Glazed ham in the air fryer is one of the many dishes that have found their way into the heart of Danish dinner tables. Glazed ham / smoked pork loin stands as a timeless classic. Its perfect balance between the sweetness of honey and salt, tenderness and crispiness makes it a favourite not only during the holidays, but also as part of everyday Danish cooking.
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents:
What is the story behind glazed ham
Glazed ham has its roots in traditional European kitchens, where recipes were often passed down from generation to generation. In Denmark, this dish has managed to combine local taste preferences with classic cooking methods, resulting in a unique variant made with Danish honey that both honours tradition and embraces the modern Danish palate.
How to cook a perfect glazed ham in the air fryer
The Danish version of glazed ham / smoked pork loin starts with a quality piece of meat. In Denmark, many prefer a good, juicy smoked pork loin or a piece of traditional ham. The secret lies in the preparation and the delicious glaze, which often consists of a blend of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard and ideally various spices such as garlic powder and paprika. This combination creates a perfect contrast between sweetness and spice that we simply love.
I recommend this fresh white wine with our glazed ham
Glazed ham with honey and Dijon mustard needs a wine that balances the sweet glaze and cuts through the richness of the meat. I choose a Soave with its fresh acidity and light fruitiness – the wine complements both the sweetness of the honey and the piquancy of the mustard without overwhelming the dish. I warmly recommend iLatium Morini Le Calle Soave 2023 – a classic Italian white wine that elevates the whole dinner experience.
Try a smoked version of the paprika; it gives the dish a more balanced flavour if you find it can become too sweet.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Cooking glazed ham in the air fryer
It is a modern take on this classic. It allows for faster cooking and a less greasy version than traditional roasting, but still with the desired crispiness. At 180°C the ham gets an ideal caramelisation of the glaze, which brings out the deep, rich flavour nuances.
Success lies in the detail, namely the honey
When it comes to choosing honey for glazed ham, there are several types you can consider, depending on your personal taste and preference. Here are some of the most common types of honey used in cooking:
Wildflower honey: This is the most common type of honey and can be made from a blend of nectar from various flowers. It has a mild and sweet flavour that can complement the salty and smoky taste of ham well.
Acacia honey: Acacia honey is known for its delicate flavour and light colour. It has a mild, subtle taste that does not dominate other ingredients, which makes it ideal for glazing ham, as it lets the flavour of the ham shine through.
Chestnut honey: Chestnut honey has a deeper, more robust flavour and a darker colour compared to wildflower honey. It has undertones of chestnut that can add an interesting dimension to the glaze.
Eucalyptus honey: This type of honey has a strong, distinctive flavour with notes of eucalyptus. It can give the glaze a unique and slightly spicy taste that stands out.
Lavender honey: Lavender honey has a subtle flavour and a pleasant scent of lavender flowers. It can add a light floral undertone to the glaze.
Whatever type of honey you choose, make sure to pick a high-quality one, preferably organic, for the best flavour and quality in your glazed ham or smoked pork loin.
Frequently asked questions
A smaller ham of 500 grams takes about 15-20 minutes at 180°C. A larger ham of 1 kg takes around 45-55 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer and aim for 70-75°C for a juicy ham without drying it out.
Yes! Smoked ham turns out fantastic in an air fryer. Give it a go with honey and mustard for the last 5 minutes for a caramelised surface.
Recipe
Glazed Ham in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Cost of the dish
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Our estimate is based on average food prices for the current year 2026.
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Airfryer size
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Shopping list
Ingredients
- 500 gram ham (pre-cooked (or smoked pork loin) )
- 2 tbsp honey ( )
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard ( )
- 1 tbsp brown sugar ( (to taste) )
- ½ tbsp garlic powder ( (optional) )
- ½ tbsp paprika ( (optional))
How to make it
- Prepare the Glaze:Mix the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder and paprika in a bowl.
- Prepare the Meat:Place the ham and smoked pork loin in the air fryer basket. Brush the meat generously with the glaze.
- Air Fry the Meat:Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
- Cook the meat in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through and has a lovely glazed surface.
- Prepare the Sides:Halve the potatoes and toss them in olive oil, salt and pepper.Place the potatoes in a separate part of the air fryer basket or cook them in a second batch, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry the Potatoes:Cook the potatoes at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
- To Serve:Slice the ham and smoked pork loin.Serve with the crispy potatoes and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Our notes for the recipe
After cooking, it’s best to let the ham rest for a few minutes before serving.
This gives the juices time to distribute evenly through the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful experience. It doesn’t need to cool down completely, though; serving it while still warm ensures the ham is at its most delicious and succulent.The difference between smoked pork loin and ham lies primarily in the cut.
By Danish standards, the ham is often a little firmer in texture than the smoked pork loin.I personally prefer to use ham in this recipe, while my children prefer the smoked pork loin. But that’s a matter of taste.
Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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