Easy air fryer ham with Honey and Brown sugar Glaze

The air fryer ham is a special holiday feast made using simple ingredients. This flavorful ham has been a delicacy for my entire family that everyone now looks forward to Sunday ham or weeknight dinner and not only for special occasions or holiday dinners

I have made this air fryer ham recipe using the delicious brown sugar glaze and honey, but you can also add pineapple juice as pineapple glaze.  

Why you will love this recipe

1. This easy recipe gives a yummy taste each time! This is like bringing holiday ham to your table every time you cook this.

2. You will learn how to make a delicious homemade glaze.

3. This recipe is a great option for a small family-size meal. 

Ingredients:

• Cooked Boneless Ham: The main ingredient provides a rich, savory base that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes under heat, creating a rich, molasses-like crust on the ham.
• Honey: Contributes a natural sweetness and glaze consistency, enhancing the ham’s flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to evenly distribute the glaze over the ham while cooking, also aiding in the caramelization process.
• Grain Mustard: Offers a tangy flavor and slight texture to the glaze, balancing the sweetness with its mild spiciness.
• Black Pepper: Provides a sharp, aromatic heat that contrasts the glaze’s sweetness, adding complexity to the flavor profile.
• Cloves: Impart a warm, aromatic spice that complements the ham and adds a hint of holiday flavor to the dish.

How to cook the air fryer ham with Honey and Brown sugar Glaze

Step 1 Prepare the Ham: Take the ham out of the refrigerator in advance, it should be at room temperature. Remove the casing from the whole ham. On the sides of the ham make spiral cuts with a sharp knife and parallel to the table. Poke the clove buds into the ham. Remember if your ham is larger than your air fryer basket, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces.

Step 2 Make the ham glaze: Prepare a bowl suitable for heating in the microwave or use a small saucepan. Put the oil, sugar, honey, mustard and black pepper in it. Heat for 2 minutes in the microwave and stir. The glaze is ready. 

Step 3 Apply the Glaze: Brush the glaze over the ham outside and inside the notches with a silicone brush. Leave it for a while while the fryer heats up.

Step 4 Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the fryer to 340 degrees f / 170 °C. If your air fryer requires preheating, do so for about 5 minutes.

Step 5 Cook the Ham: Bake the ham for 15 minutes, making sure it does not touch the top heating element of your air fryer. Cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Halfway through the cooking time, brush the

ham glaze and any juices that have accumulated inside the basket of the air fryer over the ham with a silicone brush. You can brush the ham with additional glaze at intervals during the cooking process. 

Transfer the hot ham to a serving platter and top with sliced vegetables, sauces or favorite sides

Rest and Serve: Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices. 

My PRO Tips For a perfect air fryer ham with Honey and Brown sugar Glaze

If your ham has a rind, you might want to score it by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.

Wrap the ham with aluminum foil to prevent the outer layer from burning. 

Keep an eye on the ham as cooking times will vary depending on the ham sizes, which can vary depending on the size and shape of the ham and the type of air fryer.

You can insert cloves into the ham before glazing for extra flavor if you like the taste.

If you prefer a crispy exterior, increase the air fryer’s temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Best side dishes to serve with Ham

Scalloped Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Glazed Carrots, Macaroni and Cheese and Cornbread.

FAQ’s about air fryer

What size of ham should I use for my air fryer?

Choose a ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Typically, an average of 3-pound ham works well for standard air fryers.

Can I use a bone-in ham?

Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless hams work well. Bone-in hams may take slightly longer to cook.

How can I preserve the leftovers? 

You can keep the fully cooked ham or remaining glaze in separate airtight container(s) or plastic wrap

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), checked with a meat thermometer.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prepare sweet glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it up before applying to ease spreading.

What if I end up with a sticky glaze?

Thin the glaze with a little bit of pineapple juice, orange juice, or water if it’s too thick.

How often should I baste the ham?

Baste the ham at least once, halfway through the cooking time. More frequent basting adds more flavor and moisture.

Can I add other ingredients to the glaze?

Yes, feel free to experiment. Maple syrup, apple cider, garlic, or different spices can add unique flavors.

What should I do if the ham starts to burn?

If the outside of the ham is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and lower the air fryer temperature.

How long should I let the ham rest before serving?

Let the ham rest for about 15-20 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham more moist and flavorful.

What can I make with Leftover Ham?

Ham and Cheese Quiche, Ham, Pineapple, and Cheese Pizza, Ham Salad, Ham Fried Rice.

Air fryer ham

The air fryer ham is a great way to get the delicious taste out of your precooked ham. The amazing glazing turns this into a new whole dish you would love to make every time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Equipment

• Air fryer
•  Instant read thermometer
• silicone brush

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound cooked boneless ham
• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• 1-2 tsp. honey
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. grain mustard
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. cloves.

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Ham: Take the ham out of the refrigerator in advance, it should be at room temperature. Remove the casing from the whole ham. On the sides of the ham make spiral cuts with a sharp knife and parallel to the table. Poke the clove buds into the ham. Remember if your ham is larger than your air fryer basket, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces.
• Make the ham glaze: Prepare a bowl suitable for heating in the microwave or use a small saucepan. Put the oil, sugar, honey, mustard and black pepper in it. Heat for 2 minutes in the microwave and stir. The glaze is ready.
• Apply the Glaze: Brush the glaze over the ham outside and inside the notches with a silicone brush. Leave it for a while while the fryer heats up.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the fryer to 340 degrees f / 170 °C.
• Cook the Ham: Bake the ham for 15 minutes, cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Halfway through the cooking time, brush the ham glaze and any juices that have accumulated inside the basket of the air fryer over the ham with silicone brush. You can brush the ham with additional glaze at intervals during the cooking process.
• Transfer the hot ham to a serving platter and top with sliced vegetables, sauces or favorite sides
• Rest and Serve: Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.

Keyword Airfryer

Enjoy your honey and brown sugar glazed ham! This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to tweak the spices or the type of glaze according to your preference.

A juicy aromatic ham looks very appetizing and festive. It has a pleasant sweet flavor with a spicy aftertaste. Happy Easter!