How to Cook a Juicy, Flavorful Bone-In Ham in an Air Fryer

Air fryers provide a quick and convenient way to cook bone-in ham to tender, juicy perfection The circulating hot air crisps up the outside while keeping the inside moist. Follow this guide for tips on choosing a ham, calculating cook times, preventing drying out, and adding flavor with glazes.

Benefits of Cooking Bone-In Ham in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer has several advantages compared to oven cooking:

• Shorter cook time since air fryers heat up quickly and circulate air rapidly

• Even browning and cooking since the hot air surrounds the ham.

• Self-basting as ham cooks in its own juices, keeping it incredibly moist.

• Extra crispy exterior from the blasting hot air.

• Adds flavor when glazes caramelize onto the surface.

• Perfect portions instead of heating your whole oven.

Choosing the Right Size Bone-In Ham

Picking a ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket is key for proper air circulation.

• Smaller air fryers: Opt for ham steak, slices, or a 2-3 lb half ham.

• Larger air fryers: Can fit a 4-5 lb half ham or up to 7 lb whole bone-in ham.

• Allow 2 inches clearance on all sides for air flow.

Calculating Air Fryer Cook Time

Cook times vary based on size, shape and cut of the ham:

• Ham slices or steak: 8-10 mins per side

• Half bone-in ham (2-3 lbs): 18-22 mins per lb

• Half bone-in ham (4-5 lbs): 22-25 mins per lb

• Whole bone-in ham (6-8 lbs): 11-15 mins per lb

Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than cook times alone.

Internal Temperatures for Safe Doneness

Cook ham until thermometer inserted in thickest part reaches:

• Fresh ham: 160°F
• Cook-before-eating ham: 140°F
• Fully cooked ham: 130°F

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Preventing Dried Out Ham

It’s easy to dry out ham in an air fryer if you aren’t careful. Follow these tips:

• Choose a size that fits in basket with 2-inch clearance.

• Leave fat cap on if present to baste meat.

• Spritz with broth or brush with glaze in last 30 minutes.

• Don’t overcook – use a meat thermometer for doneness.

• Let rest before slicing to redistribute juices.

How to Cook a Half Bone-In Ham

Here are simple directions for cooking a juicy 4-5 lb half ham:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lb bone-in half ham
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Pat ham dry, place in air fryer basket.

2. Mix glaze ingredients, brush onto ham.

3. Cook 22-25 minutes per lb until 140°F internal temperature.

4. Brush glaze on ham every 10 minutes in last half of cook time.

5. Remove ham, tent foil, let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Cook a Whole 7-8 lb Bone-In Ham

Make this brown sugar ginger glazed ham for a crowd:

Ingredients:

• 7-8 lb bone-in cooked ham
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp minced ginger
• 1⁄4 cup apple juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Rinse, pat dry, place ham cut side down in basket.

2. Mix glaze ingredients, brush onto ham.

3. Cook 11-15 minutes per lb until 130°F internal temperature.

4. Brush glaze on every 10-15 minutes during last half of cooking.

5. Remove ham, tent foil, let rest 10-15 minutes before carving.

Delicious Ham Glaze Recipes

Glazes add incredible flavor and moisture. Brush on in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Sweet Glazes

• Brown sugar + orange juice + mustard

• Maple syrup + apple juice + ginger

• Honey + molasses + Dijon

• Cherry preserves + brown sugar

Savory Glazes

• Whole grain mustard + balsamic vinegar + garlic

• Soy sauce + brown sugar + rice wine vinegar

• Hoisin sauce + orange marmalade + 5 spice powder

• Apple cider vinegar + rosemary + olive oil

Air Frying Tips for Perfect Results

Follow these tips when cooking bone-in ham in an air fryer:

• Let ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even heating.

• Truss ham with rotisserie ties to maintain shape if needed.

• Place ham in center of basket away from sides for air flow.

• Rotate halfway through cooking to prevent hot spots.

• Use foil tent if ham is overbrowning.

• Check temperature early and often to prevent overcooking.

• Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

Common Air Fryer Ham Problems and Solutions

Dry exterior – Brush with oil or glaze before cooking, decrease cook time.

Uneven cooking – Rotate ham periodically, place on rack for air flow.

Takes too long to cook – Cut ham in half, lower temperature slightly.

Overcooked – Check temperature early, reduce cook time, use lower temp.

Undercooked – Increase cook time, use thermometer for doneness.

Tough texture – Cook at lower temp, don’t overcook, slice across grain.

Sample Bone-In Ham Air Fryer Recipe

Try this easy brown sugar clove glazed ham.

Ingredients:

• 5 lb bone-in half ham
• 1⁄3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne

Directions:

1. Pat ham dry, place in fryer basket.

2. Mix glaze ingredients, brush on ham.

3. Cook 22-25 mins per lb until 140°F internal temperature.

4. Brush glaze on every 10 mins for last half hour.

5. Remove ham, tent foil, let rest 10 mins before slicing.

Get Perfectly Cooked Ham with Your Air Fryer

Cooking bone-in ham in an air fryer results in tender, juicy meat with a crispy caramelized exterior. Follow the size, temperature, timing and glazing tips provided for the best results. Air fried ham makes an easy and delicious entrée!