To reheat ham slices in an air fryer, set the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and cook for 3-4 minutes. This gentle heat warms the ham through without drying it out, while the air circulation adds a light crispness to the edges. Whether you're using leftover holiday ham or deli slices, your air fryer delivers better results than a microwave.
Air fryers excel at reheating ham slices because they circulate hot air evenly around the food. Unlike microwaves that can make ham rubbery or unevenly heated, air fryers restore that freshly cooked texture. The quick cooking time means your ham won't lose moisture, and you'll get those delicious caramelised edges that make leftovers exciting.
At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we've tested countless methods and found air frying outperforms oven reheating too. The compact size means it heats up faster than a conventional oven, saving both time and energy. Plus, you can easily reheat small portions without wasting electricity heating a large oven cavity.
Start by arranging your ham slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If stacking is unavoidable, separate layers with parchment paper to allow air circulation. For extra juiciness, lightly brush slices with a glaze made from honey, mustard, or the ham's natural juices. Check out our recipe collection for delicious glaze ideas.
The perfect temperature to reheat ham slices in an air fryer is 160°C (320°F). Cook for 3 minutes initially, then check for doneness. Thicker slices may need an extra minute. Remember that ham is already cooked - you're just warming it through. Overcooking will dry it out, so err on the side of caution.
For best results when reheating ham slices in an air fryer, let refrigerated ham sit at room temperature for 10 minutes first. This prevents the cold centre from staying chilled while the edges overcook. If your ham came with a bone, remove it first as bones can create hot spots during reheating.
Consider adding a small ovenproof dish with water to the air fryer basket if you're worried about dryness. The steam will help maintain moisture without making the ham soggy. Our air fryer conversion chart can help adjust other cooking times for perfect results.
Piling too many ham slices in at once leads to uneven reheating. The air needs space to circulate properly around each slice. If reheating large quantities, work in batches and keep cooked slices warm in a low oven while you finish.
While it might be tempting to crank up the heat for faster results, temperatures above 180°C (350°F) will dry out your ham. The proteins tighten and squeeze out moisture, leaving you with tough, chewy slices. Stick to our recommended 160°C for juicy perfection.
Reheated ham slices make excellent additions to breakfast dishes, sandwiches, or pasta bakes. Try chopping your air-fried ham into cubes for a breakfast hash or folding it into scrambled eggs. The slight crispness adds wonderful texture contrast to creamy dishes.
For a quick lunch, layer reheated ham with cheese in a toasted sandwich using your air fryer. The ham's edges become beautifully caramelised while the cheese melts perfectly. Visit airfryerrecipe.co.uk for more inspiring ways to use your reheated ham.
Ham can leave behind greasy residue in your air fryer basket. For easy cleaning, soak the basket in warm soapy water immediately after use. Our guide to air fryer cleaning has more tips for maintaining your appliance after cooking fatty foods like ham.
