If you’ve been searching for a succulent, flavorful way to enjoy ham with a garlicky twist, look no further. This Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe is an absolute game changer that delivers juicy, tender meat with a beautifully fragrant crust thanks to the rich garlic butter infused with fresh herbs. Cooking the ham in an air fryer not only saves time but also locks in those incredible flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to ham recipe that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this delicious Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role: from imparting moisture and depth to enhancing aroma and visual appeal. Here’s a list to get you started on a mouthwatering journey.
- Boneless fully cooked ham (about 5 pounds): This is the star of the dish, ensuring you start with tender, ready-to-cook meat that will soak up all those flavors.
- Butter (1 stick, softened): This provides a creamy base for the garlic and herbs, melting beautifully to coat the ham.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds that irresistible punch of savory, aromatic flavor that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, minced): Brightens the dish with herby freshness and a pop of green color.
- Fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon, minced): Brings a fragrant, piney undertone that complements the ham superbly.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, minced): Adds subtle earthiness and depth, rounding out the herb blend perfectly.
How to Make Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Start by lining your air fryer basket with foil. Create a small “well” or bowl shape with the foil to catch all the delicious juices that will render out of the ham during cooking. This simple step keeps your air fryer clean and ensures the ham stays moist and flavorful while cooking evenly in the basket.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme. This fragrant, flavorful butter mixture is what makes this recipe sing. Use half of it to spread evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Keep the rest handy—you’ll use it again later to keep those flavors coming through.
Step 3: Cover and Cook Low and Slow
Wrap the butter-coated ham tightly with foil to seal in the moisture and place it carefully into the air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 45 minutes. This slow cooking phase allows the butter and herbs to infuse deeply while keeping the ham tender and juicy.
Step 4: Apply More Garlic Butter
After the initial cooking, carefully remove the top layer of foil and gently rub the reserved garlic butter mixture over the hot ham. Don’t worry if it melts immediately — that just means your ham is soaking up every bit of flavor! This step adds an irresistible glossy finish and boosts the garlic-herb aroma.
Step 5: Finish with a Golden Brown Bake
Raise the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and continue cooking the ham uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This final step caramelizes the butter and creates a beautiful, golden crust that adds texture and visual appeal. Once done, let it rest briefly before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley just before serving can brighten the dish visually and add a fresh counterbalance to the rich, buttery flavors of the ham. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few thin lemon wedges on the side for a pop of citrusy brightness.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh green salad. Sweet glazed carrots or buttery dinner rolls round out the meal wonderfully, offering a satisfying mix of textures and complementing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve slices of this ham on a wooden charcuterie board alongside cheeses, nuts, and fruit. Or cube the ham for a warm, hearty salad topping with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette. There’s nothing like that buttery garlic flavor lending a gourmet touch to your presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ham tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the flavors again.
Freezing
If you want to keep ham longer, freeze slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, frozen ham is best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently either in the microwave at medium power or in the oven wrapped with foil to keep the ham moist. Avoid overheating to preserve the tender texture and to keep that beautiful garlic butter flavor alive.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in ham for this Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time to allow for a bone-in ham’s extra density, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the right temperature without drying out.
Is this recipe suitable for a smaller air fryer?
If your air fryer basket is small, consider cutting the ham into smaller portions to fit comfortably. Cook in batches if necessary, and keep the butter mixture recipe the same for full flavor.
Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh ones?
While fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor, dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know when the ham is fully heated?
Since this recipe uses pre-cooked ham, the goal is to heat through and develop the garlic butter crust. Ham should reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for safe serving.
Can I add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to the garlic butter?
Definitely! Adding a touch of honey or maple syrup will create a sweet-savory glaze, making your Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Ham with Garlic Butter Recipe is truly a delightful way to elevate a classic dish with ease and flair. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it brings cozy comfort and incredible aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how it becomes a new favorite at your table!
