Olivia Carter
Are you tired of the same old ham recipe? Are you looking for a new and exciting way to cook ham that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to cook a mouthwatering ham using a Ninja Slow Cooker.
If you haven’t heard of a Ninja Slow Cooker, let us fill you in. It is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook food low and slow, infusing it with delicious flavors. It’s like having your own personal chef in the kitchen!
Now, let’s talk about the ham. Choosing the right ham is crucial for the success of this recipe. You can opt for a spiral-cut ham, bone-in ham, or boneless ham. Make sure to select a high-quality ham that will guarantee a delicious end result.
Once you have your ham, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Gently rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. This step helps to remove any excess salt or brine that may be on the ham.
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the ham in your Ninja Slow Cooker, it is important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a delicious and tender result. Follow these steps to prepare the ham for cooking:
1. Thaw the Ham
If you are using a frozen ham, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Trim Excess Fat
Before placing the ham in the slow cooker, trim any excess fat from the meat. This will help prevent the ham from becoming greasy and will make it easier to carve and serve later on.
Be careful not to trim off all the fat, as it helps to keep the ham moist during the cooking process.
3. Score the Ham
Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and give the ham an attractive appearance when cooked.
Make sure not to cut too deeply into the meat, as you want to score the surface without completely slicing through the ham.
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to cooking a ham in a Ninja Slow Cooker, it’s important to choose the right type of ham. There are several factors to consider when making this decision:
1. Bone-In or Boneless?
One of the first decisions to make is whether to choose a bone-in ham or a boneless one. A bone-in ham typically has more flavor and moisture because the bone adds richness during cooking. On the other hand, a boneless ham may be easier to slice and serve, especially for those who prefer consistency in their slices.
2. Spiral Cut or Whole Ham?
Another consideration is whether to opt for a spiral-cut ham or a whole ham. A spiral-cut ham has already been pre-sliced, making it convenient for serving and ensuring even cooking throughout. However, a whole ham gives you the flexibility to carve it according to your desired thickness and preference.
Additionally, consider the size of the ham based on the number of people you plan to serve and whether you want leftovers for future meals or sandwiches.
It’s important to note that regardless of the type of ham you choose, make sure it is fully cooked before using it in a slow cooker, as slow cooking is primarily for reheating and adding flavor, not for cooking raw meat.
By carefully selecting the right ham for your Ninja Slow Cooker, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying meal that will please your family and friends.
Trimming the Fat
When cooking a ham in a Ninja slow cooker, it’s important to trim any excess fat before getting started. Trimming the fat not only helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the ham, but it also reduces the amount of grease and oil that can accumulate during the cooking process. Here are a few simple steps to follow when trimming the fat from your ham:
Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you begin trimming the fat, make sure you have the necessary tools on hand. You will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe away any excess fat.
Remove the Skin
The first step in trimming the fat from a ham is to remove the skin. Use a sharp knife to carefully score the skin in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat. Once the skin is scored, gently peel it away from the meat and set it aside.
With the skin removed, you will be able to see the layer of fat that lies beneath. This is where most of the excess fat can be found.
Use the sharp knife to carefully trim away any visible fat from the ham. Take your time and work slowly to ensure that you remove as much fat as possible without cutting into the meat.
Once you have finished trimming the fat, use a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe away any excess grease or oil that may have accumulated on the surface of the ham. This will help to prevent the ham from becoming greasy during the cooking process.
By taking the time to trim the fat from your ham, you can ensure that you end up with a delicious and flavorful dish that is not overly greasy. So grab your knife and cutting board, and get ready to trim!
Cooking the Ham
Now that you have prepared the ham and chosen your desired glaze, it’s time to start cooking it in the Ninja Slow Cooker. Follow these simple steps to ensure a deliciously cooked ham:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the ceramic insert into the Ninja Slow Cooker base and turn it on. Make sure to set the cooker to “Low” heat for best results. Preheating is not necessary for slow cooking.
