This glazed ham recipe is the ultimate way to achieve a perfectly tender and juicy ham using your air fryer. Forget hours in the oven or dry, disappointing results. This method delivers a spectacular sweet and savory caramelized glaze that will impress everyone at your table. Our air fryer glazed ham recipe is designed for convenience and flavor. It utilizes simple ingredients and a straightforward process, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. Get ready for a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Key takeaways
- Air frying creates a caramelized crust by circulating hot air.
- Apply and baste the glaze multiple times for even coating and moisture.
- Monitor cooking closely to prevent glaze from burning.
- Adjust temperature and time based on your specific air fryer model.
Honey Glazed Ham in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
Method
- Remove ham from fridge 2 hours before cooking to reach room temperature.
- Make the glaze: Combine brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Heat and whisk until brown sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Remove any netting from the ham. Score the ham with shallow 1/2-inch criss-cross cuts if not pre-sliced.
- For basket air fryers: Line basket with foil. Place ham on foil, brush with glaze, and wrap ham tightly with foil.
- For oven-style air fryers: Place ham in an 8″x8″ baking pan that fits your air fryer. Brush with glaze and wrap tightly with foil.
- Air fry at 340°F (170°C) for 25 minutes. Open foil, brush ham with more glaze, close foil tightly, and air fry for another 25 minutes.
- Open foil again. For basket style, create a foil boat to hold juices. For oven style, remove foil.
- Brush with remaining glaze and increase heat to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes, or until caramelized.
Notes
– For a deeper glaze flavor, let the glaze simmer for a few minutes.
– Adjust the final caramelization time to your preference, but watch closely to prevent burning. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
The technique that makes it
The trick to creating a delicious honey-glazed ham in the air fryer lies in understanding how the appliance’s convection technology interacts with the glaze ingredients. The air fryer circulates hot air rapidly around the ham, which is key to achieving a beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy exterior without drying out the interior. The glaze, a mixture of brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, cinnamon, and clove, serves multiple purposes. The sugars (brown sugar and honey) caramelize under the intense heat, forming that signature glossy, sticky coating. The orange juice provides acidity, which helps to tenderize the ham slightly and balances the sweetness. Mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, while the cinnamon and clove introduce warm, aromatic notes that complement the richness of the ham. For optimal results, the glaze should be applied in stages. Initially, a light coating can be brushed on before cooking to begin the caramelization process. As the ham cooks, the glaze will thicken and become stickier. It’s crucial to baste the ham with the glaze multiple times throughout the cooking process. This not only ensures an even coating but also helps to keep the ham moist. The rapid air circulation can sometimes cause the sugars in the glaze to burn if not monitored. Therefore, adjusting the temperature and cooking time based on your specific air fryer model is essential to prevent scorching while allowing the glaze to develop its full flavor and texture.
Troubleshooting
- Problem: Ham is drying out. Fix: Ensure your ham is fully cooked before air frying. Reduce the cooking time slightly and baste more frequently with the glaze or a little extra orange juice to add moisture.
- Problem: Glaze is burning. Fix: Lower the air fryer temperature by 10-20°F (5-10°C) and check the ham more frequently. You can also tent the ham loosely with foil if the glaze is browning too quickly.
- Problem: Glaze is too thin and runny. Fix: After removing the ham from the air fryer, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. The residual heat will continue to thicken the glaze. You can also carefully spoon some of the thickened glaze from the bottom of the air fryer basket over the ham.
- Problem: Uneven cooking or glazing. Fix: Ensure the ham is placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing air to circulate freely around it. Rotate the ham halfway through the cooking time for more even browning and glazing.
Substitutions
- Brown Sugar: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, though it will impart a distinct maple flavor and may caramelize slightly differently. Use an equal amount.
- Honey: Agave nectar or corn syrup can be substituted for honey. Agave will be less sweet, while corn syrup will provide a similar glossy finish. Use an equal amount.
- Orange Juice: Apple juice or pineapple juice can be used instead of orange juice. These will offer a different fruity note and acidity, affecting the final flavor profile. Use an equal amount.
- Mustard: A Dijon mustard substitute could be a teaspoon of horseradish sauce for a similar pungent kick, or omit entirely if a different flavor profile is desired.
Pro tips
- Ensure your ham is fully cooked before starting.
- For a deeper glaze flavor, let the glaze simmer for a few minutes.
- Adjust the final caramelization time to your preference, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy glazed ham, perfect for holidays or any special meal. Test this recipe and share your results!
More from Air Fryer Breakfast →
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a bone-in ham?
While this recipe is optimized for boneless ham due to its uniform shape and size, a bone-in ham can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in cuts often take longer to cook through. Ensure there’s enough space in the air fryer basket for air circulation around the ham.
How do I know when the ham is done?**
Since we are using a fully cooked ham, the goal is to heat it through and caramelize the glaze. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). The glaze should be bubbly, sticky, and slightly browned.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Whisk it well before using, as some ingredients might separate. This saves time when you’re ready to cook.
What size ham fits in a standard air fryer?**
Most standard 4-6 quart air fryers can accommodate a 2-3 pound boneless ham. For larger hams, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces or use a larger air fryer model. Ensure the ham fits comfortably without overcrowding the basket.
