Ham Skin Crackling: The Ultimate Crispy Snack

There are a few different snacks you can make out of baked ham skins. One option is to cut the ham skin into cubes, deep fry them, and then toss them with salt, honey, and cayenne pepper to make a crunchy snack. Another option is to simply bake the ham skin in the oven until it's crispy, which will take about 3 hours at 325 °F. You can also make crackling from cured ham skin by baking or deep frying it, but be aware that the high sugar and salt content can cause burning and a bitter flavour.

Deep-fried ham skins

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to obtain some ham skins. Ideally, use fresh ham skins, but if you are using leftover ham skins, ensure they are not too dry. Cut the ham skins into small cubes of a similar size to ensure even cooking.

Cooking Method

Heat a deep-fat fryer to 375°F or heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to the same temperature. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cubed ham skins and deep-fry for approximately 7 minutes. Remove the ham skins from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl. Toss the fried ham skins with salt to taste.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the ham skins on the tray in a single layer and bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the hot ham skins with honey and sprinkle with cayenne pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, salty treat!

Tips

• If you prefer a healthier option, baking the ham skins in the oven at a low temperature for about 3 hours will also yield crispy results, although the texture may differ slightly.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the ham skins to achieve the best crunch.
• Experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations.

Baked ham skins

Before baking, the ham skins can be seasoned with salt, and after baking, they can be drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cayenne pepper.

Ham skin crackling

Ingredients:

• Ham skin
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Honey (optional)

Method:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the Ham Skin: Remove any excess fat from the ham skin, leaving a thin layer of fat attached to the skin. Cut the skin into cubes or strips, depending on your preferred size for snacking.
• Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the ham skin with salt, and optionally, cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Bake: Place the seasoned ham skin on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Drizzle with Honey (Optional): For a sweet and salty combination, drizzle the crackling with honey before serving.

Tips:

• For a quicker cooking time, deep-frying the ham skin in vegetable oil at 375°F (190°C) for about 7 minutes before baking in the oven is an option.
• Be cautious of the amount of salt added, as ham skin can be quite salty on its own.
• If you're short on time, you can make this snack by cutting off some of the skin from a cooked ham and baking it in the oven.

Crispy ham skins

Overview

Ham skins can be baked and turned into a tasty snack. Crispy ham skins, also known as crackling, are a delicious treat that can be made at home. The process is simple and only requires a few key steps to ensure a crunchy, addictive bite.

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to obtain some ham skins. Ideally, use leftover ham skin from a previous meal or purchase raw ham skin from a butcher. Ensure you have enough ham skin, as this snack tends to be quite moreish!

Cooking Method

Preheat your oven to a suitable temperature—a range of 325-400°F is recommended. Place the ham skins on a baking tray or sheet pan, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping. Sprinkle the skins generously with salt. This step is crucial, as it will enhance the flavour and encourage the crisping process.

Place the tray in the oven and bake for approximately 3 hours or until the skins are nice and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.

Serving Suggestions

Once the ham skins are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. At this stage, you can get creative with your seasonings and toppings. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper will add a sweet and spicy kick to your crispy treat. Alternatively, keep it classic with just a sprinkling of salt.

Serve the crispy ham skins as a snack on their own or alongside other appetisers. They are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed later.

Tips and Tricks

For an even crispier texture, try deep-frying the ham skins before baking them in the oven. Cut the ham skins into cubes, heat some vegetable oil in a deep fat fryer at 375°F, and fry the skins for about 7 minutes. Then proceed with the oven-baking step as usual.

Salty ham skins

Ingredients:

• Ham skins
• Salt
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
• Cayenne pepper
• Honey

Method:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 325 °F or 400 °F, depending on your preference for a slower or faster cooking time.

Place your leftover ham skins on a sheet pan and sprinkle with salt. Bake until crispy, which usually takes around 3 hours at the lower temperature, or 1 hour at the higher temperature.

For an even crispier texture, you can also deep fry the ham skins. To do this, heat vegetable oil in a deep-fat fryer to 375 °F and add the ham skins for around 7 minutes. Remove the skins with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl. Toss the skins with salt and then put them on a baking tray. Place the tray in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the skins are golden brown.

Finally, drizzle honey and sprinkle cayenne pepper over the ham skins before serving. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions