Mastering the Art of Cooking a Bone-in Ham in Your Ninja Foodi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to wow your guests at your next holiday gathering or simply wanting to treat yourself to a delicious and juicy ham? Look no further, because in this article, we will be discussing how to cook a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi. The Ninja Foodi is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that allows you to pressure cook, air fry, and so much more all in one pot. We will walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking a succulent bone-in ham using your Ninja Foodi. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or weeknight meal. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let’s get started.

The Basics of Cooking a Bone-in Ham in a Ninja Foodi

A bone-in ham is a classic and delicious main dish for any special occasion. And with the popular Ninja Foodi, you can easily cook a perfect bone-in ham that will impress your family and guests. The Ninja Foodi is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of an air fryer, pressure cooker, and slow cooker. It uses superheated air and pressure to cook food quickly and evenly, making it ideal for cooking a bone-in ham.

Before you start cooking your ham, there are some basic things you need to know about the Ninja Foodi. First, make sure your Foodi is clean and ready to use. Since you’ll be using both the air fryer and pressure cooker functions, you’ll need to have both lids handy. Also, make sure to read the manual for specific instructions on how to use your particular model of the Ninja Foodi.

Choosing the Right Size Bone-in Ham

When cooking a bone-in ham in your Ninja Foodi, it’s important to choose the right size for your specific needs. You can find bone-in hams ranging from 5 pounds to over 20 pounds depending on how many people you’re feeding. A general rule of thumb is to plan on about 1/3 pound of ham per person.

If you’re hosting a large gathering, it might be more cost-effective to purchase a larger ham. However, if you’re cooking for a smaller group or just want leftovers for sandwiches or other recipes, a smaller ham will suffice.

It’s also important to keep in mind that bone-in hams tend to shrink when cooked due to losing moisture. So if planning for leftovers or feeding more people than initially intended, it’s always better to err on the side of buying a larger ham.

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools on hand. For cooking a bone-in ham in the Ninja Foodi, you’ll need:
– A bone-in ham (of course!)
– A small amount of oil (such as olive or vegetable)
– Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
– Liquid for pressure cooking (water, broth, or juice)
– A trivet to keep the ham elevated from the bottom of the pot during pressure cooking.

For tools, you’ll need:
– A sharp knife for scoring the ham
– Tongs for handling the hot ham
– Oven mitts to protect your hands from heat.

Preparing and Cooking Your Bone-in Ham in the Ninja Foodi

1. Thaw Your Bone-in Ham: If using a frozen bone-in ham, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave.

2. Score the Ham: Take out your sharp knife and score the ham with shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will allow flavors to penetrate better as well as create an attractive presentation when sliced.

3. Grease Your Foodi: Rub a small amount of oil over the entire surface of your Ninja Foodi’s inner pot to prevent sticking.

4. Season Your Ham: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over your scored ham and add any additional seasonings of your choice.

5. Place in Your Foodi: Place your seasoned ham on top of the trivet in your Foodi’s pot with the cut side of the scored areas facing up.

6. Add Liquid: Pour about 1 cup of liquid into the bottom of your Foodi’s pot. This liquid will create steam during pressure cooking and help keep moisture in while cooking.

7. Close Lids: Place both lids on your Ninja Foodi, making sure they are securely locked before starting to cook.

8. Pressure Cook Your Ham: Set your Ninja Foodi to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes per pound of ham. For example, if you’re cooking a 10-pound ham, you would set the timer for 100 minutes.

9. Natural Release: Once the pressure cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10-15 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually.

10. Remove from Foodi: Use oven mitts and tongs to carefully remove your cooked ham from the Foodi and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

11. Air Fry Your Ham (Optional): For a crispy exterior, you can use the air fryer function of your Foodi to brown the outside of the ham. Place your cooked and rested ham back in the pot and set it to air fry at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.

12. Serve and Enjoy! Once your bone-in ham is fully cooked and beautifully browned (if desired), you can serve it with your favorite sides

Cooking the Perfect Bone-In Ham in a Ninja Foodi

When it comes to cooking ham, there are many different methods and techniques that can be used. However, one of the most popular and efficient ways to prepare a bone-in ham is by using a Ninja Foodi. This innovative kitchen appliance combines the functions of both an air fryer and pressure cooker, making it perfect for quickly cooking a delicious ham. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of how to cook a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi, from selecting the right cut of meat to serving up a mouthwatering dish.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to select the right cut of meat for your bone-in ham. The most commonly used type of ham is the spiral-cut variety, which is precooked and typically comes with a layer of glaze already applied. However, if you prefer to use an uncut ham, preferably one with a generous amount of fat on top for extra flavor and tenderness.

