There’s nothing quite like the smell of sweet glazed ham warming in your kitchen. And with this air fryer ham recipe, you get all that classic holiday flavor—crispy edges, sticky glaze, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness—in a fraction of the time. No oven, no fuss, just real comfort food made easy.
Whether it’s for a simple Sunday dinner, a cozy holiday meal, or using up leftover ham in the most delicious way, this recipe keeps things simple and satisfying. And yes—it even crisps up the edges just right.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Foolproof – Ready in under an hour
- Incredibly Juicy – The air fryer seals in moisture
- Sweet & Savory Glaze – Caramelizes to golden perfection
- No Oven Needed – Keeps the kitchen cool and cleanup simple
- Perfect for Holidays or Weeknights – Big flavor, small effort
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2–3 lb fully cooked boneless ham (half ham or portion that fits your air fryer)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice or orange juice (optional for brightness)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for warm spice)
Tip: Use a spiral-sliced ham if you can—it soaks up the glaze beautifully and heats faster.
🔥 How to Make Air Fryer Ham
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C), if your model requires preheating.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, melted butter, juice, and cloves to make the glaze.
- Pat the ham dry with paper towels. Score the top in a criss-cross pattern if it’s not sliced.
- Brush about half the glaze all over the ham.
- Place the ham cut side down in your air fryer basket or tray. Cover loosely with foil if it’s very close to the heating element.
- Air fry for 30–40 minutes (about 10–15 minutes per pound), brushing with more glaze every 10–15 minutes. Remove foil in the last 5–10 minutes to let the glaze caramelize.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C). Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- No foil? Use parchment or an air fryer-safe dish to catch drips.
- Add fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the glaze for depth.
- Swap the juice for maple syrup if you love a maple-glazed flavor.
- Use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, or fried rice the next day.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, cloves, and black pepper to create a glaze.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the ham steak in the basket. Brush generously with the glaze on all sides.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing again with glaze.
- Check internal temperature (should be 140°F or warmed through). If needed, cook an additional 3–5 minutes.
- Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
A small boneless, fully cooked ham (2–3 lbs) is ideal. Bone-in works too, as long as it fits.
Only if it’s close to the heating element or browning too quickly. Remove it near the end to caramelize the glaze.
Absolutely—it heats faster and soaks up the glaze beautifully. Just keep it wrapped or nestled so it doesn’t dry out.
Wrap slices in foil and air fry at 300°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed through.
Try mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, mac and cheese, or a bright salad to balance the richness.
🍖 A Ham You’ll Make Again and Again
Air fryer ham is the kind of recipe that surprises you. It’s fast, it’s easy, and the results taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or just craving something cozy and special, this ham delivers. Juicy, golden, and glazed to perfection—it’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone gather around the table with happy hearts and full plates.