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
• 12 slices prosciutto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil / 15 ml
• 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
• 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.
