Ingredients
Scale
- 2–4 pounds of halal ham (boneless or bone-in, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a sweeter glaze)
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a subtle warmth)
- ½ cup apple juice or orange juice (helps keep the ham moist while cooking)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard (optional, for tang)
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Halal Ham: The key ingredient here is the ham itself. Ensure you use halal-certified ham, which means it’s prepared without any pork or non-halal meat products. Look for halal options at your local halal butcher or grocery store.
- Olive Oil or Butter: The fat helps with browning the ham and keeping it moist, ensuring that the crust turns crispy and golden brown.
- Brown Sugar and Spices: Brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness, while the mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon enhance the savory flavor profile.
- Apple or Orange Juice: These juices help maintain the ham’s moisture while cooking in the air fryer, preventing it from drying out and adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: These optional ingredients contribute to the overall sweetness of the dish, balancing the salty flavors of the ham.
Instructions
Prepare the Ham:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before placing the ham inside. This ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature to cook the ham evenly.
- Prepare the Ham: If your ham has a layer of skin or rind, carefully remove it with a sharp knife, leaving just a thin layer of fat to help keep the ham moist during cooking. You can score the fat in a crisscross pattern if you’d like to create a decorative and flavorful crust.
- Brush the Ham with Oil or Butter: Rub the ham all over with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the seasoning and glaze stick, while also ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.
- Season the Ham: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the surface of the ham, massaging it in to ensure all sides are covered.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine the apple juice or orange juice with maple syrup or honey. You can also add a spoonful of Dijon mustard if you prefer a tangier glaze. Stir until well mixed.
- Brush the Ham with Glaze: Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. You can reserve some of the glaze to brush on the ham during the last few minutes of cooking to add a more intense flavor and caramelization.
Cook the Ham in the Air Fryer:
- Place the Ham in the Air Fryer Basket: Carefully place the seasoned and glazed ham in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a rotating tray, make sure the ham is positioned securely.
- Cook the Ham: Air fry the ham at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes for smaller hams (2-3 pounds) or 40-45 minutes for larger hams (4 pounds). Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and baste the ham with some of the remaining glaze.
- Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is up, check the ham with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). If it needs more time, continue air frying for 5-minute intervals until the desired temperature is reached.
- Rest the Ham: Once the ham is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.
Slice and Serve:
- Slice the Ham: Use a sharp knife to slice the ham against the grain into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, and serve immediately. The ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 25g