Looking for the perfect holiday main dish? This Air Fryer Spiral Ham is juicy, flavorful, and topped with a delicious caramelized brown sugar glaze. It’s faster than oven-baked ham and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter!
🔹 Want to complete your holiday meal? Try these Best Air Fryer Holiday Side Dishes!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Spiral Ham Recipe
✔ Super Juicy & Flavorful – The air fryer locks in moisture, keeping the ham tender.
✔ Caramelized Glaze – A sweet and savory glaze that gets perfectly sticky and golden brown.
✔ Faster Cooking Time – Cooks in under an hour compared to oven-baking.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.
🔹 Looking for more air fryer holiday recipes? Check out these must-try Air Fryer Side Dishes!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Spiral Ham
For the Ham:
- 1 pre-cooked spiral ham (3–5 lbs, bone-in or boneless)
- Aluminum foil (to wrap and retain moisture)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
🔹 Want a smoky twist? Try adding ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the glaze!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Spiral Ham
1️⃣ Prepare the Ham
- Remove the ham from packaging and discard any plastic pieces or glaze packets.
- If the ham is too large, trim slightly so it fits in your air fryer basket.
2️⃣ Wrap & Preheat
- Wrap the ham in aluminum foil to keep it moist during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
3️⃣ Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, mustard, melted butter, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Cook the Ham
- Place the foil-wrapped ham in the air fryer.
- Cook at 300°F for 20 minutes to warm it through.
5️⃣ Add the Glaze & Caramelize
- Open the foil and generously brush the glaze all over the ham.
- Increase air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10–15 more minutes, basting halfway through.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
- Remove the ham and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with your favorite holiday sides!
🔹 Want a crispy crust? Air fry uncovered for the last 5 minutes to let the glaze caramelize!
How Long to Cook Spiral Ham in the Air Fryer?
| Ham Weight | Temperature | Total Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3 lbs | 300°F → 350°F | 30–35 minutes |
| 4 lbs | 300°F → 350°F | 35–40 minutes |
| 5 lbs | 300°F → 350°F | 40–45 minutes |
✔ Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer and ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) internally before serving.
Best Sides to Serve with Air Fryer Spiral Ham
Pair your juicy air fryer ham with these delicious holiday sides:
🥔 Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
🌽 Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
🥦 Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
🥖 Homemade Dinner Rolls
Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ Freeze: Wrap ham tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
✔ Reheat in Air Fryer: Heat slices at 300°F for 5–7 minutes until warm.
🔹 Looking for leftover ham recipes? Try this Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I cook a frozen ham in the air fryer?
No, it’s best to thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator before air frying.
2. What size ham fits in an air fryer?
Most 3–5 lb hams fit in a standard 5–6 quart air fryer. If using a larger ham, trim to fit.
3. Can I use a different glaze?
Yes! Try maple syrup, pineapple juice, or apple cider glaze for a unique flavor.
4. How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
Wrapping in foil and cooking at low heat first keeps the ham moist and tender.
5. Can I use a boneless spiral ham?
Absolutely! Boneless hams cook faster, so check for doneness 5 minutes early.
Conclusion: The Best Air Fryer Spiral Ham Recipe
This Air Fryer Spiral Ham is quick, easy, and perfect for holiday meals. The juicy ham and caramelized glaze make it an instant favorite for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter!
Would you try this recipe? Comment below and let me know how it turns out!
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🔗 Full Recipe: https://umirecipes.com/air-fryer-spiral-ham/