This Instant Pot ham is a spiral ham coated in a 3 ingredient glaze, then pressure cooked to tender perfection. A quick and easy way to prepare ham that always gets rave reviews!
You can never go wrong with ham for the holidays, whether it’s smoked ham, baked ham, or this super simple Instant Pot ham with the most delicious brown sugar glaze.
The Instant Pot makes life so much easier in the kitchen. You can prepare almost anything in a fraction of the time as the oven or stove! This Instant Pot ham produces tender and juicy results every time with a minimal amount of effort.
How do you make Instant Pot ham?
Start by pouring pineapple juice into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Coat the ham with brown sugar and maple syrup, then place it on a trivet and seal the pot. Cook the ham, then let the pressure release naturally. Carefully remove the ham from the pot. Turn the pressure cooker to saute mode, then simmer the glaze that’s left in the pot with a little corn starch until it’s thickened. Pour the glaze over the ham. Serve as-is, or place the ham under the broiler for a few minutes if you prefer a caramelized topping.
Tips for the perfect ham
- Make sure your ham will fit inside your Instant Pot. A 6 quart pot will work for a 4-6 pound ham, and you’ll need the 8 quart pot if your ham is larger than 6 pounds.
- I use an Instant Pot trivet simply because it makes it a lot easier to get the ham in and out of the pot. If you don’t have a trivet, the reicpe will still work just fine.
- It’s totally optional to broil the ham at the end, but I usually take the time to do it because I like the flavor and texture of the glaze better this way.
- Leftover ham will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also store ham in the freezer for 2 months.
- I typically use a spiral cut ham, but a standard bone-in ham that hasn’t been sliced is also fine, you’ll just need to increase the cook time a bit.
- This recipe assumes that you’re using a pre-cooked ham, which is the majority of the hams sold at the grocery store these days.
- Do not substitute maple flavored pancake syrup for real maple syrup. The flavor will be too strong in this dish.
How long does it take to cook ham in an Instant Pot?
You will want to plan to cook your ham for 2 minutes per pound with a 10 minute natural pressure release. For example, a 6 pound ham would take 12 minutes plus the additional 10 minutes for pressure release. This is for a spiral cut ham. If you’re using an uncut ham, you’ll want to cook it for 3 minutes per pound with a 15 minute natural pressure release.
How much ham per person?
You’ll want to plan on 3/4 of a pound of ham per person if you’ve got a bone-in, spiral ham. If you’re using a boneless ham, count on 1/2 pound per person. If you want a lot of leftovers, increase the amount accordingly.
Pressure cooker ham flavor variations
While this dish is great as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Juice: Swap out the pineapple juice for apple cider or orange juice for a different flavor.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the glaze such as crushed canned pineapple, a spoonful of Dijon mustard or freshly grated citrus zest.
- Spices: I sometimes like to add some warm spices to the glaze mixture such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg or allspice.
Once you try this ham, you’ll find yourself making it for every occasion!
Side dishes to serve with your ham
Instant Pot Ham
Instant Pot Ham
Ingredients
- 6 lb spiral cut ham
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup do not use artificially flavored pancake syrup
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- cooking spray
- fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Coat a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot with cooking spray. Make sure your ham fits in the pot, if not you can trim it a bit to fit.
- Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of the pot.
- Place an Instant Pot trivet in the pot if you have one. Place the ham cut side down on the trivet, or in the bottom of the pot.
- Rub the brown sugar all over the ham, then pour the maple syrup over the top.
- Seal the pot, then select Manual High Pressure. Cook for 12 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to manually release pressure.
- Remove the ham from the pot and cover to keep warm.
- Turn the pot to Saute, then bring the glaze mixture in the bottom to a simmer.
- Place the corn starch in a small bowl and whisk with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Pour the corn starch mixture into the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until glaze has thickened.
- Pour the glaze over the ham.
- Optional step: If you want, you can broil the ham in the oven at this point on a sheet pan for 3-4 minutes or until glaze has caramelized.
- Transfer the ham to a platter. Decorate the serving platter with fresh herbs if desired, then serve.
Brook says
This recipe looks so good and I’m very excited to try it. I am new to the Insta pot world. This may seem like a silly question, but is the ham thawed or frozen?
Sara says
It’s for a thawed ham.
Jenny says
What if our ham is 9 lbs. Then how long? If I wrap in foil do I add time also?
Sara says
If it’s a spiral ham it’s 2 minutes/lb plus a 10 minute natural release. If it’s an uncut ham it’s 3 minutes/lb plus 10 minute natural release. The foil should not change anything.
Jacque Hooper says
Decided to give this a try before Christmas this year, and it turned out perfect! Definitely going to be making my holiday ham this way this year; it was juicy, tender and perfectly crispy!
Anna says
Nothing better than saving time and making a holiday meal in the Instant Pot! This ham is a real winner! My whole family looks forward to it every year.
Krystle says
This ham is a must have on our holiday table. The glaze is SO good.
Samantha says
My son’s favorite dinner is ham, so I made this for his birthday last week…it was a total hit with the whole family! I’m definitely going to be making it again for future holiday meals. You just can’t beat such a quick and easy (and delicious) recipe that frees up the oven!
Beth says
This is perfect for the holidays and I can’t wait to use my instant pot! I love bringing my instant pot out and using it for different recipes! Excited to give this a try!
Sharon says
This is a ham recipe that I can see at many future holiday parties. I love that it is made right in the Instant pot.
Mindee Taylor says
I was so happy to learn how to do this in an instant pot! Thank You!
Jamie says
This looks amazing! I love how simple the ingredients are and how delicious it turns out in the instant pot!
Julie says
I can’t believe how easy this ham is to make. Only 3 ingredients to make the perfect flavored glaze and to cook it in. Just fantastic!
Tara says
Such a gorgeous ham!! You had me at three ingredient glaze. Such a wonderful option for the holidays. Yum!
Shannon says
Do u think I can substitute honey for maple syrup
Sara says
Yes that should be fine!