Step 2: Add the Ham to the Cooker
Place the prepared ham into the ceramic insert, making sure it fits comfortably. If the ham is too large, you may need to trim it to fit properly.
Step 3: Pour in the Liquid
Pour your choice of liquid into the slow cooker. This could be broth, water, apple juice, or any other flavorful liquid. This will help keep the ham moist and prevent it from drying out during the cooking process.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
Using a basting brush or spoon, generously apply your chosen glaze onto the surface of the ham. Make sure to coat it evenly for a caramelized and flavorful result.
Step 5: Cook the Ham
Place the lid on the slow cooker and let the ham cook for the recommended time. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the ham, but a general guideline is to cook it for 3-4 hours on low heat.
Step 6: Baste the Ham
Every hour, open the slow cooker and baste the ham with the liquid in the bottom of the insert. This will help keep the ham moist and infuse it with extra flavor.
Step 7: Check the Internal Temperature
After the recommended cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The safe internal temperature for fully cooked ham is 145°F (63°C).
Step 8: Rest and Slice
Once the ham has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the ham tender and juicy. Finally, slice the ham and serve it warm.
Now you know how to cook a delicious ham in the Ninja Slow Cooker. Enjoy!
Seasoning the Ham
Seasoning the ham is an important step to ensure that it is flavorful and delicious. Here are some tips on how to season your ham:
1. Choose the right seasoning: Depending on your personal preference, you can use a variety of seasonings to enhance the flavor of your ham. Some popular options include brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and black pepper.
2. Apply the seasoning: Before cooking the ham, make sure to score the skin. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the ham, making sure to cover every inch of the meat.
3. Let it marinate: For the best results, let the seasoned ham marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender and flavorful.
4. Baste during cooking: While the ham is cooking in the Ninja slow cooker, baste it with the juices from time to time. This will help to keep the meat moist and enhance the flavor.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed: After cooking the ham, taste a small piece to check if it needs any additional seasoning. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other seasonings to adjust the flavor to your liking.
By following these seasoning tips, you can make sure that your ham is full of flavor and absolutely delicious when cooked in a Ninja slow cooker.
Cooking Time and Temperature
When it comes to cooking a ham in a Ninja Slow Cooker, time and temperature are key factors to consider. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the ham and the desired level of doneness. It is important to cook the ham thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat, but also not to overcook it, as this can result in a dry and tough texture.
The recommended cooking temperature for a ham in a Ninja Slow Cooker is low and slow. It is best to cook the ham on the low setting for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. The low setting on the Ninja Slow Cooker is typically around 200°F (93°C).
As for cooking time, a general rule of thumb is to cook the ham for about 30 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 6-pound ham, it would take approximately 3 hours to cook. However, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to determine the doneness of the ham. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Tips for Cooking a Perfect Ham
Here are some tips to help you cook a perfect ham in your Ninja Slow Cooker:
- Start by selecting a high-quality ham. Look for hams that are labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.”
- Before cooking, remove the ham from the packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine.
- Trim any excess fat from the ham, leaving a thin layer to keep it moist during cooking.
- Place the ham in the Ninja Slow Cooker and add any desired seasonings or glazes.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to the low setting.
- Cook the ham for the recommended amount of time, checking the internal temperature periodically with a meat thermometer.
- Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
Following these tips and guidelines will help you cook a delicious and moist ham in your Ninja Slow Cooker. Whether you are cooking it for a holiday dinner or just a special occasion, your guests are sure to be impressed with the results!
Questions and answers
How long does it take to cook a ham in a Ninja slow cooker?
The cooking time for a ham in a Ninja slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the ham and the heat setting of the slow cooker. As a general rule, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. It is important to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked before serving.
Can I use a bone-in ham for cooking in a Ninja slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a bone-in ham for cooking in a Ninja slow cooker. In fact, many people prefer using a bone-in ham as it adds flavor to the dish. Just make sure that the ham fits in the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The bone-in ham may take slightly longer to cook compared to a boneless ham.
