When you deep fry a ham that’s already cooked, you can make it taste different. This way of cooking keeps the meat moist and gives the outside a crispy coating. This guide will show you how to deep fry a bone-in or boneless ham that has already been cooked.
Why Deep Fry Precooked Ham?
Frying an already cooked. cured ham offers several advantages
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Moist interior – Frying adds moisture and prevents drying out the meat
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Crispy coating – The hot oil sears and crisps the exterior.
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Quick cooking – Since it’s precooked, frying time is fast.
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New flavor – Frying gives a delicious new twist to classic baked ham,
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Fun presentation – It’s an unexpected shape and style for ham.
Precooked hams sold fully cooked are ideal candidates for frying. A boneless ham is easiest, but a bone-in ham works too when handled properly.
Tips for Deep Frying Ham Success
Follow these tips for the best results when deep frying precooked ham:
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Choose a ham labeled “fully cooked” for safety and ease.
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Opt for boneless or tightly spiral cut to allow oil flow. Avoid hams with loose slices.
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Pat ham dry before frying to minimize splattering.
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Use a cooking thermometer to monitor oil and internal ham temp.
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Allow cooked ham to rest before slicing for juicy results.
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Take care when inserting and removing to avoid burns. Use proper tools.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step process for deep frying an already cooked ham:
1. Select Appropriate Ham
Choose a boneless ham or one that is tightly spiral sliced. Avoid hams with loose irregular slices that can fall apart when fried. Also ensure the ham is fully cooked for food safety.
2. Prepare Deep Fryer
Select an appropriate sized deep fryer and fill with frying oil, leaving several inches of headspace. Peanut oil works well for frying ham. Heat oil to 350-375°F.
3. Dry Ham Thoroughly
Pat purchased cooked ham with paper towels to remove any excess surface moisture that could cause splattering.
4. Skewer Bone-In Ham (Optional)
If frying a bone-in half ham or similar cut, insert a skewer from end to end before frying to hold it together.
5. Fry Ham
Lower ham slowly into hot oil using proper frying tools. Fry about 3-5 minutes per pound, adjusting as needed.
6. Monitor Temperature
Test internal temp of ham in thickest area, removing at 135°F for spiral cut hams or 145°F for boneless.
7. Remove and Drain
When ham reaches target temp, remove slowly from oil and let excess oil drain off before placing on tray.
8. Let Rest Before Serving
Allow ham to rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing into it post-frying for best moisture retention.
And your deep fried precooked ham is ready to serve! Enjoy this fun twist on a holiday staple.
Handy Equipment to Have On Hand
Having the right gear makes deep frying ham safer and easier:
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Deep fryer with basket – Choose an appropriate size to fit ham.
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Long skewers or rods – Helps lower and remove bone-in hams.
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Heavy duty tongs – Needed to carefully insert and remove ham.
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Deep fry thermometer – Monitors oil temperature for best results.
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Meat thermometer – Checks internal doneness of ham.
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Trays or wire racks – Allows cooked ham to drain.
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Oven mitts – Protects hands and arms from hot oil.
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Paper towels – For drying ham prior to cooking.
FAQs About Deep Frying Precooked Ham
Have questions about deep frying an already cooked ham? Here are answers to some common queries:
What type of ham works best?
Fully cooked, boneless ham or tightly spiral cut bone-in ham. Avoid loose slice bone-in hams.
How long should you fry it?
Around 3-5 minutes per pound depending on thickness. Monitor temperature.
What oil temperature should be used?
Heat oil to 350-375°F for best results when frying precooked ham.
Is it necessary to dry the ham first?
Yes, pat it dry to minimize splattering during frying from excess surface moisture.
What is the minimum safe internal temperature?
Cook to at least 135°F for spiral hams, or 145°F for boneless.
Can you re-fry leftover fried ham?
It’s not recommended to re-fry any cooked hams as it poses some safety concerns.
While untraditional, deep frying an already cooked ham creates a deliciously moist and crispy meat perfect for the holidays or anytime you want to shake up dinner! Just be sure to take the proper precautions.
Serving Ideas for Deep Fried Ham
A deep fried precooked ham makes for a stellar entree or appetizer. Here are some fun ways to serve it:
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On biscuits with honey mustard for slider sandwiches
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Diced in scrambled eggs or omelets
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In fried rice or pasta dishes for added protein
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On top of a fresh salad or greens
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Sliced thin for charcuterie or cheese boards
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Chopped over pizza, flatbreads, or nachos
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In soups, stews, beans, or chili as a flavorful addition
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Paired with scalloped or au gratin potatoes
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Shredded as a topping for loaded baked potatoes
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In hashes or breakfast bowls with veggies
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On sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or tacos
However you choose to serve it, a deep fried precooked ham is sure to be a hit! Enjoy this fun and tasty cooking method for a moist and crispy ham.
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.