Honey Glazed Ham in Air Fryer

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This small honey glazed ham cooks up juicy and tender in the air fryer with a sweet, caramelized glaze. It's a super easy option for holidays or simple dinners without using the oven.

A cooked ham with a crosshatch pattern sits on a platter, surrounded by lemon slices and parsley.

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I like making a smaller ham in the air fryer when I want something that feels special without committing to a full oven meal. It cooks faster, stays incredibly juicy, and the glaze turns perfectly caramelized without much effort. This is one of those recipes I come back to for holidays, but honestly, I make it just as often for a simple weekend dinner when I want something a little more satisfying.

I rotate the basic recipe with different flavors like this Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze or a citrusy option like this Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham, and it always turns out great. Plus, the leftover ham is just as good. My go-to is using the extra slices for a ham and grilled cheese sandwich the next day. It's an easy way to stretch one meal into something just as delicious the second time around.

Ingredients

A cooked ham rests on paper towels on a wooden tray, surrounded by bowls of breadcrumbs, mustard, spices, a lemon, and a small pitcher of liquid on a white table.

Smoked ham
Softened unsalted butter
Olive oil
Light brown sugar
Raw honey
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
Pat meat dry and score the surface in a diamond pattern without cutting all the way through. Place the ham on a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray.
Mix oil and butter, then set aside about two-thirds of the mixture. Brush the ham with the remaining butter mixture all over, including into the cuts, and loosely cover with foil.
Air fry for 30 minutes, basting halfway through.
While it cooks, stir brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt, honey, and lemon juice into the reserved butter mixture.
Remove the foil, brush the brown sugar glaze over the ham (getting into the cuts), and cook for 10 more minutes, basting once.
Increase the temperature to 395°F (200°C), baste again, and cook the ham for 5 minutes until golden and caramelized. Remove the ham from the air fryer.

A glazed, sliced ham garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices on a white plate.

Tips

Top tip: Baste the top of the ham regularly to build flavor and keep the ham moist throughout cooking. Applying the glaze in layers rather than all at once results in a richer, more caramelized coating.

Pat the ham dry first so the butter and glaze stick better and caramelize nicely.
Score lightly and evenly. Don't cut too deep, just enough to let the glaze soak in and create that classic look.
Wrap the ham with a foil cover to keep the ham from drying out while it heats through.
Watch closely at higher heat during the final minutes since the sugars in the topping can burn quickly.
Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. Parchment rounds for air fryers are best as they collect the juice around the ham.
Let the ham rest a few minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Adjust cooking time based on size since smaller or larger hams may cook a bit faster or slower.
Save the juices and glaze from the tray. They're great spooned over slices or used for leftovers.

Three slices of cooked ham served on a white plate with lemon slices and parsley, with a fork, sauce, and a platter of ham in the background.

Variations

Here are some easy substitutions and variations for this boneless ham recipe:

Swap the sweetener: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a slightly different flavor.
Try a different sugar: Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or even granulated sugar in a pinch.
Change the citrus: Use orange juice or pineapple juice instead of lemon for a sweeter, brighter glaze.
Use Dijon or whole grain mustard: Adds a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness really well.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat combo.
Go herb-forward: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for a more savory twist.
Use all butter or all oil: If you don't have both, either one works-though butter gives a richer flavor.
Try a sugar-free version: Use a low-carb sweetener and sugar-free syrup for a keto-friendly ham.
Switch up the spices: Nutmeg or allspice can be used instead of cloves for a slightly different warm flavor.
Add a glaze finish: Brush on a little extra honey or syrup right at the end for a glossy, sticky coating.

Pairings

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this glazed air fryer ham:

Storage

Store leftover honey glazed air fryer ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I like to keep a little of the glaze or juices with the slices to help prevent them from drying out. If you have a larger piece, you can wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a container.

To reheat, warm the ham gently to keep it from drying out. You can microwave slices in short intervals with a splash of water or extra glaze, or reheat in the air fryer at about 300°F until heated through. For larger portions, covering with foil while reheating helps lock in moisture and keeps the ham tender.

FAQs

How do I keep the ham from drying out in the air fryer?

Covering the ham with foil during the first part of cooking helps lock in moisture while it heats through. Basting it throughout the process and adding the glaze in stages also keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Can I use a fully cooked ham for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works best with a fully cooked or smoked ham. You're essentially reheating it while adding flavor and caramelization from the glaze.

How do I know when the ham is done?

The ham is ready when it's heated through and the glaze is golden and slightly caramelized. If you want to be precise, the internal temperature should reach about 140°F for pre-cooked ham.