If you’re craving something that’s impressively savory-sweet but delightfully straightforward, this Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe is about to claim the top spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Perfectly glazed with brown sugar, pineapple, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a splash of tangy vinegar, the juicy ham steak crisps around the edges in mere minutes—no oven required! Each bite gives you tender meat and caramelized fruit, and the best part: this recipe is fuss-free, unbelievably fast, and packs all the flavor you want in a standout ham dish.

Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to this Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe, it’s all about just a handful of ingredients working their magic together. Every component was chosen for the way it either infuses extra flavor or helps build that golden-glazed, irresistibly glossy finish on your ham steak.

Ham steak (8-10 ounces): Choose a pre-cut slice for the perfect balance of convenience and hearty flavor; boneless makes things even easier.
Pineapple chunks: Canned or fresh both work wonders, offering juicy bursts of tropical sweetness that pair beautifully with savory ham.
Brown sugar: Essential for that deeply caramelized, sticky-sweet glaze that clings deliciously to every nook and cranny.
Maple syrup: Adds a subtle, woodsy depth and helps the glaze shine while keeping it from being one-note.
Pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple): Doubles the fruitiness and ensures the glaze is perfectly pourable; don’t skip it!
Apple cider vinegar: Gives the glaze just the right brightness to balance those sweet, rich notes.
Brown sugar (optional, for topping): A final sprinkle ensures extra caramelization for anyone with a major sweet tooth!

How to Make Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ham Steak

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to trim the ham steak just a bit so it fits comfortably inside. A tiny bit of overlap is totally fine, but too much will keep it from cooking evenly or getting those lovely crispy edges we all want.

Step 2: Start Cooking the Ham

Place your ham steak directly in the air fryer and set it for 400 degrees F. Let it cook for about 4 minutes—this gives the meat a head start and warms it up so it can soak in the glaze in the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

While the ham begins to sizzle, quickly drain your pineapple chunks and set the fruit aside, making sure to catch all that good juice. In a bowl, whisk together about 1/3 cup of pineapple juice with brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. The result is a thick, tangy-sweet glaze that’s about to transform your ham.

Step 4: Glaze and Flip

Once the initial four minutes are up, grab your brush and coat the top of the ham steak with a generous layer of glaze. Flip it over—carefully, it’s hot!—and brush the second side too. This ensures every bite is amped up with sticky-sweet and tangy flavor.

Step 5: Add Pineapple and More Glaze

Now it’s time for that beautiful, juicy pineapple. Scatter the chunks on top of the ham steak and swipe them with another brush of glaze. This step infuses both the ham and the fruit with extra flavor, so don’t skimp on your brushing!

Step 6: Finish Cooking in the Air Fryer

Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. The glaze will begin to bubble and caramelize, the pineapple will become glossy and golden, and your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Time to check that your ham steak is perfectly cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has hit 145 degrees F. This ensures your ham is safe, juicy, and at its absolute best.

Step 8: Extra Caramelization (Optional)

If you want to really indulge—because who can resist caramelized pineapple?—sprinkle the pineapple with an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and return the basket to the air fryer for 2 more minutes at 400 degrees F. The result: an ultra-glossy, candy-sweet finish your family or guests will rave about!

How to Serve Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and extra freshness to your finished Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe. For a retro-chic look, go with maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring or chunk. Want something a little zesty? A fine grate of lime or orange zest right before serving brightens everything up.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, or even simple roasted carrots. The sweet-savory flavors also work wonders with crusty rolls or a fresh green salad tossed in a tart vinaigrette. There’s nothing quite like a plate that showcases all those flavors without competing for the spotlight!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving the Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe for brunch, stack the ham and pineapple over toasted English muffins with a fried egg on top—brunch goals unlocked! For dinner parties, slice the ham into strips and skewer with pineapple for cheerful party bites. Or let it become the star of a Hawaiian-inspired rice bowl loaded with veggies and a drizzle of leftover glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover ham steak and pineapple to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to spoon any extra glaze or juices over the leftovers before sealing for the most flavorful results when you reheat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe for up to one month: just place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zipper bags. Store the pineapple separately if you want to preserve its texture, and don’t forget to label with the date for easy grabbing later!

Reheating

To reheat, place the ham and pineapple in your air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 3 to 4 minutes, or just until warmed through. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, but the air fryer’s crisping power is best for reviving the caramelization and keeping the glaze sticky and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham for the Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe?

Yes! While boneless ham steaks are the most convenient, you can use bone-in slices or even thick-cut deli ham. Just adjust the cooking time if your steak is much thinner or thicker than what’s called for.

Do I have to use pineapple, or can I try something else?

Pineapple delivers classic sweet-tart flavor, but you can switch things up with peaches or even apple slices for a fun twist. Just use their juices for thinning the glaze and adjust sugar as needed for sweetness.

Is the glaze overly sweet?

Nope, the apple cider vinegar in this Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe perfectly tempers the sweetness. If you prefer your glaze more or less sugary, feel free to scale the brown sugar up or down to suit your personal taste.

What if my air fryer is very small?

Simply cut your ham steak to fit, air frying in two batches if needed. A little overlap is fine but leave enough room for air to circulate so you get that perfect, caramelized finish on every slice.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! The Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always check the ham and any sauces for possible additives or thickeners that might contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe is the kind of meal that manages to be both comfortingly familiar and just a touch special—perfect whether you’re serving it up on a weeknight or elevating your weekend brunch game. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience just how quick, easy, and delightfully flavorful it can be. Enjoy every bite!

Air Fryer Ham Steak Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 5 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 19 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a sweet and savory dish with this easy Air Fryer Ham Steak recipe. Juicy ham steak glazed with a brown sugar and maple syrup mixture, topped with caramelized pineapple – a delightful meal ready in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham Steak:

1 ham steak (8–10 ounces)

Glaze:

1 cup pineapple chunks
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/3 cup pineapple juice (from drained pineapple chunks)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

Cut and Prep: Trim ham steak to fit in air fryer. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Cook Ham: Place ham steak in air fryer and cook for 4 minutes.
Prepare Glaze: Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vinegar.
Glaze Ham: Brush ham with glaze, add pineapple chunks on top, and brush again.
Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
Check Temperature: Ensure internal temp reaches 145°F.
Optional: For caramelized pineapple, add brown sugar and air fry for 2 more minutes.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to the glaze.
Make sure the ham is cooked through but not overdone to keep it juicy.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Air Fryer Ham Steak, Ham Steak Recipe, Glazed Ham Steak, Air Fryer Recipe