Easy Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

This Easy Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe creates a simple, elegant appetizer or side dish in under 10 minutes. By wrapping tender asparagus spears in savory prosciutto, the air fryer quickly cooks the ham until perfectly crispy while keeping the asparagus tender-crisp, resulting in a delicious, low-carb treat with minimal effort.

If you need an appetizer or side dish that looks incredibly elegant but requires virtually no effort, this Easy Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is your answer.

The air fryer works magic, crisping the savory, salty prosciutto to perfection while ensuring the asparagus remains tender-crisp in just under 10 minutes.

This recipe uses minimal ingredients and is naturally low-carb, making it the perfect no-fuss solution for dinner parties, holidays, or simply upgrading your weeknight vegetable side.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Lightning Fast: This dish is ready in under 10 minutes using the air fryer, making it the perfect last-minute appetizer or side.
• Perfect Texture Contrast: You get the ultimate combination of crispy, savory prosciutto and tender-crisp asparagus in every single bite.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need two main ingredients, simplifying your prep and grocery list significantly.
• Low-Carb and Healthy: It’s an naturally low-carb and keto-friendly side or snack that’s far more elegant than the effort requires.
• Elegant Presentation: Despite the minimal effort, this dish looks incredibly fancy and elegant, making it ideal for holidays and dinner parties.

Ingredients Needed

• Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable spears; perfectly tender-crisp when cooked.
• Prosciutto: Thin, cured Italian ham; provides intense, salty crispness.
• Olive Oil: Light coating helps vegetables brown and adds subtle flavor.
• Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that provides aromatic, gentle warmth.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Step One: Snap or cut off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears. Place the trimmed asparagus in a bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with black pepper, if desired.

Step Two: Lay one slice of prosciutto flat on a cutting board. Place the asparagus spears at one end and tightly roll the prosciutto around the spear in a diagonal direction.

Step Three: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes. Carefully place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus bundles in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap them—this ensures the prosciutto gets crispy. You may need to cook in batches. Set cook time for 6 to 8 minutes. The prosciutto should be golden brown and perfectly crispy, and the asparagus should be tender-crisp.

Easy Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe Tips

• Roll Tightly, But Not Too Thick: Make sure the prosciutto is wrapped snugly around the asparagus bundle. This helps the prosciutto stick and crisp evenly. If the bundle is too thick (more than 4-5 average spears), the middle spears may remain too crunchy.
• Keep It Single Layer: Always cook the bundles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping them will trap steam, causing the prosciutto to become chewy or soggy instead of crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
• The Prosciutto Check: If you want the prosciutto to be extra crispy, gently pat the slices dry with a paper towel before wrapping. Less moisture means faster crisping!
• Don’t Over-Oil: Since prosciutto releases its own fat as it cooks, a light mist of olive oil or even no oil is often sufficient for the asparagus. Too much oil can lead to a greasy finish.
• Watch the Time: Because air fryer models vary, start checking the bundles around the 6-minute mark. You are looking for a deep golden-brown color on the prosciutto and a slightly shriveled appearance.

Storing And Make Ahead Instructions

• Make-Ahead (Uncooked): You can easily prep this appetizer up to 24 hours in advance by trimming the asparagus and wrapping the bundles in prosciutto. Store the uncooked bundles in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator and air fry them straight from the fridge when ready to serve.
• Storing Leftovers (Cooked): While best fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. To recapture some crispiness, reheat the bundles gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes instead of using the microwave.

Easy Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe Faqs

• Why is my prosciutto not crispy? The main culprit is usually moisture or overcrowding. Ensure you cook the bundles in a single layer without overlapping, which allows the hot air to circulate and prevents steaming. Also, pat the prosciutto dry before wrapping for the best crisping results.
• Can I substitute bacon for prosciutto? Yes, you can substitute thinly sliced bacon, but the cooking time will change. Bacon is thicker and needs to cook longer (usually around 10-12 minutes) to get fully crisp. The flavor will also be much stronger and less delicate than prosciutto.

• Should I pre-boil or blanch the asparagus first? No, it is not necessary. The air fryer cooks the asparagus quickly enough that it will become perfectly tender-crisp in the 6-8 minute cook time. Blanching would likely lead to mushy asparagus after air frying.

• How do I prevent the prosciutto from unraveling while cooking? Ensure you wrap the prosciutto tightly around the asparagus bundle. If you are having trouble, you can secure the ends with a wooden toothpick during the cooking process. Just remember to remove the toothpick before serving!
• Can I use frozen asparagus? It is not recommended to use frozen asparagus for this recipe. Frozen asparagus releases too much moisture as it thaws, which will result in soggy prosciutto and a watery dish. Always use fresh asparagus for the best texture.

More Easy Asparagus Recipes

• Air Fryer Asparagus With Garlic and Parmesan
• Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese
• Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup 
• Air Fryer Asparagus Crescent Rolls

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