Deep fried ham is taking the internet by storm! Videos of juicy tender ham encased in a crispy bacon-like crust have gone viral. If you’re looking to try this untraditional technique at home, you probably have questions. How long should you deep fry an already cooked ham? What temperature? Is it safe? This guide will walk you through the entire process.
Deep frying locks in moisture and adds an insane amount of flavor and texture to holiday hams. While it may seem intimidating, frying a store-bought cooked ham is actually pretty straightforward. Below I’ll explain everything from selecting the right ham to frying times, safety tips, serving ideas, and more. Get ready for the crispiest, crunchiest ham you’ve ever tasted!
Choosing a Ham for Deep Frying
The key is starting with a fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham Raw, uncooked ham takes too long to fry safely Look for these cooked ham varieties ideal for frying
- Bone-in spiral sliced ham
- Boneless glazed ham
- Cured prosciutto ham
- Precooked picnic ham
- Smoked ham with natural juices
For the best results, go for a ham between 3-6 pounds. Anything larger may be tricky to maneuver in hot oil. Avoid hams with thick burnt glaze that could flake off.
Preparing the Ham
Minimal prep work is needed since the ham is already fully cooked:
- Unwrap completely and remove any netting or pins.
- Pat extremely dry with paper towels.
- Do not cut, slice, or season the ham pre-frying.
- Consider removing the bone from a bone-in ham for easier handling.
And that’s it – the ham is ready for the fryer!
Deep Frying Ham Step-By-Step
Follow these steps for crispy deep fried ham perfection:
- Heat at least 4-6 inches peanut, vegetable or canola oil to 325°F in a heavy pot.
- Use a thermometer and adjust heat to maintain 325°F.
- Carefully lower the ham into the hot oil using long tongs.
- Fry for 4-8 minutes per pound, flipping occasionally until golden brown.
- Monitor oil temp and don’t let it exceed 375°F.
- Remove ham immediately once browned and drain on a wire rack.
Be extremely cautious of splattering oil and burns. Deep fry in small batches for safety.
How Long Should You Deep Fry a Cooked Ham?
Total deep frying time depends on the size and style of your cooked ham:
- Boneless ham: Fry 4-6 minutes per pound
- Bone-in ham: Fry 6-8 minutes per pound
- Spiral sliced: Fry 5-7 minutes total
- Glazed ham: Add 1-2 minutes to compensate for thicker glaze
For example, a 5 lb spiral sliced ham would take about 6-8 minutes to fully deep fry. Smaller hams may only need 3-5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches 130-140°F.
Serving Your Deep Fried Ham
The crispy exterior and juicy interior of deep fried ham lend themselves to all sorts of serving ideas. Try:
- Slicing and eating like a steak with pan drippings
- Dicing and adding to salads, pizza, omelets or baked potatoes
- Crumbling into soups, casseroles and sides for a smoky crunch
- Layering on sandwiches and paninis
- Garnishing Bloody Marys with fried ham strips
- Pairing slices with mac and cheese or biscuits
However you serve it, the contrast of flavors and textures is incredible! Deep fried ham also makes leftover ham exciting and new again.
Is Deep Fried Ham Safe? Key Precautions
Deep frying ham comes with risks if precautions aren’t taken:
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Use long tongs and wear protective gear to avoid burns.
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Monitor oil temps closely and do not overheat.
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Deep fry in a well-ventilated area.
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Fry in small batches – do not overload the fryer.
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Keep children and pets away from hot oil.
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Thoroughly cook ham to 140°F internal temperature.
With proper care, deep frying ham can be done safely with unforgettable results!
FAQs About Deep Frying a Cooked Ham
If you’re new to this cooking method, chances are you still have questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How is deep fried ham different from pan fried?
Deep frying completely submerges the ham in hot oil, resulting in an evenly crispy exterior. Pan frying only browns the surface touching the pan.
What’s the best oil to use?
Opt for oils with a high smoke point above 400°F like peanut, vegetable, canola or sunflower oil.
Do you bread, flour or batter the ham first?
No. You want the hot oil to come into direct contact with the ham to crisp it up. Any coating could create a barrier.
Can you re-fry leftover deep fried ham?
It’s best not to re-fry ham, as it would likely dry out. Simply reheat leftover fried ham in the oven until warmed through.
Is deep fried ham safe to eat?
Absolutely! Fully cooked ham is already safe when bought at the store. Frying just creates a delicious crust without affecting the precooked interior.
How long does fried ham last leftover?
Refrigerate leftovers 3-4 days. Reheat fried ham pieces in a hot skillet or oven before serving again.
Ready to Make the Crispiest Ham Ever?
