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Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in an air fryer! This method offers a fantastic way to achieve a crispy, caramelized glaze and juicy, tender ham without the hassle of oven cooking. It’s quicker, easier, and delivers delicious results that will impress your guests.

Air Fryer Spiral Ham: A Quick and Tasty Solution

Cooking a spiral ham in an air fryer is a game-changer for busy weeknights or even holiday feasts. It’s significantly faster than traditional oven roasting, and the air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking and a beautifully browned exterior. This method is particularly appealing for smaller spiral hams or when you don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen with the oven.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Your Spiral Ham?

Besides the speed and convenience, air frying a spiral ham offers several advantages. The high heat creates a delightful crust while sealing in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender ham. Plus, cleanup is a breeze compared to oven roasting.

• Faster Cooking: Significantly reduces cooking time compared to oven roasting.
• Crispy Glaze: Achieves a perfect caramelized glaze without burning.
• Juicy and Tender Ham: Locks in moisture for a more flavorful experience.
• Easy Cleanup: Less mess and easier to clean than a roasting pan.

Preparing Your Spiral Ham for the Air Fryer

Prepping your spiral ham is crucial for optimal results. Start by patting the ham dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the glaze adhere better and promotes even browning. If your ham is fully cooked (most pre-sliced spiral hams are), you’re primarily reheating and glazing it. For uncooked hams, follow the package instructions for safe internal temperature.

1. Pat Dry: Thoroughly pat the ham dry with paper towels.
2. Score (Optional): Lightly score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern for better glaze penetration and presentation.
3. Glaze: Choose your favorite glaze – store-bought or homemade – and apply it generously.

Scoring Spiral Ham for Air Fryer Cooking

Cooking a Spiral Ham in the Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your ham and your air fryer model. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature. For pre-cooked hams, aim for 140°F (60°C).

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
2. Placement: Carefully place the ham in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably without overcrowding. You might need to cut a larger ham in half.
3. Cooking Time: Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound for uncooked ham, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For pre-cooked hams, heat for about 6-8 minutes per pound, or until heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
4. Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Spiral Ham Cooking in Air Fryer

Chef Michael Beaumont, a renowned expert in modern cooking techniques, suggests, “Air frying a spiral ham is a revelation. The combination of speed, convenience, and the resulting crispy glaze makes it a winning strategy for any occasion.”

Tips for Air Fryer Spiral Ham Success

• Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and can lead to uneven cooking.
• Baste the ham with the glaze: Basting halfway through cooking adds extra flavor and keeps the ham moist.
• Adjust cooking time as needed: Air fryer models and ham sizes vary, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Food blogger and culinary enthusiast, Sarah Jenkins, adds, “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different glazes! From classic brown sugar glazes to spicy pineapple variations, the air fryer allows you to get creative with your flavor profiles.”

Finished Air Fryer Spiral Ham

Conclusion

Can you cook a spiral ham in an air fryer? Absolutely! It’s a quick, convenient, and delicious way to enjoy a perfectly cooked and glazed ham. By following these tips and techniques, you can create a memorable meal that will impress your family and friends. So, ditch the oven and embrace the ease and flavor of air frying your next spiral ham.

FAQ

1. What size spiral ham fits in an air fryer? It depends on your air fryer’s size. Smaller hams (3-5 pounds) usually fit whole. Larger hams may need to be halved or quartered.

2. Do I need to cover the ham while air frying? No, covering the ham is generally not necessary.

3. Can I cook a frozen spiral ham in the air fryer? It’s best to thaw the ham completely before air frying for even cooking.

4. What are some glaze options for spiral ham? Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, pineapple, and Dijon mustard are popular glaze ingredients.

5. How do I store leftover air-fried spiral ham? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

6. Can I reheat leftover ham in the air fryer? Yes, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

7. What should I serve with air-fried spiral ham? Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, and mac and cheese are classic pairings.