Air Fryer Ham

Ham is a simple way to cook a juicy gammon joint with a sweet glaze. It takes less time than a traditional oven and keeps the meat very tender. You only need a few basic ingredients to make a delicious main meal or sandwich filling. This method ensures an even cook and a sticky exterior without much effort.
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Photo of Air Fryer Ham cooked in the air fryer

Why you should cook air fryer ham

Cooking ham is much faster and uses less energy than heating up a large oven. The circulating air creates a lovely golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist. It is a great option for Sunday lunch or when you need sliced meat for the week. You can easily adjust the glaze to suit your taste while keeping the process very clean and simple.

A step-by-step guide to air fryer ham

Step 1
Prepare the meat: Remove any packaging and ties from the gammon joint. Wrap the meat tightly in aluminium foil to keep the juices inside during the first part of cooking. Place it into the basket and set the temperature to 180C.
Step 2
First cook: Cook the ham for 40 minutes while it stays wrapped in the foil. This ensures the meat cooks through without drying out the exterior. While it cooks, mix the honey, mustard, sugar, and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 3
Apply the glaze: Carefully remove the basket and open the foil. Use a brush to coat the top and sides of the meat with the honey and mustard mixture. Leave the foil open at the top so the glaze can caramelise under the heat.
Step 4
Final browning: Cook for another 10 minutes at 200C until the glaze is bubbling and dark golden. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for a better texture.

Tips to make air fryer ham even better

Always let the meat come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start cooking. This helps it cook more evenly from the centre to the edge. If your gammon is very salty, you can soak it in cold water for an hour before starting the ham recipe. Make sure to wrap the foil tightly so no liquid leaks into the bottom of the basket. You can add a splash of apple juice inside the foil for extra moisture and flavour.

Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it is perfectly cooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 68C to 71C before resting. Slicing the meat against the grain will result in much more tender pieces.

You can find more inspiration in air fryer bread rolls, air fryer biscuits or air fryer salmon steaks.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 1 kg Gammon joint
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tbsp English mustard
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Black pepper

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1172 kJ / 280 kcal
  • Fat:12 g
  • - of which saturates:4 g
  • Carbohydrates:6 g
  • - of which sugars:5 g
  • Protein:35 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:1.8 g

People also ask

Air Fryer Ham usually takes about 50 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
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4.6 / 5 - (46 ratings)