Deep frying a cooked ham is a delicious way to add flavor and texture to an already tasty cut of meat. When done right, deep frying gives the ham’s exterior a wonderfully crispy and savory crust, while keeping the interior juicy and tender However, deep frying ham does require precision regarding cook times Undercook it and the ham will be dangerously underdone. Overcook it and you risk drying out the meat. So how long should you deep fry a cooked ham?
Deep-frying cooked ham for 4 to 5 minutes per pound is a good rule of thumb. It would take 20 to 25 minutes to cook a 5 lb ham in a deep fryer. However, there are a few factors that can influence cook time:
Cook Time Factors
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How hot or cold was the ham before it went into the fryer? A ham that was just cooked will take less time. A cold ham from the fridge will need longer.
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Ham Shape – Is it a ham steak, slice, or a whole boneless ham? A thick ham steak or whole ham will require more fry time than a thin slice or pieces.
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Fryer Oil Temperature – The temperature your oil is heated to (usually 350-375°F) will impact cook time. The hotter the oil, the quicker the ham will fry.
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Batter/Breading – A breaded or battered ham will need more fry time than an uncoated one The coating adds insulation that slows cooking
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Ham Doneness – Cook time also depends on desired doneness Just crisping the outside calls for less time than cooking ham through fully,
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Ham Weight – Heavier hams need more fry time than lighter ones, since there’s more meat to cook.
Fry Time Guidelines
Here are general fry time guidelines based on ham shape and size:
- Ham steak or 2-inch slice: 2-3 minutes per side
- 1-inch thick ham slices: 1-2 minutes per side
- 1/2-inch thick ham slices: 45-90 seconds per side
- Ham pieces/cubes: 2-3 minutes
- Whole boneless ham (8-12 lbs): 4-5 minutes per lb
- Spiral sliced ham (8-12 lbs): 3-4 minutes per lb
- Breaded ham slices or steaks: Add 1 minute per side
- Battered ham slices or steaks: Add 1-2 minutes per side
For safety, always cook ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. The ham’s exterior should be golden brown when fully cooked.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for perfectly fried ham:
1. Prepare the Ham
- For ham steaks or slices, cut ham 1/2 to 2 inches thick.
- For pieces, cut ham into 1-2 inch cubes.
- Pat ham dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Bread or Batter (Optional)
- For breaded ham, dredge in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- For battered ham, dip in tempura, beer batter, or your favorite fried coating.
3. Preheat Fryer to 350-375°F
Use a deep fry or candy thermometer to verify oil temperature.
4. Fry Ham
- Carefully add ham to hot oil using tongs. Do not overcrowd pan.
- Fry ham based on guidelines above, flipping halfway if needed.
- Fry sliced ham for 2-5 minutes per side. Whole ham will take much longer.
- Monitor temperature and adjust heat to maintain proper oil temperature.
5. Drain and Serve
- Remove ham from oil once golden/done using tongs or slotted spoon.
- Allow excess oil to drain off on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
- Lightly season with salt and serve warm!
The takeaway is that most cooked hams take about 4-5 minutes per pound to deep fry properly. But ultimately cook time depends on the specific type, size, and shape of ham. Monitoring temperature and frequently testing doneness ensures you perfectly fry a ham every time.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about deep frying cooked ham:
What type of ham works best for deep frying?
A cooked, fully-cooked, or cured ham works best, since you can eat it straight from the package. Avoid raw pork hams.
What’s the best oil temperature for frying ham?
Aim for 350-375°F. High heat helps the ham brown while cooking through.
Is it safe to eat deep fried ham?
Yes, as long as the ham is fully cooked to 140°F internally it is safe to eat. Discard oil used to cook raw pork.
What’s the best way to bread ham for frying?
For even coating, dredge in flour first, then dip in egg wash, then press into breadcrumbs. Let it adhere for a few minutes before frying.
What happens if you undercook fried ham?
Undercooked ham can contain harmful bacteria. Be sure to fry ham for long enough and confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.
Can you re-fry previously fried ham?
It’s not recommended. Previously fried ham can dry out and overcook with a second fry. Best to fry ham just once.
Tips for Delicious Deep Fried Ham
- Inject ham with marinades or broths before frying for added moisture and flavor.
- Slice ham
