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My reverse-seared Instant Pot Ham recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze uses only six ingredients and takes 15 minutes to cook. It is a juicy, easy ham dinner your family and guests will love! This is the easiest and simplest way to make a holiday dinner everyone will rave about.
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Ham in Instant Pot
When I realized you could cook a ham in the pressure cooker, I knew I had to try it. And, oh boy… wow! It was even easier than I expected, and it turned out so juicy and tasty. I’ve prepared ham this way nearly every year since, and it has never been dry. Instant Pot recipes are the best. This is the easiest and simplest way to make a holiday dinner everyone will rave about.
What I love most about cooking ham in the Instant Pot is it takes less time than cooking it in the oven. Plus, it saves you room to prepare your side dishes! My Instant Pot ham recipe will change the way you prepare Christmas ham. It’s so easy, moist, and flavorful.
OMG OMG…BEST ham we have ever had. I was hesitant to use this recipe as for years (40 plus) I have used the traditional pineapple mustard glaze and inserting whole cloves. This recipe allows you to sweeten up the ham…but the glaze does not over power the ham flavor. Will be making this my regular ham recipe.
Carmen
Instapot Ham Ingredients
- ham
- maple syrup
- brown sugar
- green onions sliced
- orange juice
- butter
I use my go-to maple brown sugar glaze. It gives the meat flavor and an irresistibly sticky, crispy skin! The ingredients are super simple but so incredibly delicious!
Brown sugar glaze adds to the sweetness, with a little bit of orange juice to give it a tangy bite. Green onions tie it all off with a perfect little kick! It is SO flavorful! My Instant Pot ham recipe with brown sugar glaze is the best.
You can try other ham glaze recipes, too. Try: Honey Sriracha Glaze, Honey Glaze, Pineapple Glaze, Bourbon Glaze
Pressure Cooker Ham Recipe
- Combine maple syrup, brown sugar, and green onions in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add a trivet to the bottom of your 6 qt.+ Instant Pot. Pour in orange juice.
- Place the ham on top of the trivet, and cover it with ½ of the glaze mixture.
- Lock the lid in place and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When 10 minutes is up, carefully release the pressure (use an oven mitt or dishcloth).
- Carefully lift it out of the pot and set it aside on a plate. Drain the liquid from the pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and melt the butter.
- Once it melts, add the ham. Sear on each side until browned all over.
- Remove to a plate and slice.
We did this ham for Easter. We were literally fighting over who got the last piece. It was to die for!
Joline
Reverse Searing Ham
The reverse sear sets this recipe apart from other Instant Pot ham recipes and takes it to the next level. By searing in butter after cooking in the pressure cooker, you’re giving the ham a crispy, browned skin that adds so much flavor to every bite.
Insta Pot Ham Tips
- Be careful when lifting it out of the pot. I use two large serving forks to lift it out from both ends.
- You can also use a foil sling by folding a long, heavy-duty aluminum foil and placing it under the trivet.
- Pour the orange juice into the bottom of the instant pot. It provides amazing flavor, and your house will smell so good!
- You can substitute pineapple juice or apple cider for orange juice.
- After cooking, add more glaze between each slice to maximize the flavor in every bite. Your leftovers will taste incredible!
- I like more simple ham flavors. You can use your favorite ham spices in this recipe. Cinnamon and Nutmeg work well.
- A spiral-cut ham also works well in this recipe.
It is the perfect holiday recipe to pair with my amazingly delicious and super easy recipe for Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Instant Pot Turkey.
Ham Cook Time
| 2 pounds | 4 minutes on high |
| 3 pounds | 6 minutes on high |
| 4 pounds | 8 minutes on high |
| 5 pounds | 10 minutes on high |
Instant Pot Ham FAQs
Cook the ham for approximately 2 minutes per pound when heating it up in the pressure cooker.
Leftover ham will last 3 to 5 days in your refrigerator stored in an airtight container.
Allow ham to cool completely, then wrap in aluminum foil or freezer paper. Store until ready to use, up to 2 months.