Prepping Your Ham

Once you have selected your desired cut of bone-in ham, it’s time to start prepping it for cooking. Begin by removing any packaging or netting from the ham and giving it a good rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and place it on a cutting board.

Next, carefully score the top layer of fat with shallow cuts about 1-inch apart using a sharp knife. This will allow more flavor to penetrate into the meat while also allowing excess fat to render during cooking.

Preparing Your Ninja Foodi

While you’re prepping your ham, take this opportunity to get your Ninja Foodi ready as well. Start by plugging in your appliance and selecting the pressure cooker function. Set the timer for 15 minutes and allow the appliance to preheat.

Once preheated, add a few tablespoons of oil to the bottom of the cooker, enough to coat the entire surface. This will prevent your ham from sticking during cooking.

Cooking Your Ham

Now it’s time to cook your ham in the Ninja Foodi. Place the scored ham into the pressure cooker and close the lid, making sure it’s properly sealed. Set the timer for 10 minutes per pound of meat and allow it to cook under high pressure.

After the cooking time is up, use natural release for about 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully remove your cooked ham from the pressure cooker, place it on a serving platter, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Air Frying for Crispy Skin

If you want your ham to have a crispy skin on top, you can easily achieve this by using the air fryer function on your Ninja Foodi. Once you’ve removed your ham from the pressure cooker, drizzle some extra glaze or honey over the top and place it back into the appliance.

Set the timer for another 5-10 minutes depending on how crispy you want your skin to be. Keep an eye on your ham during this time and make sure not to overcook it.

Serving Your Delicious Ham

Now that you have cooked your bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi, it’s time to serve up this delicious dish! You can opt to serve it whole or slice it up into individual portions. If serving as a main course, pair it with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also use any leftovers to make sandwiches or add it to soups and stews for added flavor.

Cooking a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi may seem intimidating at first, but with the right cuts of meat and proper preparation, it’s a simple and efficient process. With its multiple functions, the Ninja Foodi ensures that your ham is perfectly cooked every time with delectably crispy skin. Impress your guests or feed your family with this delicious dish using your Ninja Foodi.

Q: Can I cook a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi?
A: Yes, you can definitely cook a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi. It is perfect for cooking large cuts of meat like hams.

Q: Do I need to defrost the bone-in ham before cooking it in my Ninja Foodi?
A: No, you do not need to defrost the ham before cooking it in your Ninja Foodi. The pressure cooking function of the Foodi allows you to cook frozen meats without needing to defrost them.

Q: How long does it take to cook a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi?
A: The cooking time can vary depending on the size and type of the ham. As a general rule, for every pound of ham, it takes about 12-15 minutes on high pressure. It is best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: Can I add glaze or sauce while cooking the bone-in ham in my Ninja Foodi?
A: Yes, you can add glaze or sauce while cooking the bone-in ham in your Ninja Foodi. After pressure cooking for the required time, you can use the air crisp function to caramelize and thicken the glaze or sauce.

Q: How do I ensure that my bone-in ham comes out moist and tender when cooked in a Ninja Foodi?
A: To ensure that your bone-in ham comes out moist and tender, make sure to use enough liquid (such as broth or fruit juice) in the bottom of your pressure cooker before adding the ham. Also, allow for natural release after cooking rather than using quick release.

Q: Can I use the same method to cook a spiral-sliced bone-in ham in my Ninja Foodi?
A: Yes, you can use the same method to cook a spiral-sliced bone-in ham in your Ninja Foodi. However, it is recommended to place the ham cut-side down to prevent it from falling apart during cooking. Alternatively, you can wrap the ham in foil before cooking to keep it intact.

In conclusion, preparing a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi can seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a delicious and stress-free experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your ham comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

One important aspect to keep in mind is ensuring that the ham is fully cooked to prevent any potential foodborne illnesses. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham is crucial and following safety guidelines for storing and reheating leftovers should not be overlooked.

Additionally, choosing high-quality ingredients and experimenting with different flavors and glazes can elevate this classic dish to new heights. The versatility of the Ninja Foodi allows for various cooking methods from pressure cooking to air frying, giving you endless possibilities for preparing your perfect bone-in ham.

Lastly, cooking is all about creativity and personal taste, so don’t be afraid to try different techniques and make this recipe your own. With practice and patience, you will soon become an expert at cooking a bone-in ham in a Ninja Foodi. So don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a deliciously cooked ham with your loved ones.