Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Herb Butter: Your Easiest & Most Flavorful Holiday Main Dish
Prepare to revolutionize your holiday meal planning with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious air fryer ham recipe! Featuring a fully baked ham enhanced with just a handful of staple ingredients – butter, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs – this dish promises succulent results without monopolizing your oven. It’s the perfect fuss-free centerpiece for Easter dinner, Christmas feast, or any special occasion where you want to impress without the stress.
When holiday gatherings mean your traditional oven is already packed with side dishes like spectacular Fruit Tartlets or creamy casseroles, the air fryer steps in as your culinary hero. This recipe leverages the efficiency of your air fryer to create a beautifully glazed and perfectly warmed ham, freeing up precious oven space and making your meal preparation significantly smoother. Get ready for juicy, flavorful ham with minimal effort!
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Ham
Just like our popular Maple Mustard Glazed Ham, this air fryer version focuses on simplicity without sacrificing flavor. You’ll be amazed at how a few high-quality ingredients can transform a humble ham into a gourmet experience. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable garlic herb butter ham:
- 1 small boneless, fully cooked ham (approximately 4 pounds or 1.8 kg)
- 1/2 cup (that’s 1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced (for maximum flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely minced
For the precise measurements and detailed instructions, make sure to scroll down to the full recipe card below. Investing in fresh herbs truly elevates the flavor profile of this dish, but don’t worry, we’ll cover dried herb substitutions too!
It’s crucial to select a **fully cooked, boneless ham** for this recipe. Most hams sold in stores are already pre-cooked, which greatly simplifies the process. If your ham comes with specific heating instructions, you can follow those for general warming, but our air fryer method provides a fantastic way to add a crisp exterior and a rich, buttery glaze. Typically, fully cooked hams require about 15 minutes per pound to reheat, so always adjust your cooking time if you’re using a larger or smaller ham. Our method is specifically designed for a smaller, boneless ham that fits comfortably in most air fryer baskets.
Since the ham is already cooked, your primary task is to infuse it with the incredible aroma and taste of our garlic and herb butter, and then warm it through to perfection. This makes it an ideal main course for bustling holidays where you need a reliable and easy solution. With so many other dishes demanding your attention for Easter or Christmas, having a main course that’s this straightforward is an absolute game-changer!
Can I use a raw ham in the air fryer?
While technically possible, this particular recipe is specifically formulated for a fully cooked ham, which drastically reduces cooking time and complexity. Cooking a raw ham in an air fryer would require a significantly different approach and much longer cooking times. You would need to research specific directions for cooking an unbaked ham from scratch in an air fryer, focusing on internal temperatures for food safety. If you do opt for a raw ham, you could adapt this recipe by adding half of the garlic herb butter during the last hour of cooking, and then the remaining butter for the final 10-15 minutes to allow it to form a beautiful glaze. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter for the glaze?
While some ham recipes might incorporate olive oil, especially in combination with thicker glazes like honey or maple syrup, it’s generally not recommended as a direct substitute for butter in this particular recipe. The butter in our garlic herb glaze is key to its success; it melts and clings to the ham, creating a rich, savory crust and infusing every bite with flavor. Olive oil, being much thinner, would likely just drip off the ham almost immediately in the air fryer, preventing the herbs and garlic from sticking and caramelizing properly. For the best taste and texture, stick with softened butter – it makes all the difference for this air fryer ham!
Can I use dried garlic and herbs if I don’t have fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh herbs offer a brighter, more vibrant flavor, dried herbs are a perfectly acceptable and convenient alternative. Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones, so you’ll need to adjust the quantities. Here are the recommended substitutions:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (in place of minced fresh garlic)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/3 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/3 teaspoon dried thyme
Simply mix these dried ingredients with your softened butter to create a delicious herb butter that will still infuse your air fryer ham with wonderful flavor.
What to Serve with This Delectable Air Fryer Ham
A beautifully glazed air fryer ham deserves equally delicious accompaniments! Here are some tried-and-true pairing suggestions to complete your holiday feast:
Whole Wheat Rolls are an absolute must-have! Their soft, fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up any extra ham juices or simply enjoying on the side. If you’re catering to gluten-free guests, these inviting Gluten Free Rolls are an excellent choice that everyone will love.
To add a touch of green, consider making some extra herb butter and melting it over Blanched Broccoli or roasted asparagus. This simple trick will make your vegetables anything but boring and perfectly complement the savory ham. 😉
And, in my opinion, no Easter meal is truly complete without a delightful carrot cake! This Whole Wheat Carrot Cake with Skinny Cream Cheese Frosting offers all the classic flavor you crave, but with the added benefits of being 100% whole grain, made with healthy oil, and sweetened with honey. For a fun, festive touch, these adorable Mini Cadbury Egg Cookies would also be a hit, especially with younger guests.
For another hearty and comforting main or side dish, definitely give this Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe a try! It’s perfect for a substantial meal.
