Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Air Fryer Ham Steaks are fast, reliable, and perfect when you want a hearty meal without turning on the oven. The quick mustard and brown sugar glaze adds just enough sweetness and tang to balance the savory ham. It’s a simple way to make dinner feel planned even on a busy night.
Ham steaks cook quickly in the air fryer, which helps them heat evenly while keeping the edges lightly crisp. A quick flip and spritz of oil keeps the surface from drying out. The final glaze step brings everything together with a lightly caramelized finish that feels classic and familiar.
This recipe works well when you’re cooking for one or two and don’t want leftovers piling up. It’s also a practical option for using ingredients you likely already have such as leftover ham. The short cook time makes it easy to pair with vegetables, potatoes, or a quick salad.
What You Need To Make These Ham Steaks
The ingredient list is short and built around a few basics that bring flavor without extra steps. Pre-cooked ham steaks make this recipe especially convenient because there’s no long prep involved.
- ham steaks OR sliced leftover ham!
- oil
- Dijon mustard
- brown sugar
Swap the Dijon for spicy brown mustard or add a little maple syrup for a deeper flavor. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a small kick if you like a bit of heat. You can also brush the steaks with barbecue sauce during the last minute for a different finish.
You can use any weight of pre-cooked ham steaks. Thicker pieces may need an extra minute or two, while thinner ones cook faster. The main goal is heating them through and allowing the glaze to caramelize without burning.
About Your Air Fryer
A basket style air fryer is my personal choice for air fryers. I like the ability to put them away and keep my counters empty. I need nothing on my counters but hopes and dreams.
If you have a countertop mini oven for an air fryer is fine if that’s what works for you. If that’s what you have then line the basket with a liner for easier clean up and use the mini pan as needed.
Preheating helps the air fryer start cooking immediately at the correct temperature. If you don’t preheat the air fryer your cooking time and results may vary. Do not add a parchment paper liner to the air fryer while preheating, it can fly up, hit the burner and catch on fire.
Using parchment is optional, but it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, especially once the brown sugar starts to caramelize. If you skip it, lightly oil the basket so the glaze doesn’t cling to the surface. Always make sure parchment is weighed down by the food so it doesn’t lift during cooking.
Air Fryer Ham Steaks
Ingredients
- 2 ham steaks 12 ounces each
- 1/2 tsp oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes
- Cut the ham steaks in half
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper
- Place the ham steaks in the basket in a single layer
- Lightly spritz with oil
- Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes
- Flip the steaks spritz again and cook for 3 more minutes or until heated through
- Flip the steaks again brush with mustard and sprinkle with brown sugar
- Air fry at 350°F for 2 to 4 minutes until the glaze begins to caramelize
- Serve hot
Video
Notes
- Watch closely during the final minutes so the sugar does not burn
- These pair well with eggs roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes
