Air Fryer Ham Steaks are a delightful dish that brings the flavors of a holiday feast to your table in just minutes. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy sweet, succulent ham any day of the week. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a beautifully caramelized exterior, making it a standout choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking Time: Enjoy delicious ham steaks in just 12 minutes without the fuss.
- Easy Cleanup: The air fryer basket minimizes mess, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile Flavor: The sweet glaze pairs wonderfully with various sides for any meal.
- Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The air fryer ensures even cooking, giving you perfectly tender ham.
- Healthier Option: Using less fat than traditional frying methods allows you to indulge guilt-free.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Air Fryer Ham Steaks, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool cooks food quickly while retaining moisture and flavor.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients seamlessly before applying them to your dish.
- Basting brush: Helps evenly distribute the glaze over your ham steak for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
A delicious sweet ham recipe made in just minutes inside your air fryer so you can have Christmas dinner any day of the week.
For the Ham Steaks
- 1 ham steak
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your ham steak cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham Steak
Remove the ham steak from its packaging. Place it on a clean surface, ready for seasoning.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar. Stir until well mixed. This sweet glaze will enhance the flavor of your ham steak.
Step 4: Baste the Ham Steak
Place the ham steak in the air fryer basket. Use a basting brush to apply half of the butter and brown sugar mixture on top of the ham slice.
Step 5: Cook in Air Fryer
Cook the ham steak for 10-12 minutes. Flip it halfway through cooking and baste again with the remaining glaze. This ensures maximum flavor and caramelization.
Step 6: Add Optional Honey
Once cooked, remove the ham steak from the air fryer. Drizzle optional honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness before serving.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Ham Steaks as a delightful main course paired with your favorite sides!
How to Serve Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Air fryer ham steaks are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying them for a quick meal or as part of a festive spread, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: Bright green asparagus adds a crunchy texture that complements the sweetness of the ham.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts bring a savory earthiness that balances the flavors beautifully.
On a Sandwich
- Honey Mustard Ham Sandwich: Layer slices of air fryer ham steak with honey mustard and lettuce on your favorite bread for a simple yet satisfying lunch.
- Cheesy Ham Melt: Top the ham with cheese and grill it on bread for a melty delight perfect for any time of day.
With Eggs
- Ham and Eggs Breakfast Bowl: Serve diced ham steak over scrambled eggs with avocado for a hearty breakfast.
- Eggs Benedict Style: Place the ham on an English muffin, top with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce for an indulgent brunch option.
In Salads
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss pieces of ham into a fresh salad with greens, nuts, and vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
- Caesar Salad Twist: Add sliced ham steak to Caesar salad for an extra protein boost and flavor enhancement.
How to Perfect Air Fryer Ham Steaks
To achieve perfectly cooked air fryer ham steaks, follow these simple tips. They will help you enhance both flavor and texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization of the sugars in the glaze.
- Use High-Quality Ham: Opt for thick-cut, high-quality ham steaks. They hold up better during cooking and provide more flavor.
- Baste Generously: Don’t skimp on the basting mixture. A good coating helps lock in moisture and adds sweetness during cooking.
- Monitor Cook Time: Check your ham steak around the 10-minute mark. Depending on thickness, you may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
- Let It Rest: After removing from the air fryer, let the ham steak rest for a few minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it tender.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Pairing side dishes with air fryer ham steaks can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside savory ham.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness that works wonderfully with glazed ham.
- Coleslaw Salad: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the rich flavors of the ham.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn cooked until tender is a classic pairing that enhances any meal featuring ham steaks.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and cheesy macaroni complements the flavors of air fryer ham steaks perfectly.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs offers freshness while being nutritious alongside hearty meats.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans bring comforting flavors that pair nicely with smoky or sweet glazed hams.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini provides a healthy option that brightens up your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making air fryer ham steaks, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent results.
- Using Cold Ham Steaks: Cooking ham steaks straight from the fridge can result in longer cook times. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many ham steaks in the air fryer can block airflow. Cook one steak at a time for the best texture and flavor.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Every air fryer is different. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than solely relying on time.
- Forgetting to Baste: Skipping the basting step can lead to dry ham steaks. Make sure to baste halfway through cooking for a juicy finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover air fryer ham steaks in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Air Fryer Ham Steaks
- Wrap each ham steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Frozen ham steaks can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Air Fryer Ham Steaks
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a little butter or oil if desired, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about air fryer ham steaks.
How do I ensure my Air Fryer Ham Steaks are juicy?
To keep your air fryer ham steaks juicy, make sure to baste them with butter and brown sugar during cooking.
Can I season Air Fryer Ham Steaks differently?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like garlic powder or paprika for a unique flavor.
How long do Air Fryer Ham Steaks take to cook?
Typically, air fryer ham steaks take about 10-12 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
What sides go well with Air Fryer Ham Steaks?
Pair your ham steaks with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer ham steaks are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various glazes and sides. Give this recipe a try any day of the week!
Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Enjoy easy and flavorful Air Fryer Ham Steaks in just minutes! Perfect for any day of the week—try this delightful recipe now!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ham steak
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Remove the ham steak from its packaging and place it on a clean surface.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until well mixed.
- Place the ham steak in the air fryer basket and baste half of the glaze on top.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting again with the remaining glaze.
- If desired, drizzle honey over the cooked ham before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
