of seasonings to add flavor to your ham. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Simply sprinkle the seasonings over the entire surface of the ham and rub them in with your hands.
Next, it’s time to make the glaze. As mentioned earlier, you can use a variety of ingredients to create a sweet and savory glaze that complements the flavors of the ham. Brown sugar, honey, and mustard are all popular choices. To make the glaze, simply combine your chosen ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Set aside.
Once you have seasoned and glazed your ham, wrap it in foil to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out during cooking. Make sure that the seam is at the top so that you can open it later to add more glaze.
When it’s time to cook your ham in the air fryer, place it in the center of the basket and cook 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.
If you want to achieve a crispy texture on top of your ham, you can open up the foil and fold it back to expose the top of the ham to the heat. Air-fry at 350°F for a few minutes until golden brown.
Once your ham is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensure a tender and flavorful result. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Setting The Temperature And Time For Air Frying
When it comes to air frying a bone-in ham, it’s important to keep in mind that air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time. However, a general rule of thumb is to reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and cut the cook time by about 20%. For a bone-in ham, preheat your air fryer to 300°F and cook for 20 minutes per pound.
It’s also important to note that the glaze can affect the cooking time, so be sure to adjust accordingly. If you want a crispy texture on top of your ham, you can air-fry it at 350°F for a few minutes after the initial cooking time.
Using a meat thermometer is also recommended to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145°F for safe consumption. Once cooked, let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Remember, these are general guidelines and you may need to adjust the temperature and time based on your specific air fryer model and wattage. It’s always best to keep an eye on your food and use the pause button on your machine to check for doneness and flip for balanced crispness on all sides.
Checking And Basting Your Ham During Cooking
It’s important to check the temperature of your ham during cooking to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check the temperature. For an uncooked or partially cooked ham, the thermometer should read 160°F, while a fully cooked ham should read 140°F.
Basting your ham during cooking is also crucial to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist. If you’re using a glaze, brush it over the ham once or twice during the last 20 minutes of cooking. If you notice the glaze is getting too browned, cover the ham with foil to prevent burning.
If you’re cooking your ham in a slow cooker, baste it several times while it cooks so that the flavors get distributed throughout the meat. Turn the ham over halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly coated in juices.
When testing the temperature of your ham, make sure to get your meat thermometer close to the bone to ensure you’re getting an accurate reading from one of the deepest points of the meat. Remove your ham from the oven or air fryer before it reaches its final temperature, as it will continue cooking slightly on the countertop. Removing it at 135 or 140 degrees will guarantee your meat won’t end up overcooked and dry.
Letting Your Ham Rest And Serve With Delicious Sides.
Once your bone-in ham is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to let it rest before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful result. While your ham is resting, it’s the perfect time to prepare some delicious sides to serve alongside it.
One classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham is mashed potatoes. This simple dish only requires potatoes, butter or milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Boil, mash, and season, and your mashed potatoes are ready to serve.
For those who prefer a sweeter side dish, consider making a brown sugar sweet potato casserole. This classic sweet dish is a delicious option for any sweet potato fan.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a bold flavor, try making a Moroccan sweet potato salad. This flavorful dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Another great option is roasted sweet potatoes with garlic and parmesan. This recipe takes roasted sweet potatoes to the next level by adding garlic, parmesan, and thyme for a dish that’s loaded with flavor.
And if you’re looking for something quick and easy, try making mashed sweet potatoes. Smooth and creamy, these easy mashed sweet potatoes are perfect for any weeknight dinner or holiday table.
When it comes to serving ham, the possibilities for delicious sides are endless. From classic mashed potatoes to bold and flavorful salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you cook a bone-in ham in the air fryer, be sure to let it rest before serving alongside your favorite sides.
