Make dinnertime effortless with this orange-glazed air fryer ham, perfect for small-family holidays or everyday dinners. You'll enjoy a tender, flavorful ham with minimal prep and cooking time.
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When it comes to holiday meals or even a special weeknight dinner, there’s nothing quite like serving a glazed ham. But traditional ham recipes can be intimidating. The oven takes forever, and there’s always that nagging fear of drying it out. That’s why I’m obsessed with this air fryer ham recipe. It’s quick, foolproof, and produces a perfectly glazed ham every time.
The air fryer simplifies the whole process. I used to spend hours basting and checking on a ham in the oven, but now I just prep it, pop it in the air fryer, and do a final glaze at the end. The homemade orange glaze is sweet, tangy, and just a little bit zesty. It adds so much flavor, and the caramelization from the air fryer makes it extra special. Honestly, I’m never going back to the old way.
When you’re cooking for a small family dinner, this ham is sure to impress. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy days when you want a standout meal without spending hours in the kitchen. And, if you have leftovers, they are perfect for Hawaiian roll sliders or enjoying in mini frittatas for breakfast.
Ingredients
- Ham: A small pre-sliced ham ensures even cooking and easy serving, while being fully cooked saves time.
- Fresh oranges: Add visual appeal and infuse a subtle citrus flavor into the ham as it cooks. They also provide a bright, tangy base for the glaze with natural sweetness and a citrusy aroma.
- Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness in the ham and promotes caramelization for a glossy, flavorful finish. It also creates a rich, sticky texture for the glaze.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
I like to start out by bringing the ham to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting. Then, I wash the oranges and pat them dry before moving on to these simple recipe steps.
In a small saucepan, zest the rind of two oranges. Slice the oranges in half and squeeze the juice into the saucepan.
Add the brown sugar and stir. Bring the orange juice mixture to a simmer. Continue stirring until the brown sugar completely dissolves and the mixture has turned into a glaze.
Pre-heat Air Fryer to 375°F (191°C) and set at 30 minutes. Slice the remaining orange. Place ham on parchment paper lined air fryer tray (or basket). Sprinkle brown sugar over one side of each orange slice.
Place ham on parchment paper lined air fryer tray (or basket). Insert thinly sliced oranges in between ham slices. Brush ¾ of the orange glaze on all sides of the ham. Cover ham with foil.
Air Fry for 23 minutes. At the last 7 minutes, remove ham and brush the remaining orange glaze over the ham. Adjust Air Fryer to 370°F (188°C). Return the tray to the middle cooking chamber. Continue to Air Fry the uncovered ham for 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Hint: lightly tent the ham with aluminum foil during the first half of cooking to prevent the glaze from burning. Then, remove the foil toward the end to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
Variations
Here are some simple ways to customize this easy air fryer ham recipe:
- Add spices: Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice into the glaze for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
- Swap the sweetener: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- Change up the citrus: Replace or combine the orange with other citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or grapefruit for a unique tang.
- Make it savory: Add a touch of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the glaze for a sweet-savory balance.
- Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant and herbaceous touch.
- Pineapple upgrade: Layer slices of pineapple over the ham or use pineapple juice in the glaze for a tropical variation. You can also try using sweetened air fryer pineapples.
- Kick of heat: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle spicy contrast to the sweetness.
Tips
Top tip: Use a fully cooked, pre-sliced ham to save time and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: Apply the glaze generously, reserving some to brush on during cooking for an extra glossy, flavorful finish.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.
- Use Foil Wisely: Tent the ham with foil during the first half of cooking to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Check the Fit: Make sure your ham fits comfortably in your air fryer basket before starting.
- Monitor the Glaze: Stir the glaze frequently while preparing to ensure it doesn’t scorch or separate.
- Let It Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute for a tender result.
Serving suggestions
When it’s time to serve your orange glazed ham, consider pairing it with classic side dishes for a complete and balanced meal. Creamy mashed red potatoes or garlic butter green beans are excellent options to complement the sweet and tangy glaze. A light chopped salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.
For a holiday or festive spread, serve the ham alongside traditional sides like green bean casserole, cornbread, or scalloped potatoes. Adding a fruit-based dish, such as cranberry sauce or a citrus-infused fruit salad, can further enhance the bright flavors of the orange glaze. Don’t forget a basket of warm dinner rolls or buttermilk biscuits to round out the meal.
If you have leftovers, the ham is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed in so many ways. Slice it thin for sandwiches, dice it for a ham and bean soup, or chop it into a breakfast scramble. You can even toss it into a pasta dish with a light cream sauce or add it to a homemade personal pizza. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe not only a centerpiece but also a gift that keeps on giving.
Storage
Allow the ham to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For added protection, you can place the wrapped ham in a resealable plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the ham by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or using a vacuum-sealed bag. This method will keep it safe for up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to reheat the ham, you can do so either in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and heat the ham for about 10-15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes to avoid overcooking. If using an oven, preheat to 325°F (163°C) and cover the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out, heating it for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the ham.
For a quick microwave reheat, slice the ham and place it on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If you have leftover glaze, you can drizzle it over the ham during reheating to refresh the flavor.
FAQs
Yes, you can use a variety of glazes for your spiralized ham in the air fryer. Traditional options include brown sugar and honey, maple syrup, or fruit-based glazes like orange or pineapple. Feel free to experiment with your favorite glaze or even create a unique one by adding ingredients such as mustard, bourbon, or spices. Just be sure to apply the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning.
To prevent your spiralized ham from drying out in the air fryer, it's important to monitor the cooking time and temperature carefully. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C), and cook the ham until it's heated through. You can also brush the ham with extra glaze or a little bit of broth or melted butter before cooking to help retain moisture. If the ham is getting too brown, you can cover it loosely with foil towards the end of the cooking process.
Yes, it is best to thaw a frozen spiralized ham before cooking it in the air fryer. Thaw the ham in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours depending on its size. Cooking a frozen ham in the air fryer can lead to uneven heating and an overcooked exterior while leaving the inside cold. If you're short on time, you can cook it from frozen, but expect a longer cooking time and check frequently to ensure it's heated all the way through.
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Recipe
Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham
Ingredients
Ham:
- 2.5 pound pre-sliced cooked ham
- 1 large orange thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Glaze:
- 2 medium oranges zest and juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Bring the ham to room temperature at least 30 minutes before air frying.
- Thoroughly wash the oranges and pat dry them with a paper towel.
- In a small saucepan, zest the rind of two oranges.
- Slice the fresh oranges in half and directly squeeze the juice into the saucepan.
- Add the brown sugar and stir. Bring the orange juice mixture to a simmer. Continue stirring until the brown sugar completely dissolves and the mixture has turned into a glaze.
- The glaze should be ready between 12 to 15 minutes.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 375°F (191°C). Set at 30 minutes.
- Remove the pre-sliced ham from the packaging and gently transfer to a parchment-paper lined Air Fryer tray. Place ham diagonally, almost reaching both ends of the rectangular tray.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over one side of each orange slice.
- Insert thinly sliced oranges in between ham slices.
- Slowly brush ¾ of the orange glaze on all sides of the ham. Cover ham with foil. Set aside the remaining orange glaze.
- Insert Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch. Air Fry for 23 minutes.
- At the last 7 minutes, remove the Air Fryer tray and brush the remaining orange glaze over the ham.
- Adjust Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C).
- Return the tray to the middle cooking chamber. Continue to Air Fry the uncovered ham for 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Allow the ham to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- For a festive look, transfer to a platter surrounded by colorful fresh fruits and herbs.
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