This air fryer glazed baked ham is a delicious and easy way to prepare a flavorful main dish for any occasion. The air fryer cooks the ham evenly while creating a caramelized glaze that enhances its natural sweetness.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Preparation of the Ham
To achieve the perfect baked ham, start by preparing the meat properly. If your ham has a rind, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern is essential. This technique allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing its flavor.
Choosing the right ham is also important. A fully cooked ham weighing around 3-4 pounds is ideal for this recipe. This size ensures that it cooks evenly and remains juicy throughout the process.
Creating the Glaze
The glaze is what transforms a simple ham into a showstopper. Combining brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile that complements the savory meat beautifully.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended, forming a thick glaze that will caramelize during cooking.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) is a crucial step. This ensures that the ham cooks evenly and the glaze caramelizes perfectly.
Once preheated, brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas. This not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the beautiful caramelized exterior.
Basting for Perfection
Place the glazed ham in the air fryer basket and set the timer for about 40-50 minutes. Basting the ham with the glaze every 15 minutes is key to achieving a rich, caramelized finish.
Keep an eye on the ham as it cooks. The air fryer will create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This method is not only efficient but also yields a delicious result.
Serving Suggestions
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
Slice the ham and serve it warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. The rustic wooden table setting and festive decorations will enhance the overall presentation, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday meal.
Nutritional Information
This glazed baked ham serves approximately eight people, making it a great option for gatherings. Each serving contains around 300 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein.
With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to impress guests and family alike, creating memorable moments around the dining table.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Baked Ham
This baked ham is coated with a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and mustard. The air fryer cooks the ham to perfection in about an hour, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple juice or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: If the ham has a rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper until well combined.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Glaze the Ham: Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored areas.
- Cook the Ham: Place the ham in the air fryer basket and cook for about 40-50 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes, until heated through and caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g