The Ultimate Honey Glazed Ham Air Fryer Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide

Deliciously crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, a honey glazed ham is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday feast or special occasion. And with the magic of the air fryer, achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures has never been easier. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore every aspect of preparing a mouthwatering honey glazed ham using an air fryer. From the food science behind the technique to selecting the perfect ham, cleaning, preparation, cooking tips, variations, and doneness checks – we’ve got you covered! So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to creating a stunning honey glazed ham masterpiece.

1. Understanding the Food Science behind Air Frying

Before we delve into the exciting culinary details of our honey glazed ham, let’s briefly understand the science behind air frying. Air frying is a cooking method that uses rapidly circulating hot air to cook food, achieving a similar crispiness to deep frying but with a fraction of the oil. The air fryer’s quick cooking time and high temperature help seal in the flavors, while the circulating air ensures even cooking and browning.

2. Selecting the Perfect Ham

When it comes to honey glazed ham, selecting the right cut of meat is crucial. While you can choose between a bone-in or boneless ham, the bone-in option tends to have more flavor and an appealing presentation. Opting for a fully cooked ham will save you considerable cooking time and eliminate the worry of undercooking.

3. Cleaning and Preparing the Air Fryer

To ensure optimal cooking conditions and prevent any off-flavors, it’s important to start with a clean air fryer. Follow these simple steps for a squeaky-clean fryer:

a. Remove the basket and pan:

• Start by carefully removing the basket and pan from the air fryer.
• Check for any grease or food debris and dispose of it.

b. Hand wash with warm, soapy water:

• Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wash the basket and pan with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

c. Dry and reassemble:

• Pat dry the basket and pan with a clean dishcloth.
• Once dry, reassemble the air fryer, ensuring all components are properly aligned for safe and efficient use.

4. Preparing the Honey Glaze

The honey glaze is the star of this recipe, adding a delightful sweetness and sheen to the ham. Follow these steps to prepare the perfect honey glaze:

a. Gather the ingredients:

• 1 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

b. Combine the ingredients:

• In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients over medium heat.
• Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

c. Simmer and reduce:

• Allow the glaze to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened slightly.

d. Cool and reserve:

• Remove the glaze from heat and let it cool completely.
• Once cooled, transfer to a jar or airtight container, ready to be used.

5. Preparing the Ham for Air Frying

Now that your air fryer is clean and the glaze is ready, it’s time to prep the ham:

a. Thaw, if needed:

• If using a frozen ham, ensure it is thawed completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time per 4 pounds of ham.

b. Score the ham:

• Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a cutting board.
• Using a sharp knife, create shallow cuts across the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern.
• This scoring helps the glaze penetrate the meat and enhances the presentation.

c. Brush with honey glaze:

• Take your cooled honey glaze and generously brush it all over the scored ham, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.

d. Marinate (optional):

• For an extra flavor boost, you can choose to let the ham marinate in the honey glaze for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

e. Preheat the air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

f. Place the ham in the air fryer:

• Carefully place the glazed ham in the air fryer basket. If the ham is too large to fit, you can cut it in half, ensuring it fits snugly.

g. Set the cooking time:

• The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the ham.
• As a general guideline, air fry the ham for 15 minutes per pound.
• For example, a 5-pound ham would require around 75 minutes of cooking time.

h. Flip and glaze midway (optional):

• If desired, flip the ham over halfway through the cooking process, ensuring even browning.
• Brush another layer of the honey glaze on the flipped side for that extra burst of flavor.

i. Check for doneness:

• To ensure the ham is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
• The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham.

j. Rest and glaze:

• Once the ham has reached the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts.
• Allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and make carving easier.
• Brush the ham with another coat of the honey glaze to enhance its shine and flavor.

k. Carve and serve:

• Place the glazed honey ham on a cutting board and carve it into beautiful slices.
• Serve immediately to delight your guests with its irresistible aroma and taste.

6. Tips and Variations

Now that you have mastered the art of preparing a sensational honey glazed ham in an air fryer, let’s explore some valuable tips and exciting variations:

a. Use a meat thermometer:

• Investing in a reliable meat thermometer will ensure your ham is cooked to perfection every time.
• It eliminates the guesswork and guarantees both food safety and optimal flavor.

b. Experiment with flavors:

• Add a touch of personal flair by experimenting with different spices or herbs in the glaze.
• Try adding a kick of heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a smoky note with a touch of paprika.

c. Candied honey glaze:

• For an irresistible candied effect, sprinkle some brown sugar on top of the honey glaze before air frying.
• The sugar will caramelize, creating a beautiful crust.

d. Simmer the glaze with cloves:

• If you enjoy the warm aroma of cloves, lightly crush a few whole cloves and add them to the honey glaze during the simmering step.
• This will infuse the glaze with an aromatic essence that pairs perfectly with the ham.

e. Consider a spiral-cut ham:

• If you prefer a ham with ease of carving, consider selecting a spiral-cut ham.
• The pre-sliced nature of this ham allows the honey glaze to penetrate every layer, resulting in enhanced flavors.

f. Introduce fruity elements:

• Enhance the sweetness of the glaze by incorporating fruit juices, such as orange or pineapple, for a delightful tropical twist.

g. Serve with complementary sauces:

• Accompany your honey glazed ham with a variety of sauces, such as mustard-based sauces, fruity chutneys, or tangy cranberry relish, to elevate the flavors.

So, whether it’s a festive gathering, a memorable family dinner, or simply a craving for succulent ham, the honey glazed ham air fryer recipe is your gateway to creating delectable magic. Let the air fryer do the work while you bask in the appreciation and delight of your loved ones. Enjoy your culinary adventure and savor every mouthful of sweet, savory perfection!

Sources

Honey Glazed Ham Recipe | McCormick

Honey Glazed Ham – Dinner at the Zoo

BEST Honey Glazed Ham (Tips, Tricks, Step by Step Photos)

FAQS On Honey Glazed Ham Air Fryer Recipe

What Is An Air Fryer And How Does It Work?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, similar to a convection oven. It uses a small amount of oil and high temperatures to achieve a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.

Can I Use A Regular Ham For This Honey Glazed Ham Air Fryer Recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of ham for this recipe, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of the ham.

How Does The Honey Glaze Enhance The Flavor Of The Ham?

The sweetness of the honey complements the saltiness of the ham, creating a delicious contrast of flavors. The honey also adds a sticky and caramelized texture to the ham.

Can I Substitute The Honey Glaze For A Different Type Of Glaze?

Yes, you can substitute the honey glaze for your desired type of glaze. Just make sure the glaze has a similar consistency and sweetness to achieve the desired results.

Do I Need To Flip The Ham While It’s Cooking In The Air Fryer?

It is recommended to flip the ham halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking.

Can I Use A Frozen Ham For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use a frozen ham, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Cooking times may also need to be adjusted for a frozen ham.

Can I Use The Same Recipe For A Bone-in Or Boneless Ham?

Yes, you can use the same recipe for both bone-in and boneless hams. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as a bone-in ham may require longer cooking time.