With this air fryer ham and keto glaze recipe, you'll get a perfectly cooked main dish with minimal effort. This easy recipe delivers a crispy outside and juicy inside without the hassle of traditional baking.
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Some meals feel like a big commitment, but ham doesn’t have to be one of them. I used to think making a baked ham meant hours in the oven, constant basting, and a sugary mess. Once I figured out how to make a low-carb version in the air fryer, it became one of my go-to meals for both special occasions and easy weeknights.
The best part about this recipe is that it delivers all the flavor without the sugar overload. Traditional glazes rely on heavy amounts of brown sugar or honey, but this version keeps things simple while still giving you that golden coating. Whether you’re avoiding carbs or just want a ham that doesn’t feel like a sugar bomb, this recipe gets the job done.
I love making this when I want something that looks impressive but takes minimal effort. It’s great for meal prep too because leftovers make the best sandwiches, mini frittatas, or quick protein-packed snacks. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy ham without the unnecessary carbs, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
Here's what I use to make the air fryer ham recipe:
- No sugar added cooked boneless ham – Keeps the dish low-carb while allowing the natural flavors of the ham to shine without added sweetness. Avoid using a larger ham that won't fit in your air fryer.
- Sugar alternative (Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener Golden) – Mimics the caramelization and sweetness of traditional brown sugar without the carbs.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy glaze that sticks to the ham.
- Whole grain mustard – Provides texture and a slight tang, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Dijon mustard – Adds a bold, slightly sharp contrast that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Fresh lemon (zest and juice) – Brightens the glaze with acidity and helps cut through the richness.
- Slightly pressed fresh garlic cloves – Releases a mellow, savory depth that complements the ham.
- Fresh rosemary – Adds an aromatic, earthy note that pairs well with the smoky ham.
- Water – Helps thin the glaze to the right consistency for even coating.
- Pinch of ground cloves – Enhances the warm, spiced undertones that are classic in ham glazes.
- Pinch of kosher salt – Brings out the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground black pepper – Adds a mild heat that complements the glaze’s sweetness and acidity.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Ready to make this easy air fryer ham recipe? Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions.
In a small saucepan, add the sugar alternative, butter, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest.
Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, and water. Season the sugar-free mixture with ground cloves, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Continue stirring until the sugar alternative has completely dissolved, and the mixture starts to be sticky and thicken, about 8 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and set mixture aside at room temperature.
Remove the net from the ham and trim excess fat and skin.
Score ham diagonally, about ½ to ¾ inch deep and the lines 1 to 1 ½ inches apart.
Place ham on the air fryer basket or tray. Generously brush the sugar-free glaze over the top of the ham.
Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes until golden and the ham reaches internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), brushing on drippings every 10 minutes.
Smother the ham with the drippings and glaze every 10 minutes.
Hint: applying the keto-friendly brown sugar glaze in stages by brushing it on before cooking and reapplying during the process will enhance the flavor and ensures a caramelized finish.
Variations
Customizing your keto ham in the air fryer recipe is a great way to tailor it to your taste preferences while keeping it low-carb. Here are some easy modifications you can try:
- Experiment with Different Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Swap out your usual sweetener for alternatives like erythritol, stevia, or allulose to find the flavor profile you prefer.
- Incorporate Citrus Zest: Add orange or lime zest to the sweet topping for a fresh, tangy twist that complements the savory ham.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Mix chopped herbs such as thyme, sage, or parsley into the glaze or use them as a garnish for added aroma and flavor.
- Include Spices: Introduce spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon to the topping mixture to enhance depth and add a subtle kick.
- Use Alternative Mustards: Replace Dijon mustard with spicy brown or horseradish mustard to alter the glaze's flavor profile.
- Add Heat: For a spicy-sweet combination, include a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into your ham topping.
For a more traditional ham, check out my orange citrus air fryer ham.
Tips
Top tip: Wrapping the ham entirely in foil helps retain moisture during cooking, preventing it from drying out.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the recommended temperature before placing the ham inside. This helps in achieving even cooking and a nicely caramelized exterior.
- Apply the topping in Layers: Brushing the ham with the sugar-free topping before cooking and then reapplying during the cooking process allows the flavors to meld and creates a beautiful, sticky coating.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), use a meat thermometer. This guarantees that the ham is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let the Ham Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the ham to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in moist and tender slices.
Serving suggestions
When serving a low-carb glazed ham, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance the meal while keeping it aligned with your dietary goals. One excellent option is garlic butter green beans. Another satisfying choice is roasted cabbage steaks which cook up effortlessly in your oven.
For a more indulgent experience, consider serving the ham with a fresh salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a keto-friendly dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham. A warm spinach bacon salad is one of my favorites.
Storage
To store leftover ham, first allow the ham to cool to room temperature. Slice the ham into individual portions and pllace them in an airtight container. It's best to consume refrigerated ham within 4 days to ensure optimal quality and safety.
For longer storage, you can freeze the ham slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ham can maintain quality for up to 2 months.
When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham slices in a baking dish, adding a bit of broth or water to keep them moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or glaze, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
FAQs
Yes, you can use any cooked ham for this recipe, but choose a no-sugar-added or minimally processed ham to keep it low-carb. Pre-cooked ham works best as it reduces cooking time and ensures the ham stays tender and juicy.
To prevent it from burning, it’s important to apply in layers. Brush the ham with it before air frying and then reapply during the cooking process. Additionally, cover the ham loosely with foil for the first part of cooking to protect the glaze while the ham heats through.
Yes, you can make the ham and glaze ahead of time. To store, keep the ham slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. When reheating, place the ham in the oven or skillet with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
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Recipe
Keto Air Fried Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 2.6 pounds no sugar added cooked ham
GLAZE:
- ½ cup sugar alternative I used Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener Golden
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon old-style whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 piece fresh lemon zest and juice
- 3 cloves slightly pressed fresh garlic
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- ⅓ cup water
- generous pinch of ground cloves
- generous pinch of kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
GARNISH:
- 1 fresh lemon thinly sliced
- sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the sugar alternative, butter, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and water.
- Season the sugar-free mixture with ground cloves, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously to combine and bring the mixture to a boil (248°F/120°C).
- Continue stirring until the sugar alternative has completely dissolved, and the mixture starts to be sticky and thicken, about 8 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside the sugar-free glaze at room temperature.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 379.4°F (193°C). Set for 45 minutes.
- Remove the net from the ham and trim excess fat and skin.
- Score ham diagonally, about ½ to ¾ inch deep and the lines 1 to 1 ½ inches apart.
- This recipe uses an Air Fryer Oven:
- Gently transfer the scored ham, the largest part of the ham flat side down, to the Air Fryer tray with an Air Fryer parchment paper liner. Then generously glaze the scored ham with the sugar-free glaze.
- Slowly insert the Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- If using an Air Fryer with basket:
- Do the above-mentioned and place the Air Fryer basket accordingly. If the Air Fryer comes with a crisper plate, place the parchment paper liner on top of it.
- Air Fry the sugar-free ham for 35 to 45 minutes until golden and the ham reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Smother the ham with the drippings and sugar-free glaze every 10 minutes.
- Allow the sugar-free glazed ham to rest at least 10 minutes, covered before slicing and serving. Serve the sugar-free glazed ham with thinly sliced lemon and fresh rosemary.
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