How Much Ham per Person
For a boneless ham, approximately ½ pound per person.
| 4-6 people | 2-3 pounds |
| 8-12 people | 5-6 pounds |
| 15-20 people | 8-10 pounds |
For bone-in ham, approximately ¾ pounds per person.
| 4-6 people | 5-6 pounds |
| 8-12 people | 8-9 pounds |
| 15-20 people | 15-16 pounds |
Storing Instant Pot Ham
- Let it cool.
- Slice or shred it.
- Use airtight containers or bags.
- Remove excess air from bags.
- Label with the date.
- Keep in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze for 1-2 months.
How to Reheat Ham in the Instant Pot
- Thaw it in the fridge.
- Place the ham in the Instant Pot.
- Add ¼ cup of liquid (like broth or water).
- Seal and select “Steam” or “Manual.”
- Set time (3-7 mins).
- Release pressure.
- Check temp (165°F or 74°C).
Ham Recipes
See all my Best Ham Recipes!
Recipes for Leftover Ham
Check out all my favorite leftover ham recipes and side dishes for ham!
Try serving ham with my Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes!
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Instant Pot Ham
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 lb. ham pre-cooked
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ stick butter
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup maple syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, and 3 sliced green onions to a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add trivet to the bottom of your 6 qt.+ Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of orange juice. Place a 5 pound ham on top of the trivet, and cover with ½ of the glaze mixture. Lock the lid in place and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When 10 minutes is up, carefully release the pressure (use an oven mitt or dish cloth). Carefully lift out of the pot and set aside on a plate. Drain the liquid from the pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and melt ½ stick butter.
- Once it melts, add the ham. Sear on each side until browned all over.
- Remove to a plate and slice. On top and in between each slice, evenly cover with the remaining ½ of your glaze mixture. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Serve with orange slices and arugula.
- Reserve some green onions to put on top for extra color and flavor.
Patti says
I have a 3 lb. ham. I will probably have to cut it in half to get it to fit properly in my 6 qt. Instant Pot. Will that be okay? How long to cook for 3 lbs?
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Patti! Yes, it should be just fine if you cut it in half as long as it fits properly. For a 3 pound ham, cook 6 minutes on high. Enjoy!
Tina says
If I want ham gravy from my ham how much water do I add to insta pot
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Tina! I would recommend cooking the ham as normal without adding any extra liquid, or it may boil the ham and ruin the texture and flavor. Instead, cook the ham normally in the Instant Pot. Once you’ve removed it from the pot after cooking, don’t clean the pot – leave the drippings to make the gravy with. Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and add ½ cup water or broth to the pot along with about 3 Tablespoons of flour or 1.5 Tablespoons cornstarch. Cook until a thick gravy forms.
Enjoy!
Pernilla says
I want to no recipe for instapot smoked ham without all the juices, glazed, etc. Can I just put the ham in the pot with however much water?
Isabel Laessig says
Sure thing, Pernilla. You can add it to the pot with 3 cups of water. Be sure to use the trivet as you normally would. This will basically steam the ham. Enjoy!
Alanna Hart says
Did you score the ham yourself?
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Alanna! I do typically score the ham myself, and recommend it. Just lightly score it in a diamond-shaped pattern without cutting too deep, if your ham isn’t scored already.
Tricia says
Hi! This sounds amazing, but I’m thinking I missed the part where you said what type of him you used is it boneless, bone-in, spiral? Thanks in advance!
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Tricia! I used a bone-in ham for this recipe, but you can use any type as long as it fits in your Instant Pot. Enjoy!
Valerie Moore says
12. 23.2023 I just cook this recipe tonight; this recipe is AWESOME!!!! My first time using my Instant pot, I have been so intimidated by Instant pot recipes and the Instant pot, lol. Thank you, your recipe is so easy to follow, and it is delicious! My ham is so moist, so good. My family loves it, even my daughter who is not a lover of ham. Your recipe is a keeper. Thank you again. I need to check out all your Instant pot recipes.
Isabel Laessig says
So glad you enjoyed it, Valerie! This is wonderful to hear! Take care and Happy New Year!