The Easiest Way to Cook Country Ham – Using an Air Fryer

Country ham with its rich smoky flavor and salty tang, is a beloved staple in many Southern kitchens. While traditionally cooked by baking broiling or pan-frying, did you know that cooking country ham in an air fryer is a quick, easy and delicious method?

Air frying locks in moisture, enhances flavor and gives the ham a crispy exterior that you just can’t achieve with other cooking methods. Read on for a complete guide to cooking country ham in an air fryer

Benefits of Cooking Country Ham in an Air Fryer

Here are some of the biggest benefits of using an air fryer to cook country ham

• Quick cooking time – Country ham cooks fast in an air fryer, usually in 30 minutes or less. No need for lengthy baking.

• Crispy exterior – The hot circulating air gives the ham a crispy, caramelized outside.

• Moist interior – Unlike oven baking, air frying seals in moisture so the ham stays juicy.

• Intensified flavor – The Maillard reaction from air frying heightens the smoky, salty flavor of country ham.

• Easy glazing – Air frying allows glazes and sauces to coat and caramelize onto the ham perfectly.

• Versatile – An air fryer can cook a whole ham slice or smaller pieces for ham-centric meals.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Country Ham in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried country ham every time:

1. Select and Prepare the Ham

Look for a boneless, fully cooked ready-to-eat country ham steak or slice around 1/2 inch thick. Trim off any rind or skin. Blot excess moisture with paper towels.

2. Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. This ensures the ham cooks fully and evenly.

3. Season and Glaze (Optional)

Lightly brush both sides of the ham with olive oil or melted butter. Season with black pepper or other spices. For glazed ham, brush with your favorite sweet glaze.

4. Arrange Ham in Air Fryer Basket

Place ham in a single layer in air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.

5. Air Fry Ham

Air fry ham at 350°F, flipping halfway through, until heated through and lightly crisped on the outside:

• Ham slices (1/2 inch thick): 8-12 minutes
• Ham steaks (1 inch thick): 14-18 minutes

6. Add Glaze and Finish (Optional)

During last 2 minutes of cooking, brush with more glaze and air fry until caramelized.

7. Let Sit and Serve

Let ham sit 5 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Country Ham in an Air Fryer

• When cooking a whole country ham slice, trim excess fat to prevent greasiness.

• Use foil sling under ham to make flipping easier.

• For extra crispiness, coat ham lightly in flour or panko breadcrumbs before air frying.

• Air fryer cooking times will vary based on thickness. Monitor closely and adjust time if needed.

• Pair air fried ham with homemade biscuits, grits, redeye gravy and fried eggs.

Simple Glazes for Air Fried Country Ham

Brushing on a flavorful glaze adds sweetness and texture that perfectly complements salty country ham cooked in the air fryer.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze

Melt together brown sugar, butter, bourbon, maple syrup and cayenne. Simmer until thickened.

Spicy Pineapple Glaze

Combine pineapple preserves, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha and minced ginger. Cook until blended.

Orange Marmalade Mustard Glaze

Whisk together orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder and pepper.

Air Fryer Country Ham Recipe Ideas

Here are just a few of the many ways you can enjoy air fried country ham:

• Country Ham with Red Eye Gravy – Top air fried ham slices with traditional red eye gravy made from ham drippings.

• Country Ham & Grits – Serve crispy ham steaks over cheese grits with sautéed greens.

• Country Ham Croquettes – Mix diced ham with mashed potatoes, shape into balls or patties, coat in breadcrumbs and air fry.

• Country Ham Egg Cups – Line muffin tins with ham slices, crack an egg into each cup and air fry until eggs are cooked.

• Country Ham Roll-Ups – Spread cream cheese and pickle slices on air fried ham and roll up.

With an air fryer, you can easily cook authentic Southern country ham at home with incredible flavor and texture. Ditch the lengthy baking and broiling methods, and enjoy quick and delicious air fried country ham instead!