Oil-Less Ham: The Best Way To Fry?

Yes, you can cook a ham in an oil-less fryer. The Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer, for example, can be used to cook a spiral ham. The Char-Broil Big Easy can also be used to cook a pre-cooked ham without the need for a marinade or glaze. The ham can be cooked in the oil-less fryer with the lid up or down, depending on the model. The cooking time is approximately 10 minutes per pound, and the target internal temperature of the ham should be 140–145 °F.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for a ham depend on the type of ham and the cooking method. Here is a guide to help you cook your ham to perfection in an oil-less fryer or air fryer:

Oil-Less Fryer:

If you are using an oil-less fryer like the Char-Broil Big Easy, it is best suited for heating already-cooked, smoked, or cured hams. It is not ideal for cooking raw hams, as the high temperature can dry out and toughen the meat.

When cooking a pre-cooked ham in the Char-Broil Big Easy, you can simply place the ham in the fryer without any additional preparations. The cooking time is approximately 10 minutes per pound, and you should cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If desired, you can glaze the ham during the last 10 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent over-charring.

Air Fryer:

For cooking ham steaks in an air fryer, the process is slightly different. First, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) if your ham is fatty to prevent excessive smoking. If your ham is leaner, you can preheat to a higher temperature, such as 375°F (191°C).

Next, brush your ham steak with a glaze of melted butter, brown sugar, and thyme. You can also inject the ham with a mixture of rum, butter, and brown sugar for added flavor. Place the ham steak in the air fryer and cook for 7-8 minutes on each side for a total of 14-16 minutes. For a simple glaze, you can just brush the ham with butter, thyme, and brown sugar. If desired, drizzle honey on top of the ham after cooking.

For thicker ham slices, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping and basting the ham halfway through. For thinner ham slices, 2-3 minutes in the air fryer should be sufficient. Remember to always check your ham early to prevent overcooking, as air fryers vary in size and temperature.

Traditional Oven:

For those who prefer to use a traditional oven, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of ham. A whole, bone-in ham that is not pre-cooked can take upwards of four hours to cook, depending on its weight.

If you are cooking a smoked ham that has not been pre-cooked, cook it at 325°F (163°C) until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For a country ham, soak it to reduce saltiness before boiling and then cooking at 400°F (204°C) to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Fresh hams should be cooked at 325°F (163°C) to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Glazing techniques

Yes, you can cook a ham in an oil-less fryer. For example, the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer can be used to cook a pre-cooked ham without any additional preparation.

Now, on to glazing techniques. Glazing a ham is a simple process that can yield delicious results. Here are some tips and techniques to achieve the perfect glaze:

Selecting the Ham

Choose a ham with the rind intact, as the fat under the skin is what gives the ham its sticky and golden appearance when glazed. Bone-in hams are also preferable, as they are juicier than boneless hams. If you want a pinkish hue to the meat, opt for a cooked or cured ham.

Scoring the Ham

Using a sharp knife, score the exterior of the ham in a diamond pattern. This step is optional but recommended as it allows the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Preparing the Glaze

The glaze can be as simple as honey or store-bought, but you can also make a glaze from scratch. A traditional brown sugar glaze is a popular choice, but you can experiment with different ingredients like honey-mustard, maple syrup, or even Coca-Cola.

Applying the Glaze

Wait until the final 20-30 minutes of cooking to apply the glaze, as the high sugar content can cause it to burn. Use a silicon brush to apply the glaze generously to the ham, and continue to re-glaze every 5 minutes until the ham is done.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal internal temperature for a fully cooked ham is 135-145°F. Depending on the size of your ham, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes per pound to 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach this temperature. Keep an eye on the ham during the final stages of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Resting and Serving

Allow the ham to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Leftover glazed ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Pre-cooking ham preparation

The first step in preparing a ham for cooking in an air fryer is to ensure that it is fully thawed. If you have a frozen ham, it is crucial to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This process can take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of your ham. Thawing in the refrigerator ensures food safety and helps to maintain the ham's texture.

Once your ham is thawed, you can trim off any excess fat if needed. You may also choose to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This step not only improves the appearance of the ham but also allows any glaze or seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Creating a delicious glaze or seasoning for your ham can significantly elevate its flavor. You can experiment with different combinations of ingredients, such as brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and various spices. Mix your chosen ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. You can also inject your ham with a mixture of rum, butter, and brown sugar before applying the glaze.

If you are cooking ham steaks, you can preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and baste the ham with half of your glaze or seasoning mixture. Then, cook the ham for about 5-6 minutes, flip it over, and baste the remaining mixture on top. You can also add honey for extra flavor. For a boneless ham, you may need to increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

For a larger, 3-pound boneless ham, you can cut it into two equal pieces and wrap them in foil before placing them in the air fryer. Cooking the ham in foil helps to retain moisture and makes cleanup easier. Preheat your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ham for 20 minutes. Then, baste the ham with additional glaze, recover it with foil, and cook for another 15 minutes.

Post-cooking ham applications

Ham is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways after cooking. Here are some ideas for post-cooking ham applications:

Sandwiches

Ham is a classic sandwich filling and can be used to make a variety of sandwiches, from simple ham and cheese to more complex creations with multiple ingredients.

Omelettes

Ham also makes a delicious addition to omelettes. You can chop up the cooked ham and add it to your favourite omelette recipe, or try something new like a ham and cheese omelette with chopped vegetables.

Quesadillas

For a Mexican-inspired dish, use your cooked ham to make quesadillas. Simply fill a tortilla with ham, cheese, and any other desired ingredients, fold it in half, and cook it on a griddle or in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is toasted.

Soups

If you have leftover ham bones, they can be used to make a delicious and flavourful soup. Boil the bones with vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a nutritious and comforting soup that can be enjoyed on its own or as a starter.

Salads

Cooked ham can also be added to salads to create a more substantial meal. Try a classic chef's salad with ham, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables, or experiment with different ingredients and dressings to create your own unique ham salad.

Pizza

Ham is a popular pizza topping and can be used on its own or in combination with other ingredients. Create your own ham pizza by spreading tomato sauce over a pizza base, adding cooked ham slices, and sprinkling with cheese before baking.

Using wood chips for flavour

Yes, you can cook a ham in an oil-less fryer. The Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer is one such appliance that can be used to cook a ham. It is possible to smoke a raw butt portion ham in an oil-free fryer. The fryer can also be used to cook a pre-cooked ham.

When using an oil-less fryer, wood chips can be added to impart a smoky flavour to the ham. It is recommended to ensure that the wood chips are smoking before adding the ham to the fryer, as the ham does not take long to heat through. The Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer has a built-in wood chip box for adding smoked flavour.

Wood chips can be used to add flavour to dishes cooked in an air fryer. Air fryers are small, countertop appliances that use hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly without the need for oil. They are a healthier, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional frying methods.

When using wood chips in an air fryer, it is important to note that they can burn and degrade at high temperatures, which can negatively affect the flavour of the food. Therefore, it is recommended to use wood chips with a high smoke point, which can handle higher temperatures without breaking down. Examples of wood chips with high smoke points include avocado, safflower, soybean, and grapeseed wood chips.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of wood chips to find new flavours that complement your ham. For example, apple wood chips can add a subtle smoky taste to the ham.

Frequently asked questions