If you're looking for a quick and delicious way to cook ham without firing up your oven, let me introduce you to your new favorite method: air fryer ham. Whether you're cooking up leftovers, warming a small boneless ham for the holidays, or prepping protein for the week, the air fryer gives you juicy, caramelized, and flavorful results—without taking up a ton of time or space.
I’ve used this method for everything from mini holiday dinners to fast weeknight meals, and I’m always impressed with how easy it is. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, and the ham stays perfectly tender. Plus, it frees up your oven for other things (hi, sides and dessert!).
Aldi's Appleton Farms Spiral Sliced Hickory Smoked Ham is what I use everytime to make ham in the air fryer, perfect every time as well. Love Aldi for grocery shopping and meal prep. This spiral ham is great with these other dishes as well, like Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, Air Fryer Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches. If you're looking for more ham recipes, make this Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe (for Ham)
It's been noted that there aren't any cooking instructions for this ham at all on the back of the package, so I thought I'd write some air fryer instructions for it.
Jump to:
Why Choose the Air Fryer to make a ham?
- Quick Cooking Time: No need to preheat a large oven.
- This ham is already cooked so you just need to warm the ham up a bit.
- You can use seasonings or make a glaze for the top. Or use the packet that it came with.
- Even Heating: The air fryer circulates heat, ensuring the ham is heated uniformly.
- Crispy Exterior: Achieve a delightful caramelized crust without drying out the meat.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 Appleton Farms Spiral Sliced Hickory Smoked Ham (size depending on your air fryer capacity) 3 to 7 pounds
- Optional: Glaze of your choice (e.g., honey, brown sugar, mustard)
For Glaze (it comes with a packet)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or clove for extra holiday vibes
How to Make Air Fryer Ham
Step 1 Remove the ham from its packaging. If it's a large ham, consider slicing it into smaller portions to fit your air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2 Place the ham in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Cook for about 10 minutes per pound. For instance, a 3-pound ham would take approximately 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: If using a pre-sliced ham, wrap it in foil to prevent it from drying out. If it’s whole, lightly score the top in a criss-cross pattern to let the glaze soak in.
Step 3 Optional Glaze: If you prefer a glazed ham, brush your chosen glaze over the ham during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the ham with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Tips
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the ham to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
- Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glazes like maple syrup, pineapple juice, or a mix of Dijon mustard and brown sugar for unique flavors.
- Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain their flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQS
For a 3–3.5 pound fully cooked ham, it typically takes about 50 minutes at 320°F (160°C) in the air fryer. It's recommended to cook the ham for approximately 15–20 minutes per pound, adjusting based on the size of your ham and your air fryer's performance .
Yes, covering the ham with foil helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out. After the initial cooking time, you can uncover the ham to allow the glaze to set and caramelize .
Many people use the included glaze with great results. To prevent burning, it's advisable to apply the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Or else you can choose to make your own.
If you tried this Air Fryer Appleton Farm Ham or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Air Fryer Ham
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you're looking for a quick and delicious way to cook ham without firing up your oven, let me introduce you to your new favorite method: air fryer ham.
Ingredients
-
- 1 Appleton Farms Spiral Sliced Hickory Smoked Ham (size depending on your air fryer capacity) 3 to 7 pounds
-
- Optional: Glaze of your choice (e.g., honey, brown sugar, mustard)
Instructions
1 Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F.
2. Prepare the ham
If using a pre-sliced ham, wrap it in foil to prevent it from drying out. If it’s whole, lightly score the top in a criss-cross pattern to let the glaze soak in.
3. Mix the glaze (optional)
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, mustard, and honey/maple syrup. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or clove if desired.
4. Glaze the ham
Brush or spoon the glaze all over the ham, getting into the cuts or between slices.
5. Air fry
Place the ham in the air fryer basket or on a rack. Air fry at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your ham. Baste with glaze halfway through for extra flavor.
Notes
If your ham is very thick or cold from the fridge, you may need up to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer—your goal is 140°F internal temp (it’s already cooked, just reheating!)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12.5g
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