Introduction
Are you craving a delicious ham but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! In this tutorial, we will teach you how to cook a mouthwatering ham in an air fryer. This method is quick, easy, and guarantees a juicy and flavorful result. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply want to treat yourself, the air fryer is the perfect tool for cooking a ham.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need a fully cooked ham, preferably boneless, weighing around 3-4 pounds. Additionally, gather brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of your ham and create a delightful glaze.
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). It is essential to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to achieve a crispy exterior.
2. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of ground cloves. Stir until well combined.
3. Place the ham in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably. If necessary, trim any excess fat from the ham to prevent it from touching the heating element.
4. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to cover all sides. The glaze will caramelize during cooking, adding a delicious sweetness to the ham.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Depending on the size of your ham, the cooking time will vary. As a general guide, cook the ham for 15 minutes per pound. Therefore, a 3-pound ham will require approximately 45 minutes of cooking time.
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the ham for the calculated time. Remember to flip the ham halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Checking for Doneness
After the recommended cooking time, check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer. The ham should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
If the ham hasn’t reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in increments of 5 minutes until it reaches the recommended temperature. Avoid overcooking the ham, as it may become dry.
Resting and Serving
Once the ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
After resting, slice the ham and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The air fryer-cooked ham is sure to impress your family and friends with its succulent taste and crispy glaze.
Cleaning Up
After enjoying your delicious meal, it’s time to clean up. Remove the air fryer basket and wash it with warm soapy water. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. It’s essential to clean the air fryer thoroughly to prevent any leftover residue from affecting the flavor of future dishes.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cook a ham in an air fryer, you can easily prepare this delectable dish for any occasion. The air fryer offers a convenient and efficient way to cook a ham, delivering exceptional results in a fraction of the time. Impress your loved ones with a juicy and flavorful ham that will leave them wanting more!