Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Air fryer prosciutto wrapped asparagus looks like it came straight out of a high-end restaurant, but it’s ridiculously easy to make at home. A combination of crispy, savory prosciutto and lemony asparagus make this recipe sing!

To my veggie-loving heart, asparagus is always a treat, whether it’s roasted in the oven or added to one-pot spring pesto pasta and vegetable quinoa minestrone. But if you want to take it from everyday side to absolute show-stopper, here’s an easy way to do it: wrap it in savory, salty prosciutto and air fry it to crispy perfection.

These little bundles are a study in contrasts, with the asparagus providing the good-for-you veggie factor, and the prosciutto bringing in some decadence. Cooking them in the air fryer ensures they get perfectly crispy, plus the squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and balances out the saltiness of the prosciutto.

And did I mention that other than the oil, salt, and pepper, you only need 3 ingredients for this recipe?!

Why You’ll Love Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

• Quick and easy. With a short list of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious and impressive. The combination of crispy prosciutto, tender asparagus, and bright lemon is delectable, and the presentation makes these look like something from a restaurant!
• Versatile. This recipe can easily transition from weeknight side to party appetizer.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Asparagus – Look for bunches where the tops are tight and all of the spears are about the same size. 
• Salt and ground black pepper 
• Lemon juice – I use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Olive oil 
• Prosciutto – Prosciutto is a dry-cured Italian ham that’s sliced paper-thin. It can usually be found in the deli section of most grocery stores.

Is It Better to Cut or Snap Asparagus When Prepping?

I think snapping is so much better! When you snap asparagus near the end of the spear, it will naturally break at the point where the woody part ends and the tender part begins. This is usually about 1-2 inches from the bottom of the spear. 

How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus in the Air Fryer

• Prep. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F and coat the basket with nonstick spray.
• Season. Toss the asparagus with the salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Wrap. Bundle 3-4 spears and wrap them with a piece of prosciutto. Repeat with the remaining asparagus. 

• Air fry. Arrange the asparagus bundles in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the asparagus bundles and cook for an additional 2 minutes. 

Tips for Success

• Dry the asparagus well. Make sure to pat the asparagus dry with a paper towel before seasoning and wrapping in prosciutto. This will prevent excess moisture from causing the asparagus to steam rather than crisp up in the air fryer.
• Use medium spears. Medium-sized asparagus works best for this recipe because they are easier to wrap and will cook more evenly in the air fryer.
• Don’t overlap the asparagus bundles. Leave some space between each bundle in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Variations

• Swap the prosciutto for bacon. If you’re not a fan of prosciutto or can’t find it at your local grocery store, bacon makes for a great alternative.
• Add cheese. For some extra indulgence, add freshly grated Parmesan with the seasonings and toss to coat. (Using freshly grated Parm is important because it melts better!)
• Swap the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar. This gives the air fryer prosciutto wrapped asparagus a little less brightness and a little more depth.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve your prosciutto wrapped asparagus alongside main dishes like Instant Pot whole chicken or pistachio crusted salmon, and maybe with another easy side dish like 5-Ingredient garlic butter quinoa. 

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and reheat the bundles for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. 

More Reader Favorite Veggie Recipes

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• Easy Roasted Zucchini
• Green Bean Almondine
• Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Healthy Carrot Slaw with Sesame Dressing