If you’re on the hunt for a delightful centerpiece that feels both festive and surprisingly simple, this Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine slicing into a juicy, tender ham glazed with vibrant cranberry sauce, kissed with sweet orange notes, and caramelized brown sugar – all made effortlessly in your air fryer. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy a special meal with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, giving you plenty of reasons to smile around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this recipe lies in its straightforward yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering sweetness, tang, and depth of flavor while keeping the ham moist and beautifully glazed. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a bold fruity tartness and a beautiful ruby color that makes this glaze shine.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Offers a fresh citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Provides rich caramel notes and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.
- 1 4-5 pound sliced ham (boneless): The star of the show, ready to soak up all those flavors while staying juicy and tender.
How to Make Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This warms up the cooking chamber so your ham will begin cooking immediately and evenly. It’s a simple step but key for achieving that perfect caramelization without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
Next, mix your whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar in a small bowl. This trio creates a luscious glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with seasonal vibes. Be sure to save a few tablespoons of this glaze aside – it will be great for adding a final finishing touch once the ham is cooked.
Step 3: Get Ready to Glaze the Ham
If you have an oven-safe pan that fits inside your air fryer basket, fantastic – it helps keep things tidy during cooking. Otherwise, line the basket with foil to catch any drips. Place your ham in the center of a large sheet of foil and generously spoon the glaze between the slices and over the top. This allows every bite to be infused with that delicious cranberry flavor.
Step 4: Seal the Ham in Foil
Fold the foil around the ham and seal the edges tightly. This step is crucial for keeping the ham moist as it cooks, allowing it to steam in the flavorful glaze while the air fryer crisps up the edges beautifully.
Step 5: Cook and Glaze Again
Place the foil-wrapped ham inside your air fryer basket and cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully open the foil and spoon more glaze over the ham. Pop it back into the air fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes to let that glaze caramelize and develop a gorgeous finish.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Once your ham looks perfectly glazed and slightly caramelized, remove it from the air fryer. Spoon the reserved cranberry glaze over the ham to add a fresh burst of flavor and a glossy shine. This final glaze will really bring the dish to life just before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Fresh rosemary sprigs or thyme add an earthy aroma, while orange slices bring a bright, decorative touch that complements the glaze. You can also scatter a few fresh whole cranberries around for a festive pop of color.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery sweet potato casserole. For some freshness, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. The mix of sweet, savory, and tangy sides will round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your ham into a showstopper by plating it on a large wooden board decorated with sprigs of greenery and thinly sliced citrus. You could also create individual servings by layering ham slices with dollops of extra cranberry glaze on festive plates. This adds a touch of elegance to your meal without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any ham left over from your feast, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it an easy option for sandwiches or quick reheated dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover ham for longer storage. Slice it first, then pack the pieces into freezer-safe bags, pressing out the air before sealing. This helps maintain the ham’s moisture and flavor for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat slices in the air fryer at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through. Adding a spoonful of leftover cranberry glaze during reheating keeps each bite juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in ham for this Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in ham, but make sure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Cooking times may vary slightly because bone-in hams often take a bit longer to heat through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper temperature.
What if I don’t have whole berry cranberry sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with homemade cranberry sauce or a smooth cranberry jelly. If using jelly, you might want to slightly reduce the brown sugar since jelly tends to be sweeter and smoother.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely, though the air fryer really simplifies the process and creates a nice glaze in less time. You can bake the ham in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, following similar steps but increasing the cooking time to about 45 minutes.
How thick should the ham slices be?
For this recipe, sliced ham around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick works best. It allows the glaze to penetrate well without drying out the meat during cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays other than Christmas?
Definitely! The bright cranberry glaze and easy air fryer method make it perfect for any special occasion or even a simple weekend dinner when you want something a bit special and fuss-free.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe a try because it’s a beautiful blend of simplicity, flavor, and convenience all wrapped into one. Whether it’s holiday time or you just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this easy-to-follow recipe is bound to impress and satisfy everyone at your table. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham recipe offers a delicious way to prepare a juicy, flavorful ham with a sweet and tangy cranberry and orange glaze. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to cook the ham evenly while keeping it moist and tender.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Main Ingredient
- 1 4-5 pound sliced boneless ham
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking temperature for the ham.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar. Stir well to mix all ingredients. Reserve a few tablespoons of glaze for serving later.
- Prepare the Ham: To avoid making a mess inside the air fryer, either use a small oven-safe pan that fits inside the air fryer basket or line the basket with aluminum foil. Place the ham in the center of a large piece of foil.
- Glaze the Ham: Spoon the prepared glaze between the slices of the ham and spread some over the top for maximum flavor.
- Seal Ham in Foil: Carefully fold the foil around the ham to seal the edges, helping to keep moisture in during cooking.
- Cook the Ham: Place the foil-wrapped ham into the air fryer basket and set the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry the ham for 20 minutes.
- Reapply Glaze: After 20 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully spoon the glaze back over the ham to baste it.
- Finish Cooking: Return the ham to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze and heat through.
- Serve: Remove the ham from the air fryer, unwrap the foil, and spoon the reserved cranberry glaze over the ham. Garnish the serving plate with optional fresh herbs or citrus slices before serving.
Notes
- Use a boneless ham that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket for best results.
- Adjust cooking time based on ham size; larger hams might need more time.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- If you don’t have a small oven-safe pan, lining the basket with foil is a good alternative to catch drips.
- Let the ham rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier slices.
