How Long to Cook Ham in an Air Fryer for Perfect Results

As an air fryer enthusiast I’m always looking for new ways to use this handy kitchen appliance. Air frying ham is a great option for quick weekday meals or impressive holiday centerpieces. But determining the right cook time can be tricky. In this article I’ll share how long to cook ham in an air fryer along with tips for the best texture and flavor. Let’s get crispy!

Benefits of Air Frying Ham

Cooking ham in an air fryer has some great advantages:

• Quick cooking – Air frying is faster than oven baking, A 3 lb ham takes only about 40 minutes

• Crisp exterior – The hot circulating air gives a nice browned, crispy exterior.

• Moist interior – Shorter cook time keeps the inside tender and juicy.

• Less drying out – Minimal drying compared to oven baking.

• Easy glazing – The compact space makes glazing a cinch

• Small batches – Fit mini hams to feed just 1 or 2 people.

Choosing an Air Fryer Ham

The most important factor is size. Choose a ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Allow a little room around the sides for air circulation.

For a typical 3-4 quart air fryer, look for mini boneless hams around 2-3 lbs. Or cut a larger boneless ham in half.

Boneless is easiest, but a small bone-in ham works too if you can find one.

Fully-cooked hams are convenient, but you can air fry an uncooked fresh ham as well.

Spiral cut hams make glazing easy. Or score the top yourself.

Calculating Air Fryer Ham Cook Time

Air fryer cook times vary, but these guidelines work well:

• 2-3 lb ham – Bake at 300°F for 18-22 minutes per lb

• Check temperature after 15 minutes per lb, then adjust time

• For glazing, add 5-10 minutes

For example, for a 2 lb fully cooked boneless ham:

• 2 lbs x 18 minutes per lb = 36 minutes
• Check internal temp after 30 minutes
• Glaze and cook another 10 minutes
• Total time: 46 minutes

The internal temp should reach 140°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Step-By-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried ham:

1. Pick a Small Ham – For most air fryers, choose a boneless ham around 2-3 lbs.

2. Score the Ham – Use a sharp knife to cut slashes across the top about 1/2-inch deep.

3. Prepare Glaze – Whisk together glaze ingredients like brown sugar, honey, etc.

4. Preheat Air Fryer – Set to 300°F to ensure even heating.

5. Brush with Glaze – Coat ham all over with a layer of sticky-sweet glaze.

6. Air Fry Ham – Cook at 300°F for about 18 minutes per pound.

7. Glaze Again – After initial cook time, brush on more glaze.

8. Finish Cooking – Return to air fryer and cook 5-10 more minutes.

9. Check Temp – Internal temperature should reach 140°F.

10. Rest and Slice – Let sit for 10 minutes before cutting to serve.

Handy Air Fryer Ham Tips

• Use foil sling or rack to easily remove ham
• Add a splash of water to pan to prevent smoking
• Brush with glaze the last 10-15 minutes
• Preheat air fryer before adding ham
• Let rest before slicing for juicier meat
• Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days

get Creative with Glazes and Sauces

A sweet glaze is classic, but don’t stop there! Try these fun air fryer ham ideas:

• Brown sugar – pineapple
• Honey – stoneground mustard
• Orange marmalade – bourbon
• Maple syrup – chipotle
• Peach preserves – ginger
• Fig jam – balsamic vinegar

Delicious sauces for serving:

• Pineapple salsa
• Peach chutney
• Strawberry sauce
• Cranberry compote
• Spicy mustard

Air Fryer Ham Perfection

Cooking ham in the air fryer results in a tender and juicy interior with a crispy, caramelized exterior in way less time than the oven.

For a 2-3 pound mini ham, figure around 18 minutes per pound at 300°F. Glaze during the last 10 minutes.

Let rest before slicing into this beautiful holiday centerpiece or easy weekday meal.

Enjoy your quick and easy air fried ham!