Air Fryer Brown Sugar Ham

This air fryer ham is my go-to when I want a gorgeous centerpiece with almost no fuss. Juicy boneless ham gets coated with a golden brown sugar pineapple glaze and warms up tender and sweet right in the air fryer. Whether it's a holiday celebration or just a crave-worthy Sunday dinner, you can put this on the table in less than an hour and still have time to enjoy yourself.

I made this for Thanksgiving one year when we wanted something different alongside turkey and now everyone wants it again for Christmas and Easter too. I love how it frees up the oven for sides and leaves the whole house smelling amazing.

Ingredients

• Boneless ham: look for a small city ham that fits in your air fryer great for serving four to six and easy to slice
• Brown sugar: use dark or light for deep sweetness and a golden finish press it in the measuring cup for accuracy
• Butter: real butter gives shine and mellowness to the glaze go for unsalted so you control the salt
• Pineapple: canned crushed pineapple with juice gives classic sweet flavor and keeps the glaze pourable choose one with only pineapple and juice for best results
• Fresh ginger: brings gentle warmth and a special zing pick a bright firm knob for best flavor
• Soy sauce: adds umami and balance low sodium or coconut aminos both work if you want it less salty
• Pineapple rings: optional but they give a festive look and extra juicy bites on top go for canned or fresh with no added sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Glaze:

In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat then stir in brown sugar crushed pineapple with juice freshly grated ginger and soy sauce Keep stirring as it heats up and bring to a steady simmer Cook gently for about two minutes so the sugar dissolves fully and the glaze smells rich Take it off the heat and set aside

Score and Ready the Ham:

Set the boneless ham on a large cutting board With a sharp knife make shallow diagonal cuts across the top about one inch deep and half inch apart Rotate the ham and make more cuts the other way so you have a diamond pattern This helps the glaze soak in

Build a Foil Basket:

Lay out a long sheet of heavy foil and place the ham in the center Lift the foil sides up and around to make a snug bowl to catch all the glaze and juices Make sure the edges come high enough to fold over the ham later Double up the foil if yours is thin to prevent leaks

Glaze and Wrap the Ham:

Brush half your prepared glaze generously all over the ham getting into the scored cuts Pour any extra glaze in the foil basket Fold the edges of foil together right over the ham to seal it up so steam stays in and the glaze does not leak out

First Air Fry Cycle:

Place the foil-wrapped ham in your air fryer basket Set temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit Cook for 20 minutes so the glaze and ham heat evenly

Glaze Again and Continue Cooking:

Carefully open the air fryer and unfold the foil Use a brush to cover the ham with the rest of your glaze Reseal the foil and slide the basket back in Cook for another 20 minutes at the same temperature until the ham is nicely heated

Crisp the Top:

Open the foil to expose the top of the ham Boost the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees and cook for about five minutes so the glaze bubbles and caramelizes Watch closely to keep it from burning

Let Rest and Serve:

Lift ham out of the air fryer when hot and let it rest ten minutes still in the foil Slice and serve on a platter with pineapple rings arranged on top and any glaze from the foil drizzled over

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My favorite part is always the golden crust on top especially when fresh pineapple rings get a bit caramelized under the glaze. My kids actually line up for the corner pieces and I have to set aside seconds for my husband or he will miss out.

Storage Tips

Let your leftover ham cool completely and store it in sealed food-safe containers or resealable bags in the fridge. It keeps fresh for up to four days. For longer storage slice or dice portions and freeze in airtight bags with the date on them. You can thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slices gently in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. I also like to toss small cubes into hot soup which heats them perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of brown sugar Use maple syrup or honey for a lighter glaze flavor or swap in coconut sugar for a richer molasses note. If you do not eat soy you can use coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari for the same savory hit. No fresh ginger Try ground ginger a quarter teaspoon will do or leave it out for a simpler taste. For dairy free just use olive oil or a vegan butter in place of dairy butter in the glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

This sweet and savory ham deserves sides that soak up all that glaze. Try spooning the slices over creamy mashed or cheesy scalloped potatoes. Classic green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon cut the sweetness perfectly. For a big meal I like to offer both bread stuffing and a simple salad so the plate feels festive. Leftovers go into grilled sandwiches even breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes.

Cultural and Historical Context

Air fryer ham is a fresh twist on the classic American holiday centerpieces like glazed baked hams served at Easter and Christmas. Traditionally these hams are baked low and slow in the oven with sweet or spicy glazes but switching to the air fryer lets you keep the tradition alive in smaller households with way less time and mess. If you have roots in the American South or Midwest this method nods to the history of glazed city ham but brings it right up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What size ham fits in an air fryer?

A 3–4 pound boneless ham fits well in most air fryer baskets. Always check your air fryer’s capacity before selecting a ham.

→ How long should I air fry ham?

Cook fully-cooked ham for 8–10 minutes per pound at 300°F. Adjust time based on your air fryer and ham thickness.

→ How do I make the glaze stick to the ham?

Scoring the ham before applying glaze helps the sweet sauce soak in, giving extra flavor and a beautiful golden crust.

→ Can I add extra spices to the glaze?

Absolutely! Cinnamon or whole cloves add festive flavor. Insert cloves in scored diamonds before glazing for aroma and taste.

→ How do I store leftover ham?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for future use.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Classic sides include cheesy potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, and green bean casserole for a balanced meal.