If you're looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe for Air Fryer Ham Steaks with Caramelized Pineapple is a must-try. It just takes a few simple ingredients to have this glazed ham with sweet pineapple ready for your family in no time. Not only does it make for a great everyday meal but it's a great option for a small-scale holiday or Easter ham dinner.
We love making twists on recipes that were popular in our family restaurant and this tasty ham steak recipe is no exception. Like our ham loaf and city chicken, ham steak was not only on the regular menu but was an occasional special. We had regulars that loved it! While it is a pretty easy thing to make, the use of the air fryer makes for a delicious caramelization of the ham and pineapples with very little effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Convenience - Using the air fryer means an efficient cooking process with very little effort and cleanup.
Customizable - You can customize the glaze to your liking. Want it more savory? Add more Dijon mustard. Want it more sweet? Add more brown sugar or maple syrup. Or, add a touch of red pepper flake for a little spicy kick.
Versatile recipe - Air Fryer Ham Steaks pair with so many different side dishes and do just as well as an easy weeknight meal as it does for a special occasion like the holidays or Easter.
Ingredient Notes
Brown sugar – This is used to help hasten the caramelization process of the glaze and the pineapple rings. You can also use some maple syrup if you don't have any brown sugar on hand.
Pineapple rings – I prefer fresh pineapple rings, but in a pinch, you can definitely use canned rings that are drained and patted dry with a paper towel.
Ham steaks – Opt for ones about ½ inch thick for this recipe. You can find boneless or bone-in. I used a large bone-in ham steak that I cut into my preferred portion sizes. Feel free to use leftover ham slices from a whole ham as well!
Ground cinnamon – This gives a warm, comforting flavor. You can use other baking spices as well like all-spice, clove, and/or ground cardamom.
Dijon mustard – We like to use Dijon, but you can use any mustard you prefer, such as a stone ground or honey mustard sauce. If you do use honey mustard, you might want to pull back on the brown sugar in the glaze as the mustard will provide some sweetness as well.
Garlic powder – You can use fresh garlic, if you prefer, just make sure it is finely minced so that you don't bite into a big chunk.
Cornstarch – This thickens the glaze to just the right consistency as it heats. Tapioca starch works the same if you have that on hand instead.
Maraschino cherries (optional) – A classic garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. I like to use Amarena cherries as they have a more natural flavor than the regular, bright red maraschino cherries. I typically have some sort of Amarena cherries on hand for when I make drinks for at-home happy hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Press the pineapple rings into some of the brown sugar and lay them in the basket in a single layer. Air fry the pineapple rings, flipping halfway through. Once cooked and caramelized, set the pineapple rings aside.
Step 2: Meanwhile, make the glaze with the remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, mustard, garlic powder, and cornstarch slurry. Brush half of the glaze on the top of the ham and cook. Flip the steaks, brush with the remaining glaze, and finish cooking.
Step 3: Plate the steaks each with a caramelized pineapple ring. Garnish with a maraschino cherry in the middle of each ring, if desired.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Air fryers can vary in size and instructions, so keep an eye on your ham when you make the recipe for the first time. You may need to make minor adjustments to cook times and temperature depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the steaks. For reference, I have the Instant Pot Vortex.
- Opt for a silicone pastry brush to glaze the ham as they are easier to clean than regular pastry brushes.
- Repurpose leftover ham steak by using it for a ham sandwich or add it to breakfast omelets or hashbrowns.
- Try adding different herbs or spices like paprika, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to change up flavors to your liking.
- If you have a small basket, you may need to cook in batches. Keep your finished ham warm in a regular oven set at its lowest temperature to ensure everything stays warm for serving.
- If you don't have any pineapple rings on hand, you can use pineapple chunks instead.
- If you don't have a non-stick air fryer basket, use some cooking spray or line your basket with parchment paper before adding your ingredients to prevent sticking.
FAQ
Are ham steaks fully cooked?
Yes, most that you buy at the store are fully cooked and only require reheating. Always check the packaging to be sure, and heat to an internal temperature of 140°F if it's pre-cooked.
Is a ham steak just a thick cut of ham?
Yes, they are essentially a slice of ham from a whole ham, cut to about a ½ inch thickness. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal since it cooks fast and offers the same delicious taste.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Ham Steaks and Pineapple?
Some of our favorite sides to serve include our (affordable but luxurious) truffle mashed potatoes, a side of ranch carrots, a fresh green salad with our Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing, or golden air fryer fingerling potatoes. These side dishes round out the meal beautifully.
How should I store leftovers?
In the fridge, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 360 degrees F or until heated through. You can also use leftovers for something like our Monte Cristo Sandwich.
Did you love this recipe?
Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating & review in the comments below.
Air Fryer Ham Steaks Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar divided (dark or light)
- 4 rings pineapple (preferrably fresh)
- 4 each ham steaks (about ½ inch thick each)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 4 each maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar on a plate and press each side of the pineapple slices. Place the pineapple slices in the basket in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Remove from the air fryer when done and set aside.
- While pineapple cooks, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Separately, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water and then stir it into the brown sugar mixture.
- Add the ham steaks to the air fryer and brush the top each with some of the glaze. Cook the ham steaks for about 5 minutes. Flip the ham steaks and glaze the other side with the remaining glaze. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the ham steaks with the caramelized pineapple rings and garnish with a maraschino cherry in the middle of each, if desired.
Notes
- Storage: In the fridge, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 360 degrees F or until heated through.
- Air fryers can vary in size and instructions, so keep an eye on your ham steaks when you make the recipe for the first time. You may need to make minor adjustments to cook times and temperature.
- If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Keep your finished ham steaks warm in a regular oven set at its lowest temperature to ensure everything stays warm for serving.
Nutrition
Don’t forget to subscribe or follow along on Pinterest and Facebook for alerts on new recipes!
Leave a Reply