I’ll never forget the first time I made honey glazed ham in my air fryer – my kitchen smelled like Christmas morning, and I hadn’t even broken a sweat! This air fryer honey glazed ham is my secret weapon when I need something impressive but easy, whether it’s for holiday gatherings or just a special weeknight dinner. The magical combo of sweet honey, warm spices, and that perfect caramelized crust comes together in about 20 minutes flat. No oven babysitting, no messy cleanup, just juicy ham with a sticky-sweet glaze that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the old way!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new favorite:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to table in 20 minutes – perfect when guests surprise you!
- Juicy perfection: The air fryer locks in moisture better than my oven ever could
- Easy cleanup: One bowl for the glaze, no splattered oven walls to scrub
- That caramelized magic: Gets that sticky-sweet crust we all crave without burning
- Small batch friendly: No need to make a whole giant ham just for two people
Honestly? The hardest part is waiting those five minutes before slicing in!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you already have most in your pantry! Here’s what makes my honey glazed ham sing:
- 1 (2-3 lb) pre-cooked ham – Look for “fully cooked” or “ready-to-eat” labels (spiral-cut works great!)
- 1/4 cup honey – Use good-quality stuff; I love local wildflower honey here
- 2 tbsp packed brown sugar – Dark brown gives deeper flavor, but light works too
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – The secret tang that keeps the glaze from being too sweet
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves – Just enough to warm things up without overpowering
Got maple syrup? Swap it for honey for a fun variation!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer honey glazed ham shine:
- Air fryer – Any size works, but make sure your ham fits comfortably
- Mixing bowl – For whipping up that sticky-sweet glaze
- Basting brush – To slather on the glaze (a silicone one’s my favorite)
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
Making this air fryer honey glazed ham is so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a showstopper ham in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
First, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the honey, packed brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Trust me, the mustard is the secret weapon here – it keeps the glaze balanced and not too sweet. If the glaze feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it up. You want it just pourable enough to brush on the ham easily.
Step 2: Air Fry the Ham
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). While it’s heating, brush half the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into any nooks and crannies. Place the ham in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, brush on the rest of the glaze and air fry for another 5-10 minutes, until the outside is beautifully caramelized and the internal temperature hits 140°F (60°C).
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Here’s the hardest part: let the ham rest for 5 minutes before slicing. I know, I know – it’s tempting to dive right in, but this step ensures it stays juicy. Slice it about 1/4-inch thick for perfect little pieces that are easy to serve. And don’t forget to drizzle any extra glaze from the air fryer basket over the top for maximum flavor!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips for air fryer honey glazed ham perfection:
- Size matters: If your ham’s over 3 lbs, you’ll need to increase cooking time in 5-minute increments
- Glaze too thick? Add warm water a teaspoon at a time until it brushes on smoothly
- No crowding! Leave space around the ham so the air can circulate properly
- Watch closely during the last few minutes – that honey glaze goes from golden to burnt fast!
- Baste twice: That second layer of glaze makes all the difference for flavor
Bonus tip: Save the ham bone for the best bean soup you’ll ever taste!
Variations for Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists – I can never decide which version I love more!
- Maple magic: Swap honey for pure maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon
- Tropical twist: Mix crushed pineapple into the glaze for Hawaiian vibes
- Spicy kick: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to balance the sweetness
- Citrus burst: Stir in 1 tsp orange zest for bright, fresh flavor
My neighbor swears by adding bourbon to the glaze – I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s next on my list!
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer honey glazed ham shines on any table! For holidays, pair it with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. Weeknight dinner? Just add quick-cooking green beans and dinner rolls. Leftovers make killer ham sandwiches – slap some between warm biscuits with a smear of mustard. Heaven!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! Store your air fryer honey glazed ham in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pop slices in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes – it’ll come out just as crispy and delicious as the first time. I love using leftovers in omelets or grilled cheese for an instant flavor boost!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on nutrition per serving (about 100g): 210 calories, 12g sugar, 18g protein. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers may vary slightly based on your ingredients. Now go enjoy that ham guilt-free!
FAQs About Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
I get asked these questions all the time about my air fryer honey glazed ham – here’s what you need to know!
Can I use a larger ham in my air fryer?
Absolutely! Just make sure it fits comfortably in your basket with some breathing room. For hams over 3 lbs, add 5-minute cooking increments and check the internal temperature frequently. The glaze might need doubling too!
How do I prevent my ham from drying out?
Two secrets: First, always use pre-cooked ham (raw hams won’t work here). Second, don’t skip the resting time! Those 5 minutes let the juices redistribute. And of course, that honey glaze acts like a moisture barrier.
Can I make this without honey?
Sure thing! Maple syrup works beautifully, or try brown sugar mixed with a bit of orange juice. The glaze won’t be quite as sticky, but still delicious.
Why is my glaze burning?
Ah, the honey’s high sugar content can caramelize fast. If you notice it darkening too quickly, lower the temp to 300°F (150°C) for the last few minutes. And always do that second glaze application toward the end!
Share Your Results
Did your air fryer honey glazed ham turn out as dreamy as mine? I’d love to hear! Drop me a note below with your favorite variation or any clever tweaks you discovered. Happy cooking!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham for Juicy Perfection
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Make a juicy honey glazed ham in your air fryer with minimal effort. Perfect for holidays or quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 lb) pre-cooked ham
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves in a bowl.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham.
- Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Brush remaining glaze and air fry another 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
- Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use precooked ham for best results.
- Adjust glaze thickness with water if needed.
- Check internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: air fryer ham, honey glazed ham, quick ham recipe