Ham is one of the best holiday dinner recipes. There are tons of different ways to prepare your ham and it’s an easy dish to customize. This ham recipe is made in the air fryer with a brown sugar and honey glaze and is simply delicious. I also have instructions for the Instant Pot, slow cooker and stove top as well. Let me show you how to make a honey brown sugar ham today.

Ham is one of those meals that seems to only be cooked around the holidays. It’s a like turkey – it seems to only come out once or twice a year. Ham seems to be a spring thing and turkey is a fall entree. But like turkey, I feel like ham should be enjoyed year round.

There are so many reasons why I love a good ham dinner but the top two are that it’s easy to prepare and makes great leftovers. I absolutely love a dinner that will give me leftovers for at least one other meal.

What is a honey brown sugar ham?

There are many ways to prepare a ham but my favorite is this honey brown sugar version. A ham is a very versatile meat and you can add any flavor combination that you like. The great thing about ham is that it’s already cooked and you just have to heat it through.

Ham is a cut of meat from the leg area of a pig that is then cured and sometimes smoked. It can be sold bone-in, boneless, spiral cut or whole.

This version is a pre-sliced boneless ham that is cooked and covered in a homemade honey brown sugar glaze.

Honey baked ham ingredients

Besides being easy to make, you only need a few common ingredients. To make this honey baked ham you will need:

• 2-4 boneless ham
• brown sugar
• honey
• orange juice

Ham – For this specific recipe, I recommend a 2-4 pound boneless ham. You can get a larger ham if you need or a bone-in if you prefer. Mine also came pre-sliced but a boneless un-sliced ham will work just as well.

Brown sugar – The brown sugar caramelizes when cooked and it’s amazing. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use more honey or try and make your own.

Honey – You need a third cup of honey for this honey baked ham. If possible, use a local honey.

Orange juice – The orange juice breaks up the sweetness of the brown sugar and the honey. You want an orange juice without pulp here.

Honey baked ham in the air fryer

If you are looking to make a honey ham in the air fryer, you’re in luck! This recipe is super easy. It’s also totally adaptable to other appliances so keep scrolling for Instant Pot, slow cooker and oven instructions.

One you have your ingredients you will also need:

• air fryer
• foil
• pot
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• pastry brush

Step 1: Combine the brown sugar, honey and orange juice in a skillet or pot over medium heat. Allow the brown sugar to dissolve and the mixture to come to a soft boil. Boil for 5 minutes and then remove from heat. This is how you make a honey brown sugar glaze for the ham.

Step 2: Place the ham on a large piece of tin foil and brush the glaze over the top of the ham. Tightly wrap the ham and place it in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Air fry at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Carefully remove the ham, open the foil and brush more glaze on. Cook again for 20 minutes at 325 degrees.

Step 5: Open the air fryer once more and brush the remaining glaze on the top of the ham. Leave the foil open and cook for 5 minutes at 400 degrees or until the top is caramelized.

Remove, allow to cool and serve.

Instant Pot Instructions

To make your ham in an Instant pot, follow these easy directions.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Want to make a ham in your slow cooker? Follow the easy directions below –

• Bring the honey, orange juice and brown sugar to a boil in a sauce pan. Allow to thicken.
• Place your ham in your slow cooker, cut side down.
• Brush the mixture over your ham.
• Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the internal temperature is 140 degrees.

Oven Instructions

Looking for a more traditional ham recipe? Oven baked ham is what you need!

Storing leftovers

If you have leftover brown sugar honey baked ham the best way to keep it fresh it to carve it and place it in an airtight container or plastic baggy.

Leftover ham recipes

Another great thing about ham for dinner is that you can use it up and create a whole new dinner with the leftovers. Some great leftover ham recipes to try are:

• Hawaiian ham and cheese sandwiches
• Denver omelet
• Ham and cheese stromboli
• Ham and bean soup
• Ham and potato breakfast casserole

Can I freeze leftover ham?

Yes! You can! I would carve the ham and place it in a ziplock bag, making sure to remove the air. Place the bag in the freezer and store for up to 6 months.

To re-heat – place in the fridge to thaw and then warm in the microwave, oven or in a skillet.

Best side dishes for honey baked ham

This honey baked ham makes a great entree to any meal but it’s even better with some side dishes. I would suggest adding:

• Creamy pea salad
• Cinnamon carrots
• Mashed potatoes
• Oven roasted green beans
• Mac and cheese
• Cheesy baked asparagus

Honey brown sugar ham recipe

Other pork recipes to try

Looking for more pork recipes to try? Some of our favorites are:

• French Onion Pork Chops
• Crock Pot Pulled Pork Sliders
• Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Pork Carnitas

Did you try this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to your favorite dinner board. THANK YOU for the support!