How to Cook a Juicy Baked Ham in The Big Easy Oil-less Turkey Fryer

As a busy mom I’m always looking for easy cooking shortcuts to get a delicious holiday meal on the table. Last year I tried cooking our bone-in ham in my outdoor Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer and it was a game changer!

The ham turned out incredibly moist and flavorful in much less time than baking it in the oven. If you own a Big Easy fryer or are considering purchasing one cooking ham is a fantastic way to utilize it.

In this article I’ll share my simple method for cooking ham in the Big Easy including

• Key tips for selecting the right ham
• Step-by-step Big Easy ham cooking instructions
• Estimated cook times per pound
• How to obtain the perfect internal temperature
• Carving and serving suggestions

With just a few easy steps, you can have a showstopping baked ham with crispy browned exterior and tender, juicy meat. Let’s get to it!

Tips for Selecting a Ham to Cook in The Big Easy

The great thing about the Big Easy is that it can accommodate almost any size bone-in cooked ham. For my family of 4, I like to cook a 6-8 pound half ham which fits perfectly.

You can also cook a 10-12 pound whole ham for larger gatherings. Look for a cooked, spiral sliced ham which already has great flavoring and will be easy to carve.

Before cooking, remove all packaging and score the fatty outer layer in a diamond pattern. This allows the heat to better penetrate and the fat to crisp up nicely.

Let the ham sit out for 30-60 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. The closer to room temp it is, the more evenly it will cook.

Step-by-Step Method for Cooking Ham in The Big Easy

Here are the simple steps:

1. Preheat your Big Easy to 350°F which takes 15-20 minutes. I like using the higher temp to get a nice brown exterior.

2. Place the prepared ham directly in the pot. No need for extra oil or liquid – the ham will release its own juices.

3. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. This allows you to monitor the internal temp.

4. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound. For a 6 pound ham, cook for 60-75 minutes. Actual time will vary based on size.

5. Cook until the thermometer reaches 140°F. This ensures the ham is completely heated through without overcooking.

6. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

It really doesn’t get much easier than that! The Big Easy does all the work for moist, flavorful ham.

Estimating Cook Times Per Pound

While cook time can vary based on the specific ham, I recommend using 10-12 minutes per pound as a general guideline.

For example, an 8 pound ham would take approximately 80-95 minutes. A 12 pound ham would take 120-145 minutes.

Always rely on a meat thermometer over cook times to gauge doneness. Shoot for an internal temp of at least 140°F in the thickest section.

If the outside is getting too brown before the center is done, you can loosely tent foil over it. This slows down the exterior browning.

Obtaining the Perfect Internal Temperature

Cooking the ham to 140°F is important for food safety and also leads to the best texture.

• Below 140°F means the ham is undercooked, creating a tough, rubbery texture.

• Above 150°F leads to drying out, making the meat tough.

Using a good quality meat thermometer is crucial for perfect doneness, especially for large cuts like ham. The thermometer should slide in easily and not touch any bones.

Let the thermometer stay embedded the entire time so you can closely monitor the internal temp without continuously opening the lid.

Carving and Serving Juicy Big Easy Ham

The ham will be piping hot directly out of the Big Easy. Let it rest tented in foil for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you carve.

Take advantage of the spiral cut shape to easily carve thin slices. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter.

I love serving the Big Easy baked ham with classic sides like honey glazed carrots, roasted potatoes, and buttery rolls. It makes for an easy, foolproof holiday meal.

Any leftovers pack up nicely for sandwiches, omelets, soups, and more. The ham retains great moisture when cooked in the Big Easy.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now you have all the tools to successfully cook a tender baked ham in your Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer. Select a nice big cooked spiral ham, score the fat, and cook approximately 10-12 minutes per pound to 140°F.