How Long to Cook Ham in a Pressure Cooker for Moist, Tender, and Juicy Results

Cooking ham in a pressure cooker is a game-changing way to prepare this delicious and versatile meat With pressure cooking, you can havetender, juicy and flavorful ham ready in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional oven baking methods.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook ham to perfection in your pressure cooker including

• Benefits of Pressure Cooked Ham
• How Long to Cook Ham in a Pressure Cooker
• What Size Ham Fits in Different Pressure Cookers
• Tips for Maximizing Flavor
• How to Create a Caramelized Glaze
• Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Why Cook Ham in a Pressure Cooker?

Pressure cooking locks in moisture and infuses flavor into the ham in a way no other cooking method can. Here are some of the benefits of using a pressure cooker for ham:

• Cooks in Less Time – Ham cooks in around 7 minutes per pound in a pressure cooker, while oven baking can take over 2 hours depending on size. This super fast cook time makes ham an easy weeknight dinner.

• Incredibly Tender and Moist – The moist heat environment of the pressure cooker breaks down connective tissues and prevents drying out. Ham cooked in a pressure cooker is fall-apart tender and juicy.

• Intensifies Flavor – Pressure cooking deeply infuses seasonings, glazes and smoky ham flavor into every bite. It takes ham flavor to the next level.

• Guaranteed Safe Temps – Pressure cooking heats food evenly and guarantees ham reaches safe internal temperatures to eliminate bacteria. No worrying about dry overcooked edges either!

• Hands-Off Cooking – Set it and forget it! Once ham is in the pressure cooker, it does all the work while you can focus on side dishes.

How Long to Cook Ham in a Pressure Cooker

Cook time will depend on a few factors, but the general rule of thumb is:

• Boneless ham: 6 minutes per pound
• Bone-in ham: 7 minutes per pound
• Spiral cut ham: 7 minutes

So for example, an 8 pound bone-in ham would take approximately 56 minutes at high pressure.

Keep in mind it will take 15-30 minutes for the pressure cooker to build pressure before the cook time starts counting down. For chilled or frozen ham, add 10-15 additional minutes.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F after cooking. If needed, simmer with the pressure cooker lid off to bring it up to temperature.

What Size Ham Fits in Different Pressure Cookers

Obviously you’ll need a ham small enough to fit inside your pressure cooker! Here are some size guidelines:

• 3-5 quart – Great for boneless ham roast, ham steaks or halves. Full bone-in hams likely won’t fit.

• 6-8 quart – An 8 pound bone-in ham or up to a 7 pound spiral ham should fit comfortably.

• 8+ quart – Can accommodate a 10+ pound bone-in ham depending on shape.

Trim off uneven ends or cut ham in halves if needed to create a uniform shape that fits your cooker. You can also submerge larger pieces layered vertically.

Tips for Moist, Flavorful Pressure Cooker Ham

Follow these tips for the juiciest, most flavorful pressure cooker ham every time:

• Choose a bone-in, spiral cut or boneless ham. They all work beautifully. Avoid pre-sliced deli ham cuts which can overcook.

• Use a cooking liquid like apple juice, pineapple juice, chicken or ham broth. This adds moisture and infuses flavor.

• Poke holes and stud with whole cloves for a spiced ham flavor.

• Brown the ham in the open cooker before pressure cooking to enhance flavor.

• Glaze the ham after cooking for gourmet presentation and flavor. See below for easy glaze tips.

• Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving for juices to redistribute.

How to Make a Caramelized Glaze

An easy glaze takes pressure cooker ham to new levels of flavor. Try this simple brown sugar glaze:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon each cracked black pepper and dry mustard

Stir glaze ingredients together in a small saucepan until dissolved and thickened slightly.

After pressure cooking, brush ham generously with glaze and broil 3-5 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

For a show-stopping presentation, reserve half the glaze and brush over ham after broiling to restore moisture.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Ham pairs well with so many classic sides. Here are some top picks:

• Scalloped or au gratin potatoes
• Honey glazed carrots
• Green bean casserole
• 7 layer salad
• Biscuits, corn bread or rolls
• Fruit salad with poppyseed dressing

Ham also shines in soups, sandwiches, omelets, pasta bakes and more. With its versatility and quick cook time, pressure cooker ham can be your new easy family favorite.

So next time you’re looking for an impressive and protein-packed main course, turn to your pressure cooker for a fast weeknight ham dinner. In around an hour, you’ll have perfectly cooked, juicy and delicious ham that looks and tastes gourmet.