Air Frying Benefits: Why Cook Ham in an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer for your ham offers several distinct advantages, especially during busy holiday seasons:
- **Frees Up Your Oven:** This is perhaps the biggest benefit. With an air fryer, your main oven can be dedicated to casseroles, roasted vegetables, or desserts, making holiday meal coordination much easier.
- **Faster Cooking & Reheating:** Air fryers cook smaller cuts of meat more quickly than traditional ovens, thanks to their concentrated heat circulation. For pre-cooked hams, this means less time waiting.
- **Crispier Exterior:** The air fryer’s powerful convection fan excels at creating a beautiful, slightly caramelized and crispy exterior on your ham, enhancing its texture and flavor.
- **Even Cooking:** The circulating hot air ensures that the ham is heated evenly throughout, preventing dry spots and ensuring a consistently juicy result.
- **Energy Efficiency:** For smaller items like a 3-4 pound ham, using an air fryer is often more energy-efficient than heating up a large conventional oven.
Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Considerations for Ham
Many people wonder about dietary restrictions when serving ham. Generally, pure ham is naturally both gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it’s always wise to exercise caution, especially with fully cooked or pre-glazed hams. These often contain added ingredients, marinades, or glazes that might include hidden gluten-containing thickeners or dairy products. Always make it a point to **carefully read the product label** to ensure it meets your specific dietary needs or those of your guests.
To make this particular air fryer ham recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the regular butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative. Most plant-based butters perform excellently in recipes like this, melting beautifully and carrying the herb and garlic flavors without compromise.
If you’re seeking a quick, delicious, and inherently gluten-free and dairy-free ham dinner, this sheet pan ham dinner utilizing ham steaks is an outstanding option that ticks all the boxes! It’s a fantastic alternative for a weeknight meal or a smaller gathering.
How Much Ham Per Person? Planning Your Holiday Meal
Planning the right amount of ham is essential to ensure everyone gets a satisfying serving and you have enough for delicious leftovers. Here’s a helpful guide:
- **For 10 to 12 people:** You will typically need a 5-6 pound boneless ham. This assumes each person will consume roughly 1/2 a pound of ham.
- **For a smaller crowd of 4-6 people:** Opt for a 3-4 ½ pound boneless ham.
- **For 6-8 people:** A 4 ½-6 pound boneless ham should be sufficient.
If you’re considering a bone-in ham, remember that the bone adds significant weight. For bone-in hams, you’ll need to factor in about ¾ to 1 pound per person. So, for 6-8 people, a 7-9 pound bone-in ham would be appropriate. However, for this air fryer recipe, I strongly recommend sticking to a boneless ham. Not only are the cooking times tailored for boneless cuts, but a large bone-in ham is unlikely to fit properly into most standard air fryer baskets, making even cooking a challenge. This recipe focuses on the convenience and efficiency of smaller, boneless cuts ideal for the air fryer.
By the way, any leftover slices of this garlic herb butter ham would be absolutely amazing in these savory Hawaiian Roll Sliders – a perfect way to enjoy your ham beyond the main meal!
Looking for More Easter Recipes?
Beyond the main course, Easter often calls for delightful breakfast or brunch options. Check out these fantastic ideas to round out your holiday menu!
- Festive Easter Donuts: A sweet treat perfect for a holiday morning.
- Carrot Cake Overnight Oats: A healthy and delicious breakfast option with classic Easter flavors.
- Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Surprise Muffins: Moist muffins with a delightful cream cheese center – irresistible!
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Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
- 4 pounds (1.8kg) boneless, fully cooked ham
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
Instructions
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Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Create a snug well or “basket” with the foil, ensuring it’s large enough to comfortably hold the ham. This foil lining is essential for two reasons: it makes cleanup incredibly easy and, more importantly, it collects all the delicious ham juices and melted herb butter, which can be used for basting or simply enjoyed with the ham.
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In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh sage, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a fragrant, well-incorporated herb butter. Gently spread half of this savory garlic herb butter evenly over the entire surface of your ham. Set aside the remaining half of the butter mixture for later application.
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Carefully place the buttered ham into the foil “basket” within your air fryer. Cover the ham loosely with another piece of foil, creating a tent-like structure so the foil doesn’t directly touch the ham. This helps to prevent the butter and herbs from burning. Cook the ham at 300°F (150°C) for 50 minutes. This initial phase gently warms the ham through and allows the flavors to meld.
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After 50 minutes, carefully open your air fryer. Using oven mitts or pot holders, gently remove the foil covering the ham. Now, take the remaining herb butter that you set aside earlier and rub it generously over the top and sides of the ham. Don’t worry if the butter melts immediately from the ham’s heat; it will continue to form a beautiful glaze in the next cooking step.
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Increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the ham to the air fryer, uncovered this time, and cook for an additional 10 minutes. This higher temperature will crisp up the exterior, caramelize the glaze, and create that irresistible golden-brown finish. The internal temperature should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for a pre-cooked ham.
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Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the air fryer. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a tender and moist ham. Refrigerate any cooled, leftover ham promptly in an airtight container for up to three days for best freshness.
Notes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/3 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/3 teaspoon dried thyme