Here’s your guide to cooking a juicy, delicious boneless ham in your Instant Pot. Learn the perfect timing and tips for a hassle-free holiday meal!
Want to make a tender, flavorful boneless ham without spending hours in the kitchen? The Instant Pot is your new best friend! This guide will walk you through exactly how long to cook a boneless ham in your Instant Pot, ensuring a moist and delicious centerpiece for your holiday dinner or any special occasion.
Contents
Why Use an Instant Pot for Ham?
Cooking ham in an Instant Pot offers several advantages:
- Speed: It’s significantly faster than oven roasting.
- Moisture: The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, preventing the ham from drying out.
- Convenience: It frees up your oven for other dishes.
- Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less mess.
What You’ll Need
- Boneless Ham: Fully cooked, pre-sliced or unsliced (adjust cooking time accordingly).
- Liquid: Water, broth (chicken or vegetable), apple juice, or even ginger ale work well.
- Instant Pot: Any size will work, but a 6-quart or larger is recommended.
- Trivet: To keep the ham from sitting directly in the liquid.
- Optional Glaze Ingredients: Brown sugar, honey, mustard, spices, etc.
Cooking Time: The Key Factor
The most crucial element is determining the correct cooking time. This depends on the weight of your boneless ham.
General Rule: Cook boneless ham for 2-3 minutes per pound in the Instant Pot, followed by a natural pressure release of 10-15 minutes.
Here’s a handy guide:
- 3-pound ham: 6-9 minutes
- 4-pound ham: 8-12 minutes
- 5-pound ham: 10-15 minutes
- 6-pound ham: 12-18 minutes
- 7-pound ham: 14-21 minutes
- 8-pound ham: 16-24 minutes
Important Considerations:
- Ham Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Since the ham is pre-cooked, you’re essentially just reheating it.
- Adjustments: If your ham is particularly thick, you might need to add a few extra minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Add Liquid: Pour about 1 cup of liquid (water, broth, or juice) into the Instant Pot.
- Place Ham on Trivet: Put the trivet inside the Instant Pot and place the ham on top of the trivet. This prevents the ham from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
- Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure. Cook for the calculated time (based on the weight of your ham).
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.
- Glaze (Optional): If you’re using a glaze, carefully remove the ham from the Instant Pot and place it in a baking dish. Brush the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Broil (Optional): Broil the ham in the oven for a few minutes until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Rest: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for a Perfect Instant Pot Ham
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking will result in a dry ham. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
- Use Quality Ham: Choose a high-quality boneless ham for the best flavor.
- Add Flavor: Enhance the flavor by adding spices like cloves, cinnamon, or allspice to the liquid. You can also score the ham and insert cloves into the surface.
- Save the Juices: Don’t discard the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot! It can be used to make a delicious gravy.
Glaze Ideas
Here are a few glaze ideas to elevate your Instant Pot ham:
- Brown Sugar and Honey Glaze: Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of ground cloves.
- Maple Syrup Glaze: Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Pineapple Glaze: Blend crushed pineapple, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a bone-in ham in the Instant Pot?
- Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in hams generally require a longer cooking time than boneless hams. Add about 1-2 minutes per pound to the cooking time.
- What if my ham is too large for my Instant Pot?
- If your ham is too big, you can cut it in half or purchase a smaller ham. You can also use an electric roaster oven.
- Can I cook a frozen ham in the Instant Pot?
- It’s not recommended to cook a frozen ham in the Instant Pot. The cooking time will be significantly longer and the results may not be as good. Thaw the ham completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
- How do I store leftover ham?
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze cooked ham?
- Yes, you can freeze cooked ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Cooking a boneless ham in the Instant Pot is a simple and efficient way to prepare a delicious and tender main course. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to create a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy.
how long to cook boneless ham in instant pot