Yes, you can easily reheat precooked ham in an air fryer! An air fryer is a great way to quickly and conveniently reheat ham without drying it out or making it tough. The circulating hot air of the air fryer helps reheat the ham evenly throughout. Follow these tips for reheating ham in an air fryer for delicious results.
Set the Air Fryer Temperature
When reheating precooked ham in an air fryer, a temperature setting between 300°F and 350°F works best. This level of heat is high enough to quickly warm the ham through without overcooking it. If you’re heating up a bone-in ham, aim for the lower end of the temperature range, around 300°F. Going above 350°F runs the risk of drying out the meat.
Prepare the Ham
If you have a whole precooked ham, you’ll need to cut it into smaller pieces or slices that will fit in your air fryer basket. Cutting the ham into 1/2 inch thick slices or cubes is ideal for quick, even reheating.
For a boneless or spiral cut ham, separate the slices so they aren’t sticking together. This allows the hot air to better circulate around each piece in the air fryer.
Pat any excess moisture from the ham with paper towels before putting it in the air fryer. This prevents steaming and helps the ham gently reheat instead.
Reheat in Small Batches
Don’t overload your air fryer when reheating ham! Heating too much ham at once means it won’t heat evenly. Reheat ham in small batches for the best results.
For an average-sized air fryer, aim to reheat 4 to 6 slices or about 2 cups of ham cubes per batch. Adjust according to your air fryer’s capacity, but always make sure there is some space around the pieces for air circulation.
Use a Cooking Rack
Placing the ham slices or pieces on a cooking rack elevated in the air fryer allows the hot air to circulate all around. The rack prevents the ham from sitting in any juices that are released, which could make it soggy.
Flip Halfway Through
About halfway through reheating, open the air fryer and flip the ham pieces over. This ensures the ham heats evenly on both sides.
For bone-in ham steaks or chops, you may need to flip them a couple times during reheating to prevent the thinner parts from overcooking.
Check for Doneness
Test the ham pieces with a food thermometer to see if they are fully heated through. Ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
Visually, the ham will look warmed with slightly crisped edges. Reheated ham shouldn’t appear dried out or tough. If it seems like it may be overcooking, remove it from the air fryer even if it hasn’t reached 140°F internally yet.
Let it Rest Briefly
When the ham is fully heated, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the heat to evenly distribute through the meat.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your perfectly reheated ham is ready to be served! Enjoy the ham on its own, sliced in sandwiches, diced in salads, eggs, pasta, or however you like. Leftover precooked ham stays safe to eat refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips when reheating ham in an air fryer for the best texture and flavor:
- Choose a lower air fryer temperature for bone-in ham, around 300°F.
- Cut ham into smaller, evenly sized pieces for quick heating.
- Work in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Use a cooking rack to elevate the ham.
- Flip halfway and check temperature to prevent overcooking.
Time Needed to Reheat Ham
The time needed to reheat ham in an air fryer depends on a few factors:
- Thickness of the ham: Thicker pieces take longer than thinner sliced ham.
- Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in ham steaks or chops take a bit longer.
- Cut of meat: Fattier ham reheats quicker than leaner cuts.
- Amount: Smaller batches require less time than larger amounts.
- Precooked method: Hams cooked at higher temperatures may reheat faster.
For reference, here are some general air fryer reheating times for precooked ham:
| Ham Type | Time in Air Fryer |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch sliced boneless ham | 3-5 minutes at 325°F |
| 1 inch diced boneless ham | 6-8 minutes at 325°F |
| Bone-in ham steak (3/4 inch) | 8-10 minutes at 300°F |
Check ham frequently and use a food thermometer to confirm it reaches 140°F internally. Adjust air fryer cook times as needed based on thickness of ham and your appliance.
How Long Does Leftover Ham Last?
Properly stored leftover precooked ham stays fresh for:
- Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
- Freezer: 1 to 2 months
Store leftover ham in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. For longer freezer storage, wrap ham tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag removing as much air as possible prior to sealing.
For optimal safety and quality, use refrigerated leftover ham within 3 to 4 days and frozen ham within 1 to 2 months.
Can You Reheat Ham Multiple Times?
It’s best to only reheat cooked ham once after the initial cooking. Reheating ham multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth.
Each time ham is reheated and cooled down into the “danger zone” temperature range of 40°F to 140°F, bacteria has the chance to multiply faster. This makes the ham more prone to spoiling.
For food safety, do not reheat ham more than once. Safely store leftover ham for later use by refrigerating within 2 hours of cooking. Toss out any ham that has been reheated and held at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
Signs Ham Has Gone Bad
Check leftover ham for the following signs of spoilage before reheating or eating:
- Slimy texture
- Grey coloring
- Dull or sticky appearance
- Mold growth
- Off smell
Ham that displays any of these characteristics should be discarded. When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Other Ways to Reheat Ham
In addition to using an air fryer, you can also reheat precooked ham using these methods:
Oven
Place ham slices or pieces on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Heat in a 300°F to 350°F oven for 8-12 minutes until warmed through. Use a lower temperature for bone-in ham.
Skillet
Cook ham pieces over medium heat in a skillet with a small amount of water or broth. The liquid keeps the ham moist. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Microwave
Arrange ham slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on High in 30 second intervals until heated through, checking frequently.
Slow Cooker
Add ham pieces and a small amount of liquid to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 1-2 hours until heated through. Ideal for bone-in ham.
How to Know If Ham Is Pre-Cooked
Precooked hams are safe to eat cold and just need reheating. Here are some signs that a ham you purchased is fully cooked:
- Label states “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”
- No instructions for cooking are included
- Ingredients list only contains ham, water, and curing ingredients (no fresh pork)
- Color is light pink; not red and raw looking
If you’re unsure if a ham needs cooking, look for a USDA inspection stamp indicating it is precooked. Raw hams require thorough cooking to 145°F before eating.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these tips when reheating ham to enjoy it safely:
- Only reheat ham once after initial cooking
- Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 140°F
- Bring ham to room temperature before reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Discard ham left out at room temperature for over 2 hours
- Store leftovers for 3-5 days maximum in the refrigerator
Try These Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Ham
Leftover precooked ham can be used in all sorts of tasty ways. Get creative with reheated ham by:
- Adding it to omelets, quiches, and frittatas
- Using it in pasta dishes, risottos, and stir-fries
- Putting it on pizza, flatbreads, and tortilla wraps
- Dicing it into salads, beans, soups, and chili
- Layering it on sandwiches and paninis
- Serving it with breakfast potatoes and eggs
The possibilities are endless for how to enjoy leftover ham after reheating it in the air fryer or oven. It’s a tasty and versatile ingredient to have on hand.
Conclusion
Reheating precooked ham in an air fryer is fast, easy, and effective. It keeps the ham tender and juicy, not dried out. Cut the ham into smaller pieces, work in batches, and use a cooking rack for the best results. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F. Leftover ham keeps for 3-5 days refrigerated. Only reheat it once and use proper food safety practices when storing and handling. Your leftover ham makes for quick, delicious meals all week long.