If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily place ham sticks into a 375º F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
This fried ham recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s smart. Panko fried ham and waffles is the ultimate way to breathe new life into leftover ham. After a big holiday dinner, when you’re staring down a spiral ham in the fridge, this savory waffle dish offers a creative (and crowd-pleasing) solution.
But leftovers aren’t the only reason to make it. It also shines as the centerpiece of a special weekend breakfast or a laid-back brunch. Pair it with eggs, fruit, or even a drizzle of maple syrup if you like that sweet-and-savory balance. However you plate it, it’s a dish that brings comfort and celebration to the table.
There are two main elements in this dish: the fried ham and the savory waffles. Each brings its own texture and flavor—and when they come together, the result is magic.
Start with thick slices of Coleman ham, patted dry and coated in a seasoned flour and egg wash. Then, press them into a bed of panko breadcrumbs until they’re fully covered. This coating is what gives them that irresistible crunch.
Pop the breaded ham slices into your air fryer and let them crisp up to golden perfection while you make the waffles. These aren’t your average waffles—they’re savory, cheddar-infused waffles with a hint of fresh chives, made from a batter that’s light yet rich. The cheese melts into the waffle pockets, and the herbs give a punch of flavor that balances the salty ham beautifully.
Once everything’s ready, serve the panko fried ham on top of the waffles and garnish with more chives, extra cheese, or even a runny egg if you’re feeling extra. You’ll have a brunch plate that looks restaurant-level but comes together with minimal stress.
Want to take things to the next level? Try the fancy sage butter syrup from the original recipe. Made by melting butter with fresh sage leaves before stirring in maple syrup, this aromatic drizzle adds depth and a gourmet twist to every bite. It’s rich, slightly herbaceous, and ties the whole dish together—perfect for impressing brunch guests or simply treating yourself.
What makes this recipe even better? It’s made in the air fryer, which means less mess and more consistent results. Panko breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the air fryer’s circulating heat, making it the ideal way to get that golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying.
It also cuts down on cooking time, so you can go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes. That’s brunch-worthy efficiency.
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—you can still make this dish just as delicious. Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded ham slices for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Drain on a paper towel to keep the coating light and crunchy.
The waffles, of course, work the same way regardless of your kitchen gear. Just make sure your waffle iron is preheated and lightly greased before pouring in the batter.
No matter how you cook it, this dish starts with high-quality ham—and Coleman has exactly what you need. Their uncured, smoked hams bring incredible flavor and texture without any added nitrates or artificial preservatives. You’ll taste the difference in every bite of the panko fried ham: rich, savory, and lightly smoky, with just enough salt to make the cheesy waffles pop.
And beyond flavor, Coleman stands for something bigger. Their pork products come from American family farms that raise animals without antibiotics or growth hormones, ever. Coleman pigs are crate-free, American Humane Certified, and never given animal by-products. That means when you serve up panko fried ham and waffles, you’re not just treating yourself—you’re supporting better farming practices and animal welfare standards.
Panko fried ham and waffles is a dish that makes an impression. It’s crispy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—whether you’re using up leftovers or making it fresh for Sunday brunch. The textures are on point, the flavors are balanced, and it’s versatile enough to fit any morning mood.
With the ease of the air fryer and the bold flavor of Coleman ham, this is one of those rare recipes that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make on a whim. So next time you’re wondering what to do with leftover ham—or just craving something comforting—break out the waffle iron and panko for these fried ham and savory waffles! Brunch is served.
Now that the brunch plates have been polished, and maybe you even finally found the bottom of those mimosas, Coleman is ready to help you find the next recipe to take center stage at your table! As always, Coleman Premium meats are the key to making any recipe stand out. Take a look at these 6 easy weeknight dinner ideas to get inspired!
Find Coleman products near you with our store locator and enjoy high-quality, all-natural ingredients in every bite! Not available in stores near you? We’ve got you covered with our Coleman Online Shop so high quality, natural meats are always on the menu!
