Instant Pot Boneless Ham: Your Easy Cook Time Guide

Imagine a perfectly cooked, juicy ham, ready to carve and enjoy, without hours of oven-watching. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, with your Instant Pot, it’s absolutely achievable! This versatile kitchen gadget makes cooking boneless ham not only simple but also incredibly efficient, locking in moisture and flavor that can be tough to get from traditional methods. Whether it’s for a quick family dinner, a holiday feast, or meal prepping, your Instant Pot is about to become your best friend for preparing delicious ham.

But how long, exactly, do you cook a boneless ham in this magical device? That’s the golden question, and it largely depends on the type of ham you’ve chosen. Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down for you, ensuring your ham turns out perfectly tender and flavorful every single time. Let’s get cooking!

Choosing Your Ham: Fully Cooked vs. Uncooked

Before you even think about cooking times, it’s crucial to understand the two main types of boneless ham you’ll find at the grocery store:

• Fully Cooked Ham: This is the most common type and often labeled “ready-to-eat” or “pre-cooked.” These hams have already been cured and cooked, so your goal in the Instant Pot is simply to reheat them thoroughly to a safe internal temperature while keeping them moist and flavorful.
• Uncooked Ham: Sometimes labeled “fresh ham” or simply “uncooked ham,” this type requires actual cooking. It hasn’t been processed beyond curing (if it’s cured) and needs to reach a higher internal temperature to be safe to eat.

The cooking process and times differ significantly between these two, so always check the label!

Getting Started: Your Instant Pot Ham Prep

Regardless of the type of ham, a little prep goes a long way:

1. Scoring (Optional, but Recommended): For fully cooked hams, you can lightly score the surface in a diamond pattern. This isn’t just for looks; it helps any glaze you apply seep into the ham and can prevent the ham from bursting.
2. Glazing (Optional): If you want to add a sweet or tangy glaze, prepare it separately. You’ll typically add this after the pressure cooking is done, either brushed on and served, or quickly broiled/baked to caramelize.
3. Add Your Liquid: This is non-negotiable for pressure cooking! You’ll need about 1 cup of liquid at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Water works, but for extra flavor, consider apple juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, or even a light broth.
4. Use a Trivet/Rack: Always place your ham on the trivet or a steaming rack inside the Instant Pot. This lifts the ham out of the liquid, allowing the steam to circulate evenly and preventing the bottom from getting soggy.

The Main Event: How Long to Cook Boneless Ham in Instant Pot

Here’s the breakdown for perfect timing:

For Fully Cooked Boneless Ham (Reheating):

Since this ham is already cooked, you’re primarily warming it through to ensure it’s delicious and juicy without drying out. The general rule of thumb for reheating fully cooked boneless ham in the Instant Pot is:

• 2 minutes per pound

Once the cooking time is up, allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10-15 minutes, followed by a Quick Release (QR) of any remaining pressure. This gentle release helps keep the ham incredibly tender.

Example Times:

• 2-pound ham: 4 minutes pressure cook time
• 3-pound ham: 6 minutes pressure cook time
• 4-pound ham: 8 minutes pressure cook time

Internal Temperature Check: Always verify with a meat thermometer that the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for reheating.

For Uncooked (Cured) Boneless Ham:

If you have an uncooked ham that has been cured (like many common hams you find), it needs to be cooked through completely. The Instant Pot is fantastic for this as it ensures a moist result.

• 5 minutes per pound

After the cooking cycle, again, use a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10-15 minutes before a Quick Release (QR). This slower release process is vital for meat tenderness.

Example Times:

• 2-pound ham: 10 minutes pressure cook time
• 3-pound ham: 15 minutes pressure cook time
• 4-pound ham: 20 minutes pressure cook time

Internal Temperature Check: For uncooked ham, it must reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer.

For Uncooked (Uncured/Fresh) Boneless Ham:

If you have a truly fresh, uncured boneless ham, it’s essentially a pork roast and requires a longer cooking time.

• 10 minutes per pound

Follow with a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10-15 minutes, then a Quick Release (QR).

Internal Temperature Check: For fresh, uncured ham, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest.

Releasing the Pressure: Natural vs. Quick

• Natural Pressure Release (NPR): This means you let the Instant Pot naturally depressurize. The pin will drop on its own. It’s generally preferred for larger cuts of meat like ham because it allows the meat to rest, reabsorb juices, and finish cooking gently, leading to a more tender and flavorful result.
• Quick Release (QR): This involves manually turning the vent to release the steam quickly. While faster, it can sometimes cause meat to become tougher if done immediately after cooking. We recommend a partial NPR first.

Finishing Touches & Serving

Once your ham is cooked and rested, you can transfer it to a cutting board and slice it. If you wish to crisp up the exterior or caramelize a glaze, you can pop it under a broiler for a few minutes or in a hot oven (around 400°F / 200°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Instant Pot Ham Success

• Don’t Overfill: Make sure your ham isn’t packed too tightly into the Instant Pot. There should be enough room for steam to circulate.
• Always Use a Trivet: This is key to preventing the ham from sitting directly in the liquid, ensuring even cooking.
• Flavorful Liquid is Your Friend: Don’t just use water! Broth, fruit juice, or even a splash of soda can infuse your ham with extra deliciousness.
• Resting is Key: Even after pressure cooking, let your ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier ham.
• Glaze After: For best results, apply your glaze *after* pressure cooking. You can then broil it quickly if you want a caramelized crust.

Your Top Instant Pot Ham Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can you put raw ham in an Instant Pot?

Yes, absolutely! As detailed above, you can cook both uncooked cured ham and fresh, uncured ham in your Instant Pot. Just be sure to follow the longer cooking times and always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat (145°F/63°C).

Can I cook a spiral ham in the Instant Pot?

While possible, spiral hams can sometimes dry out more easily in the Instant Pot due to their pre-cut nature. If you do, use the ‘fully cooked’ ham timing (2 minutes per pound), ensure plenty of liquid, and keep the cooking time on the shorter side. A short NPR (5-10 minutes) followed by QR is often best to prevent overcooking.

What if I don’t have a rack or trivet?

No problem! You can fashion a makeshift trivet using crumpled aluminum foil balls (about 3-4 large ones) or even sturdy metal cookie cutters at the bottom of the pot. Just ensure they’re stable enough to hold the ham above the liquid.

Ready for Ham Perfection?

Cooking boneless ham in your Instant Pot is a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and consistently delivers a moist, flavorful result that will impress everyone at your table. With these simple guidelines and tips, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of Instant Pot ham. Enjoy!