It might sound strange to deep fry a fully cooked ham, but it’s a fun and tasty way to make this holiday favorite. The crispy, golden exterior over tender, juicy meat is hard to resist.
But is it safe to deep fry an already cooked ham? What’s the best process? How long should you fry it? Read on for a complete guide to deep frying fully cooked ham and impress your guests with this fried feast.
Is It Safe to Deep Fry a Pre-Cooked Ham?
There is no danger in deep-frying a fully cooked ham from the store at home. In fact, the ham being pre-cooked makes the process easier and more foolproof. Here are some of the benefits:
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No risk of undercooking since the ham is already fully cooked through.
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The hot oil seals in moisture and prevents the ham from drying out.
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Crispy fried exterior contrasts with the tender interior.
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Injecting marinades infuses even more flavor.
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Quicker cooking time than baking.
As long as basic safety precautions are followed, deep frying a ham is a safe and delicious cooking method
Tips for Selecting a Ham for Deep Frying
While most fully cooked hams will work you’ll get the best results by choosing
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Bone-in hams – The bone helps the meat retain moisture during frying. Avoid boneless.
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Smoked hams – The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the fried crispiness.
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Whole hams – Smaller hams may cook unevenly. Aim for 10 lbs or larger.
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Spiral slice – These pre-sliced hams make serving easier after frying.
Select a top quality fully cooked ham that’s free of flaws or dry spots. This will help ensure the juiciest and most evenly cooked results.
Prep Tips Before Deep Frying Ham
Proper prep is key to fried ham success. Follow these tips:
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Thaw completely – Ensure ham is fully thawed before frying for even cooking.
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Trim excess fat – For less splattering, trim off any large fat areas.
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Pat dry – Blot ham with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
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Inject marinade – For added flavor, inject ham with a marinade using an injector tool.
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Score the ham – Cut slits partway through the ham to help heat penetrate and fat render.
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Add rack – Insert a poultry rack into the ham’s center to make lifting easier.
Proper thawing, drying, scoring, and injecting prep will pay off later with juicy, flavorful results.
How Long to Deep Fry a Ham?
The general rule of thumb for deep frying ham is:
7 minutes per pound
So a 10 lb ham would take about 70 minutes submerged in the hot oil.
However, cooking time can vary based on:
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Size and shape of the ham
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Temperature of the oil
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Specific deep fryer used
To account for these factors, always use a meat thermometer to verify the ham reaches an internal temp of 160°F before removing from the oil.
Monitor the temperature and adjust cooking time up or down as needed. Undercooked ham can be dangerous.
Step-By-Step Deep Frying Ham Process
Follow this simple process for crispy, juicy deep fried ham:
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Prep ham as outlined above.
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Secure ham with poultry rack inserted in center.
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Preheat oil to 350-375°F in a large propane turkey fryer.
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Carefully lower ham into hot oil using the rack.
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Fry for approx. 7 minutes per pound, adjusting as needed.
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Check internal temp, fry until it reaches 160°F.
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Remove ham and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
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Carve ham and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Be sure to monitor oil temp and cook times closely for a properly cooked interior without over-frying.
Oil Temperature Tips
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Heat oil to 350-375°F before adding ham.
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Lowering the ham cools the oil slightly so adjust heat to maintain temp.
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If oil smokes or smells, it’s too hot! Turn down heat immediately.
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Too low of a temp will increase cook time and lead to greasy ham.
Investing in a deep fry thermometer helps monitor oil temp for best results.
Safely Lowering and Removing the Ham
Since hams can be large and unwieldy, here are some tips for safe handling:
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Use a strong, sturdy poultry rack inserted into the ham’s center.
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Lower and lift the ham slowly and gently using the rack.
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Have another person help maneuver the ham if needed.
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Wear long cooking gloves to protect hands and arms.
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Keep children and pets at a safe distance. Hot oil can splash!
Take your time and ask for help when needed. Never rush the process or compromise safety.
Serving and Leftover Storage Tips
Your masterpiece fried ham deserves proper serving and storage:
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Let ham rest 10-15 minutes after frying before carving.
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Slice across the grain for tenderest results.
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Serve with classic soul food sides like greens, beans, potatoes, etc.
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Refrigerate leftover ham tightly wrapped for 5-7 days.
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Reheat fried ham slices in a skillet until warm; don’t microwave.
Now that you’re a pro at deep frying ham, try experimenting with different marinades and seasonings in the coating. Serve this crispy, juicy ham at your next holiday meal or backyard gathering for rave reviews. Just be prepared for requests for your top-secret fried ham recipe!
Deep Frying a Cooked Ham: A Delicious and Unique Dish
When you think of ways to cook, deep-frying a cooked ham might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can make a tasty and unique dish that will impress your family and friends. The next time you want to try something new in the kitchen, you should definitely try deep-frying a cooked ham. Here’s how you can do it:
- 1 cooked ham
- 3-4 cups of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a deep fryer or a big, deep pot, heat the vegetable oil first. The oil needs to be about 375°F before you use it.
- While the oil is heating up, prepare the ham. Cut the ham into slices of your desired thickness.
- Put the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three different bowls.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper to taste.
- Next, coat each ham slice in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the ham to make sure they stick.
- The breaded ham slices should be carefully put into the hot oil once the oil has reached the right temperature. Make sure the fryer or pot isn’t too full, because that can lower the oil temperature and make the ham soggy.
- For three to four minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, fry the ham slices.
- With a slotted spoon, take the fried ham slices out of the oil and put them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
- Let the ham slices cool down for a while before you serve them.
If you do these easy things, you’ll end up with tender, crispy, and flavorful deep-fried ham that everyone will love at any party. Deep-fried ham is a tasty and versatile option that is well worth the work. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a unique addition to a sandwich.
So, the next time you want to try something new in the kitchen, fry a cooked ham in oil. This is a fun and tasty way to change up your normal cooking routine and make a tasty treat that is crispy and full of flavor. Got a question or comment about how to deep fry a cooked ham? Head over to the.
How to fry a ham!
FAQ
How long does it take to deep fry a cooked ham?
Is it OK to fry cooked ham?
Can you deep fry a spiral cut ham?
How do you cook a ham that is already fully cooked?
How long do you deep fry a ham?
Lower rack into fryer. Cook ham for 7 minutes per pound, or until core temperature of ham is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. 8. Remove ham from fryer and allow excess oil to drain off. Carve ham and enjoy! Can You Deep Fry a Ham? Yes, you can deep fry a ham.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
Can you deep fry a Cajun Ham?
Only in TX would we deep fry meat that is already cooked!” In an outdoor turkey fryer kind of contraption heat several gallons of peanut oil to 375. You can use the oil left over from frying a cajun turkey- it is seasoned and hot already and just perfect. Lower the ham – unwrapped of course- into the hot oil.
How do you cook a fried ham?
How to do it 1. Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat and fry the ham until it has lightly browned. 2. Meanwhile, beat the eggs with the milk and butter, and season with salt and pepper. Pour into the pan with the fried ham and cook, moving constantly, until the egg has curdled. Season with salt and pepper.