Description
This Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare a juicy, bone-in ham. Coated with a rich garlic butter glaze infused with honey and thyme, the ham is cooked to perfection in an air fryer, resulting in a tender interior and a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines convenience with delicious, savory taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Ham
- 1 bone-in ham (about 3 lbs)
Garlic Butter Glaze
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to preheat thoroughly to ensure even cooking of the ham.
- Prepare the garlic butter glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, honey, and dried thyme. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a flavorful glaze.
- Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and adds texture.
- Apply the initial glaze: Brush half of the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to cover all scored areas.
- Air fry the ham: Place the ham in the air fryer basket. Cook at 300°F for 30 minutes, flipping the ham halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. When flipped, brush the remaining glaze over the ham.
- Crisp the crust: Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional five minutes. This step crisps up the exterior and gives the ham a beautiful golden crust.
- Rest and serve: Remove the ham from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the ham; since it’s precooked, the goal is to heat through and develop a crispy glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 140°F for safety and optimal warmth.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika to the garlic butter glaze.
- Letting the ham rest after cooking is crucial to retain juices and improve texture.
- If your air fryer basket is small, you might need to cut the ham in half for it to fit comfortably.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American