Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer ham steak with this easy baking recipe. The air fryer creates a beautifully caramelized glaze while keeping the ham perfectly juicy inside. Ready in under 15 minutes, this foolproof method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

2 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 ham steak (approximately 300g, fully cooked)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp brown sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp Dijon mustard</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cloves</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of black pepper</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 320 calories

🥑 Fat: 16 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 5 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 14 g

🍭 Sugar: 12 g

🍗 Protein: 28 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg

🧂 Sodium: 1200 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small mixing bowl</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3-5 minutes. This preheating stage is essential for achieving that perfect sear on your ham steak. While waiting, remove the ham steak from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels - this helps the glaze adhere better and promotes caramelization. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper until completely smooth. The acid in the vinegar helps cut through the richness of the ham while the sugar components will create a beautiful caramelization during cooking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Place the ham steak in your preheated air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a rack rather than a basket, you can place it directly on the rack. Using your pastry brush, generously coat the top side of the ham with about half of the glaze mixture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Cook the ham steak for 4 minutes at 180°C. The air fryer's circulating heat will begin caramelizing the sugars in the glaze while warming the ham through. Because ham steaks are pre-cooked, we're focusing on flavor development rather than bringing it to a safe temperature. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Carefully flip the ham steak (it will be hot!) and brush the second side with the remaining glaze. Return to the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. Look for a shiny, sticky appearance and slightly darkened edges - these are signs of perfect caramelization. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Check that the internal temperature has reached at least 57°C (135°F) for optimal serving temperature. If you prefer your ham warmer, you can continue cooking for 1-2 minutes more, but be careful not to overcook as ham steaks can dry out quickly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Remove the ham steak from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 2 minutes. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. Serve immediately while still warm, perhaps with a small bowl of any remaining glaze on the side for dipping. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe?

This recipe uses a fully cooked ham steak (about 300g), brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. These ingredients create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelises beautifully in the air fryer.

How to cook Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe by preheating your air fryer to 180°C, mixing the glaze ingredients, brushing half the glaze on the ham, cooking for 4 minutes, flipping and adding remaining glaze, then cooking another 3-4 minutes until caramelised. The process takes just 15 minutes total and creates a perfectly juicy ham with sticky, caramelised edges.

Can I use a spiral ham slice instead of a ham steak in my air fryer?

Yes, spiral ham slices work well but may cook faster due to their thinner cut. Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes and watch carefully to prevent over-drying. The glaze will work perfectly with spiral ham, though you might need slightly less due to the increased surface area.

What side dishes pair well with glazed ham cooked in an air fryer?

Air fryer glazed ham pairs beautifully with scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider adding buttered dinner rolls, air fryer sweet potato wedges, or steamed green beans with almonds.

How long does it take to cook ham in an air fryer compared to conventional methods?

Air fryer ham cooking is significantly faster than conventional methods. While oven-baked ham steak takes 20-25 minutes and pan-frying takes about 10-12 minutes with less even caramelisation, air fryer ham is perfectly cooked and glazed in just 7-8 minutes total cooking time.

Want to try something else in ...