Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus bundle two or three tender spears inside salty prosciutto and pan-fry them until crisp in about 6 minutes. It's an effortlessly elegant appetizer, snack, or low-carb side that looks like serious dinner-party food. A sprig of rosemary perfumes the olive oil as everything cooks.
Looking for an appetizer that’s effortlessly elegant and ridiculously delicious? You’ve found it! These Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus spears are the perfect marriage of salty, savory prosciutto and fresh, tender-crisp asparagus. Pan-fried in minutes, they’re a stunning addition to any dinner party, a sophisticated snack, or a fantastic low-carb side dish. Get ready for your new go-to recipe that looks gourmet but is secretly simple.
Ingredients
• 1 bunch fresh green asparagus, about 10 ounces / 280g (9.9 oz)
• 12 slices prosciutto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil / 15 ml (0.5 fl oz)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, optional for infusion
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preparation
2. Prep the Asparagus: Thoroughly wash the asparagus spears and pat them completely dry. Hold each spear and bend it gently; it will naturally snap at the point where the tender part meets the tough, woody end. Discard the woody ends.
3. Create the Bundles: Group 2-3 asparagus spears together. Tightly wrap one slice of prosciutto around the middle of each bundle, creating about 10-12 bundles in total.
4. Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the optional rosemary sprig to infuse the oil with flavor as it heats.
5. Cook to Perfection: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the wrapped asparagus bundles in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning the bundles regularly, until the prosciutto is crispy on all sides and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
6. Serve: Remove from the pan, season with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately while hot.
Nutritional Information
• per Serving
• Calories: 91
• Fat: 4.7g
• Carbohydrate: 3.1g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.3g
• Net Carbs: 1.8g (0.06 oz)
• Protein: 9.8g
Pro Tips
• Ensure the asparagus is completely dry before wrapping; this helps the prosciutto get extra crispy instead of steaming.
• For a touch of sweetness and acidity, drizzle the finished bundles with a high-quality balsamic glaze just before serving.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the prosciutto has enough space to crisp up properly.
• This recipe also works beautifully on the grill or in an air fryer for a slightly different texture and flavor.
FAQ
Q: How do you get crispy prosciutto on asparagus
A: To get extra crispy prosciutto, ensure the asparagus spears are patted completely dry before wrapping. This helps the prosciutto fry instead of steam. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed so each bundle has space to crisp up on all sides.
Q: What is the best way to trim asparagus
A: The easiest way to trim asparagus is to hold a spear and gently bend it. It will naturally snap where the tender part meets the tough, woody end. Discard the woody bottom part.
Q: Can I cook prosciutto wrapped asparagus in an air fryer
A: Yes, this recipe works beautifully in an air fryer or on the grill. These cooking methods offer a slightly different texture and flavor and are great alternatives to pan-frying.
Q: What can I serve with prosciutto wrapped asparagus
A: For a perfect finishing touch, you can drizzle the finished bundles with a high-quality balsamic glaze just before serving. This adds a delicious touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the salty prosciutto.
Pro Tips
- Pat the asparagus completely dry before wrapping — dry spears let the prosciutto crisp up instead of steaming.
- Bend each spear gently and let it snap naturally to find the point where the tender part meets the woody end.
- Wrap one slice of prosciutto tightly around the middle of each 2-3 spear bundle so it stays put in the pan.
- Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary so the prosciutto has enough space to crisp on all sides.
- The bundles also work beautifully on the grill or in an air fryer for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make prosciutto wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
They're best straight from the pan, but you can wrap the bundles ahead and keep them chilled until the pan is hot, then cook for 4-6 minutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes — each serving has 1.8 g net carbs with 9.8 g protein and 4.7 g fat.
Can I cook these on the grill or in an air fryer?
Yes — both work beautifully and give the bundles a slightly different texture and flavor than pan-frying.
How do I know when the asparagus is ready?
After 4-6 minutes of turning regularly, the prosciutto is crispy on all sides and the asparagus is tender-crisp — serve it immediately while hot.
Recipe card below.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
Method
- Preparation
- Prep the Asparagus: Thoroughly wash the asparagus spears and pat them completely dry.
- Hold each spear and bend it gently; it will naturally snap at the point where the tender part meets the tough, woody end.
- Discard the woody ends.
- Create the Bundles: Group 2-3 asparagus spears together. Tightly wrap one slice of prosciutto around the middle of each bundle, creating about 10-12 bundles in total.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the olive oil and the optional rosemary sprig to infuse the oil with flavor as it heats.
- Cook to Perfection: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the wrapped asparagus bundles in the pan in a single layer.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning the bundles regularly, until the prosciutto is crispy on all sides and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the pan, season with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately while hot.
- Don't overcrowd the pan.
- Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the prosciutto has enough space to crisp up properly.
