Oh, the Christmas ham—that glorious centerpiece of holiday meals that usually takes up precious oven space for hours. That’s why I’m obsessed with making my air fryer Christmas ham glazed. It’s a total game-changer! Picture this: juicy, tender ham with a sticky, caramelized crust, ready in under an hour. No babysitting, no oven juggling—just pure holiday magic with minimal fuss. My family thought I’d lost it the first time I pulled a ham from the air fryer, but one bite of that crispy-sweet glaze and they were converts. Now, it’s our must-have for Christmas morning brunch and dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Christmas Ham Glazed
Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new holiday obsession:
- Lightning fast: Done in under an hour – no more waiting all day for that oven-baked ham!
- Perfect texture: The air fryer gives you that magical combo – crispy caramelized crust outside, juicy tender meat inside.
- Easiest cleanup ever: No messy roasting pans or sticky oven racks to scrub – just pop out the air fryer basket and you’re done.
- Foolproof glaze: My sweet-spicy mix caramelizes beautifully without burning (unlike those finicky oven glazes).
- Oven freedom: Leaves your main oven wide open for all those holiday sides and desserts.
Honestly, I get giddy every December knowing I don’t have to wrestle with a giant roasting pan anymore. This method is life-changing for busy holiday hosts!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Ham Glazed
Gathering these simple ingredients is step one to holiday magic – and trust me, each one plays a special role in making this ham unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (5-7 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham – The bone keeps it juicy, and pre-cooked means we’re just heating and glazing (no food safety worries!)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Pack it tight in the cup, friends – this creates that thick, sticky glaze we crave
- 1/4 cup honey – My grandma’s secret for shine that makes the ham look as good as it tastes
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard – The tangy counterpoint that keeps the glaze from being too sweet
- 1 tsp ground cloves – That warm, spicy aroma that screams “Christmas!”
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon – Just enough to make things interesting without overpowering
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional) – My cheat for extra moistness – the acid helps break down the ham’s fibers too
Pro tip: If your ham is on the smaller side (closer to 5 lbs), you might have extra glaze – not a bad problem to have! I always save it to brush on leftovers when reheating.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need much to make this glazed ham magic happen—just the basics from your kitchen and that trusty air fryer. Here’s what I grab every time:
- 5-7 quart air fryer (big enough for most holiday hams)
- Silicone basting brush (plastic melts—learned that the hard way!)
- Instant-read thermometer (140°F is our golden number)
That’s it! Well, besides a sharp knife for scoring—but I’m guessing you’ve already got one of those handy.
How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Ham Glazed
Okay friends, here’s where the magic happens! I’ll walk you through each step to ham perfection. The first time I tried this method, I couldn’t believe how easy it was compared to wrestling with a roasting pan. You’re about to become an air fryer ham convert!
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Grab that beautiful ham and let’s get it ready for its glaze makeover. First, pat it dry with paper towels—that helps the glaze stick better. Now for the fun part: scoring! Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts (about 1/4 inch deep) in a diamond pattern across the surface. This isn’t just for looks—those little grooves help the glaze seep into every delicious bite. If there’s a thick layer of fat on top, you can trim some off, but leave about 1/4 inch—it’ll render down and add amazing flavor.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Time to whip up that sticky, sweet-spicy glaze that makes this ham unforgettable. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and cinnamon. If you’re using pineapple juice (which I highly recommend for extra moisture), whisk that in too. Keep stirring until it’s completely smooth—no sugar lumps allowed! The consistency should be like thick syrup. Pro tip: microwave it for 15 seconds if it’s too thick to brush easily.
Step 3: Air Fry and Glaze
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the ham in the basket—if it’s too large, you might need to work in batches (no overcrowding or the glaze won’t caramelize properly). Brush half the glaze all over the ham, getting into those scored lines. Air fry for 20 minutes, then pull it out (careful, it’s hot!) and brush with the remaining glaze. Pop it back in for another 15-20 minutes until the outside is beautifully caramelized and the internal temperature hits 140°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—I know it’s hard to wait, but this keeps all those delicious juices inside!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Christmas Ham Glazed
After making this recipe dozens of times (and learning from my mistakes), here are my can’t-fail tips:
- Size matters: If your ham’s over 7 lbs, cook in batches—overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy glaze.
- Sweetness control: Taste your glaze before brushing! Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if it’s too sweet.
- No peeking: Resist opening the air fryer constantly—that heat escape slows down caramelization.
- Crisp hack: For extra crunch, sprinkle a teaspoon of brown sugar over the ham during the final 5 minutes.
Remember: Every air fryer runs a bit different. The first time you make this, check a few minutes early—you can always add time!
Variations for Your Air Fryer Ham
Oh, the fun you can have with this glaze! My family loves when I switch things up—here are our favorite twists:
- Maple magic: Swap honey for pure maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth
- Citrus spark: Stir in 1 tbsp orange zest with the pineapple juice—brightens the whole flavor profile
- Bourbon kick: Replace half the pineapple juice with bourbon (the alcohol cooks off, leaving amazing flavor)
The base recipe is perfection, but don’t be afraid to play—that’s how traditions start!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this beauty! That gorgeous glazed ham deserves equally amazing sides. My must-haves: creamy mashed potatoes (hello, gravy lake!), roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and buttery dinner rolls for glaze-dipping. For Christmas brunch? Swap in fluffy scrambled eggs and cinnamon-spiced apples. Leftovers (if you have any!) make killer sandwiches with sharp cheddar and a smear of that extra glaze!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the best part about this air fryer ham—leftovers stay miraculously delicious! Store any extra slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat individual portions in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. That little blast of heat works magic, bringing back that crispy glaze texture like it just came out of the fryer. My husband swears leftover ham tastes even better the next day—especially when tucked into grilled cheese sandwiches with a smear of that extra glaze!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers—but remember, these are estimates that’ll vary based on your ham’s size and brand. Here’s the breakdown per 100g serving (about one nice slice):
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g (mostly from that delicious glaze)
- Sodium: 800mg (ham’s naturally salty—no extra salt needed!)
- Fat: 12g (4g saturated, 6g unsaturated)
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 20g (hello, muscle fuel!)
Pro tip: If you’re watching sugar, you can cut the brown sugar by half—the honey and pineapple juice still give plenty of sweetness. And don’t stress about the fat—that’s what makes ham taste so darn good! Just enjoy it as part of a balanced holiday meal.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Christmas Ham Glazed
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this recipe (and trust me, I’ve heard them all):
- Can I use spiral ham? Absolutely! Spiral ham works beautifully—just be extra gentle when brushing on the glaze so it doesn’t fall apart. You might need to reduce the cooking time slightly since it’s pre-sliced.
- How do I prevent drying? The key is not overcooking it. Stick to the recommended cooking time and always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—140°F is perfect. Also, don’t skip the pineapple juice in the glaze—it adds extra moisture.
- Can I double the glaze? You bet! I often make extra glaze for dipping or drizzling over leftovers. Just keep an eye on it during cooking—too much glaze can make the ham overly sticky.
- What if my ham doesn’t fit in the air fryer? No worries—just cut it into smaller pieces and cook in batches. You’ll still get that amazing caramelized crust!
Tag me if you try this recipe—I love seeing your holiday creations!
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Irresistible Air Fryer Christmas Ham Glazed in Under an Hour
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious glazed Christmas ham cooked in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in the air fryer basket.
- Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and pineapple juice (if using) in a bowl.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham.
- Air fry for 20 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze.
- Cook for another 15-20 minutes until caramelized and heated through.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- If ham is too large, cook in batches.
- Check ham temperature with a meat thermometer (should reach 140°F).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American