Instant Pot Ham
Are you craving a juicy and flavorful ham, but donโt want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further than your Instant Pot! With this handy kitchen appliance, you can have a delicious ham ready in no time. In this article, weโll explore the ins and outs of cooking a ham in the Instant Pot, from selecting the right cut to adding mouthwatering flavors. Letโs dive in!
Choosing the Perfect Ham
When it comes to selecting a ham for your Instant Pot, you have a few options. You can choose between a bone-in or boneless ham, depending on your preference. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, while boneless hams are easier to slice. Additionally, youโll want to consider the size of the ham to ensure it fits comfortably in your Instant Pot. Remember, the larger the ham, the longer it will take to cook.
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the ham, itโs important to prepare it properly. Start by scoring the surface of the ham with a sharp knife. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and create a beautiful caramelized crust. Next, you can season the ham with your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or brown sugar. Donโt be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!
Cooking the Ham in the Instant Pot
Now that your ham is ready, itโs time to cook it in the Instant Pot. Start by adding some liquid to the pot, such as chicken broth or apple juice. This will help keep the ham moist during cooking. Place the ham on a trivet inside the Instant Pot, making sure itโs not touching the liquid. Close the lid and set the cooking time according to the size of your ham. Itโs important to follow the manufacturerโs instructions for cooking times and pressure settings.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure from the Instant Pot and remove the ham. If you desire a crispy exterior, you can transfer the ham to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes. This will give it a delectable golden-brown crust. Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The result? A tender and succulent ham that will impress your family and friends!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a spiral-cut ham in the Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely! Spiral-cut hams work well in the Instant Pot and can be cooked following the same instructions as a regular ham.
Q: How long does it take to cook a ham in the Instant Pot?
A: The cooking time will depend on the size of the ham. As a general rule, you can calculate about 10 minutes of cooking time per pound of ham.
Q: Can I use frozen ham in the Instant Pot?
A: Itโs not recommended to cook frozen ham directly in the Instant Pot. Itโs best to thaw the ham completely before cooking.
Q: Can I glaze the ham in the Instant Pot?
A: While you canโt glaze the ham directly in the Instant Pot, you can apply the glaze after cooking. Simply brush the glaze over the ham and broil it in the oven for a few minutes to achieve a caramelized finish.
Q: Can I cook a ham with other ingredients, such as potatoes or vegetables?
A: Yes, you can add potatoes, vegetables, or other ingredients to the Instant Pot along with the ham. Just be mindful of the cooking times and adjust accordingly.
Q: How do I know if the ham is cooked through?
A: The internal temperature of the ham should reach 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) for it to be considered safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Q: Can I use the leftover ham for other dishes?
A: Absolutely! Leftover ham can be used in a variety of recipes, such as sandwiches, soups, or quiches. Get creative and enjoy the versatility of this delicious meat!
Q: Can I freeze the leftover ham?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftover ham for future use. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging to maintain its quality.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham in the Instant Pot is a convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious meal. With the right cut of ham, proper seasoning, and the magic of the Instant Pot, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your loved ones. So, why wait? Give it a try and savor the incredible flavors of an Instant Pot ham!

Instant Pot Ham
Ingredientsย ย
- 1 (2 lb) frozen whole ham
- 1 (16 oz) can of crushed pineapple
- 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of water (or as needed)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Instructionsย
- Place the ham on a trivet and put it in a multi-functional pressure cooker like the Instant Pot.
- Pour crushed pineapple over the ham, and then sprinkle it with brown sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set the pressure cooker to high pressure and set the timer for 35 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to build for 10 to 15 minutes.
- To release the pressure, follow the natural-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. For fresh ham, it should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), and for pre-cooked ham, it should read at least 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
- Remove the ham and the trivet from the pressure cooker.
- Slice the ham and place it on a serving plate.
- Select the Sautโยฉ function on the pressure cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch together, then pour the mixture into the pressure cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and cook and stir until it thickens.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the ham.