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A mouthwatering Maple Glazed Ham doesn’t just have to be for holiday meals. Make it easy in your air fryer! Yes, it will save space in the oven on Christmas or Easter, but it’s also fast enough to enjoy on a busy weeknight. And that thick and tangy glaze is irresistible when paired with the salty, smoky flavor of the boneless ham.
Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer GHam
While holiday meals for Easter or Christmas might mean it’s time to make a big baked ham with pineapple and all the trimmings. But maybe you are having a smaller gathering, or you are looking for something simple to add to that roast turkey or prime rib.
Or you just don’t want to wait for a special occasion to enjoy a ham dinner!
That’s when you need to pick up a pre-cooked boneless ham from the grocery store and put your air fryer into action. Not only is it super simple to prep and quick to cook and serve, but you’ll also save space in your oven.
What is boneless ham?
Most of us know ham as the cut of pork leg that is cured and sometimes smoked. Boneless ham is from that same cut, but with the bones removed. It is then typically molded or shaped into an oval and sealed.
So it still looks and tastes like ham, though perhaps with not quite as much flavor. But it is affordable, quick to cook, and easy to slice and serve. In fact, you can often find them pre-sliced.
While ham itself is naturally gluten free, many brands add spices and glazes that contain gluten, or are processed in an area where there is a cross-contamination risk. So always check the label or brand website to ensure you are getting a gluten free ham. Some brands you can usually count on are:
- Cook’s
- Dietz & Watson (certified gluten free)
- Smithfield
- Jones Dairy Farm (certified gluten free)
How do you cook a precooked boneless ham?
Because it is already fully cooked and lacks the bones and layer of fat that help retain moisture, you’ll just need to warm your boneless ham. You will want to make sure it reaches 140°F in the middle.
The most common method is to bake it in the oven, placing it in a baking dish with some water and covering it so it gets nice and hot, but stays moist. Some people also like to make it even more delicious by coating it with a glaze and popping it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
In this recipe, though, you’ll cover it in the maple glaze right away and then cook it in the air fryer at a lower temperature to keep it from drying out.
Ingredients
Yes, you only need 4 ingredients! Here is a quick overview, but be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full amounts and detailed directions.
- Fully cooked boneless half ham: you’ll need one that is about 3 to 5 pounds.
- Maple syrup: you’ve got to use the real stuff here to give it the best flavor. No pancake syrup!
- Dijon mustard: gives the glaze that perfect tangy goodness. Dijon adds that nice kick, but you can use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard if that’s what you have.
- Light brown sugar: helps make the sweet glaze nice and thick, and that hint of molasses adds a smoky element.
How to Make Air Fryer Ham
Just gather your ham and the three ingredients for the glaze, plug in the air fryer, and get ready. Because you need just minutes to prep it, then while it cooks you can make the rest of your meal.
Make the glaze: In a saucepan, stir together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, bring it to a bubble over medium heat. Simmer for a few minutes.
Prepare the ham: Place the ham in the air fryer basket. Spoon half of the glaze over the ham, and save the rest for later.
Cook and serve: Air fry at 300°F for 35-40 minutes. Remove ham from the air fryer and spoon the remaining glaze over the top or serve on the side.
Storing leftovers
If you have any leftover ham, be sure to wrap it tightly, and you can keep it in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also wrap it and place it in a plastic freezer storage bag and freeze it for up to two months.
What to make with leftover ham
- Split Pea Soup with Ham
- Cheesy Asparagus Ham Egg Muffins
- Chef Salad Lettuce Wraps
- Gluten Free Hawaiian Pizza
Make it a Meal
Whether you prepare it for a holiday or a weeknight meal, here are some menu ideas for what to serve with maple glazed ham.
Christmas Dinner
Your Christmas ham dinner will be complete with some of these sides. It’s also great for Thanksgiving!
Easter Brunch
Ham is a classic Easter meal. Try it with some of these favorite brunch dishes that would also complete a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration.
Weeknight Meal
When ham is this easy to make, while it cooks you can easily whip up some some simple sides any night of the week.
Maple Glazed Air Fryer Ham
Ingredients
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 fully cooked boneless half ham (3 to 5 pounds)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and light brown sugar. While stirring, bring to a bubble over medium heat. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- For easier cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place the basket in the air fryer. Spoon half of the glaze over the ham, and set the rest aside.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 300°F and cook for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove the ham from your air fryer and spoon the remaining glaze over the top or serve on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Did you make this?
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