How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham in the Instant Pot

The instant pot is a popular kitchen appliance that can be used for a wide variety of dishes including meats like ham. Cooking a bone-in spiral cut ham in the instant pot is a great way to infuse it with flavor and make it super moist and tender. But how long does it actually take to cook ham in the instant pot?

Cooking time can vary based on a few factors, so read on for tips on calculating cook times for your spiral ham. We’ll also cover how to prepare the ham, what instant pot settings to use, and how to get the best results.

Key Factors That Impact Cook Time

To estimate how long your spiral ham needs in the instant pot, consider these key factors:

• Size and weight of the ham
• Whether the ham is fully cooked or fresh
• Bone-in or boneless
• Level of doneness desired

For example, a 5 lb pre-cooked bone-in spiral ham will take less time than a 10 lb fresh bone-in ham. Cook time also depends on if you want the meat fully heated through or slightly pink in the center.

Estimate Cook Time Based on Weight

A good rule of thumb for cook time is:

• Bone-in spiral hams

  • 10-12 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham
  • 18-20 minutes per pound for a fresh ham

• Boneless spiral hams

  • 8-10 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham
  • 15-18 minutes per pound for a fresh ham

So for a 10 lb fully cooked bone-in spiral ham, the estimated instant pot cook time would be 120 minutes. For a 5 lb fresh boneless ham, the time would be about 75 minutes.

These time ranges ensure the ham will come up to safe internal temperatures. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, especially with fresh hams.

Adjust Time for Thickness

The thickness of the ham can also affect cooking times. Thinner hams will cook faster than thicker hams of an equal weight. For thicker hams, or if you want the center especially hot, you may need to increase cook times slightly.

It’s better to undershoot times and check for doneness than go over. You can always put the ham back in for a few more minutes if needed.

Instant Pot Settings

Most instant pot spiral ham recipes call for high pressure for the full cooking time. Quick release is typically used rather than natural release, so the ham does not overcook.

Make sure the instant pot is filled to the max fill line with water before adding the ham. Use a cooking rack or steamer basket if needed to elevate the ham above the water line.

Preparing and Finishing the Ham

To prepare a spiral ham for the instant pot:

• Leave the ham in its original packaging or wrap in foil. This retains moisture.
• Score the fatty outer layer. This helps render fat and creates a crispy exterior.
• Glaze or season as desired. Brown sugar or honey glazes work well.

Once cooked, let the ham rest 10-15 minutes before unwrapping. Transfer to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the glaze or crust.

Step-By-Step Instant Pot Spiral Ham

Here’s a summary of the complete instant pot spiral ham process:

1. Choose a fully cooked or fresh bone-in or boneless spiral ham and note the weight.
2. Calculate the estimated cook time based on size, bone-in or out, cooked vs fresh.
3. Leave ham wrapped or wrap in foil. Score fat layer and glaze/season as desired.
4. Add water and rack to instant pot. Place ham on rack.
5. Pressure cook on high for the calculated time. Quick or natural release.
6. Let ham rest 10-15 minutes before unwrapping.
7. Broil 3-5 minutes to caramelize exterior.

And your flavorful spiral ham is ready to slice and serve!

Checking for Doneness

Always rely on a food thermometer rather than cook time to determine doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.

For fully cooked hams, the safe internal temperature is 130°F or above. For fresh hams, cook to at least 145°F.

If the ham is not yet up to temperature, re-cover with foil and return to the instant pot to cook for 5-10 minutes more. Continue checking temperature until it registers above the safe minimum.

Troubleshooting

Having issues getting perfect results? Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ham is undercooked – Increase cook time and verify internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Cook for 5-10 minutes extra if needed.

• Ham is dry or tough – Don’t overcook. Follow suggested time ranges and use natural release to prevent overcooking.

• Exterior lacks caramelization – Broil for a few minutes after cooking to crisp up the glaze.

• Ham floats out of liquid – Use a rack or steamer basket to keep the ham submerged. Weight down with foil or a heat-safe dish.

More Tips for Instant Pot Ham Success

• Choose a ham sized to fit your instant pot. Very large hams won’t cook evenly.
• Cut hams in half if needed. Divide cook time between pieces.
• Let the pressure release naturally for more tender meat.
• Add liquids like broth, water, juice or soda to the pot.
• Use leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, pizza, salads, and more!

Sample Cook Times

To give you an idea of cook times, here are estimates for hams of different sizes:

• 5 lb fully cooked bone-in – 60 minutes
• 7 lb fully cooked boneless – 70 minutes
• 9 lb fresh bone-in – 180 minutes
• 4 lb fresh boneless – 60 minutes

Remember, times are a guide. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer before serving.

An Easier Holiday Main Dish

Cooking spiral ham in the instant pot is easier than traditional oven baking and yields a moist and delicious holiday centerpiece.

Next time you need an impressive and fuss-free main dish, give instant pot ham a try. With the cook times and tips above, you’ll have perfect ham for any occasion.