This Air Fryer Honey & Mustard Gammon is juicy, tender, and coated in a delicious sweet-and-savory glaze with crispy caramelized edges. The air fryer cooks the gammon quickly while keeping it moist, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, Sunday lunch, or festive meal. Serve it with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 18–22 minutes |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Course | Main Course |
| Cuisine | British |
| Calories | Approximately 360 per serving |
Ingredients
Gammon
- 2 gammon steaks (about 8 ounces/225g each, or 1 pound/450g total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Honey Mustard Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Lemon wedges
- Cracked black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Silicone pastry brush
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gammon
Pat the gammon steaks dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
Season with:
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika (if using)
Tip: Gammon is naturally salty, so additional salt is usually unnecessary.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Whole grain mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Gammon
Place the gammon steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 8 minutes.
Flip the steaks.
Brush generously with the honey mustard glaze.
Cook for another 6–8 minutes.
Brush with more glaze during the final 2 minutes for a rich, caramelized finish.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Rest
Transfer the gammon to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with:
- Chopped parsley
- Fresh thyme
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Gammon
Pat the Meat Dry
A dry surface helps the glaze stick and encourages caramelization.
Glaze Near the End
Honey can burn if added too early, so brush it on during the second half of cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Cook until the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C).
Let It Rest
Resting for a few minutes keeps the gammon juicy and tender.
Flavor Variations
Maple Mustard
Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Spicy Honey
Add:
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
to the glaze.
Brown Sugar Glaze
Replace half the honey with brown sugar for extra caramelization.
Orange Honey
Add:
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
to the glaze.
Herb Garlic
Mix fresh rosemary and thyme into the glaze for an aromatic twist.
What to Serve With
Side Dishes
- Air fryer baby potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Salads
- Garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Apple slaw
- Mixed greens with vinaigrette
Sauces
- Whole grain mustard
- Apple sauce
- Garlic herb butter
- Creamy mustard sauce
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked gammon for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Air Fryer
Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes.
Oven
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, covered with foil.
Microwave
Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gammon joint instead of steaks?
Yes. A small boneless gammon joint can be air-fried, but it will require a longer cooking time—typically 45–60 minutes, depending on its size. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Should I soak the gammon first?
If you prefer a less salty flavor, soak the gammon in cold water for 30–60 minutes, then pat it dry before seasoning.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, although Dijon and whole grain mustard provide a richer, more complex flavor.
Why did my glaze burn?
Honey caramelizes quickly. Apply the glaze only during the second half of cooking and monitor it closely during the final few minutes.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
✅ Quick and easy dinner
✅ Sweet and savory glaze
✅ High in protein
✅ Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions
✅ Air fryer friendly
Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare the honey mustard glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Brush it onto the gammon during cooking for maximum flavor and minimal prep.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with crispy air fryer potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a crisp green salad. Leftover sliced gammon is delicious in sandwiches, wraps, or chopped into salads.
Chef’s Secret
For the most flavorful crust, brush the gammon with a thin layer of glaze after flipping, then add a second, thicker coat during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Let the gammon rest before slicing so the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving beautifully balances the sweetness of the honey glaze.
