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Crispy Sweet Air Fryer Glazed Ham Recipe with Honey Brown Sugar Crust Perfect for Holidays

crispy sweet air fryer glazed ham - featured image

This crispy sweet air fryer glazed ham features a honey brown sugar crust that caramelizes to a sticky, crunchy shell, delivering a delicious and impressive holiday main dish in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3-pound smoked ham steak or small boneless ham
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • A pinch of ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Pat the ham dry with paper towels and lightly brush with olive oil or melted butter.
  4. Using a basting brush, coat the ham evenly with half of the glaze mixture.
  5. Place the ham in the air fryer basket, flat side down, and cook at 350°F for 12 minutes.
  6. Carefully flip the ham over and brush with the remaining glaze. Cook for another 10-12 minutes until the glaze bubbles and forms a crispy crust.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 140°F (60°C). Add a few more minutes if desired, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Remove the ham from the air fryer and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5-7 minutes.
  9. Slice thickly and serve warm.

Notes

If the crust browns too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F and extend cooking time slightly. Use gentle motions when flipping to keep the glaze intact. Resting the ham after cooking allows juices to redistribute and the crust to set. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive or avocado oil. Variations include adding cayenne for spice or swapping honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer ham, glazed ham, honey brown sugar crust, holiday ham, quick ham recipe, crispy ham, smoked ham, easy holiday dinner