Air Fryer Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
It is local asparagus season, and we are kicking it off with a bang! This recipe combines tender asparagus spears wrapped in savoury, crispy goodness of prosciutto all perfectly cooked in the air fryer. Then served over a bed of cannellini beans, spiced with a hint of red pepper flakes, and brightened with lemon juice, providing a hearty and delicious base. To top it all off, Grana Padano is grated over top, and a fresh gremolata made with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest adds a burst of vibrant flavour that ties the whole dish together.
Ingredients
Asparagus
- 16 asparagus spears
- 8 slices prosciutto cut in half width wise
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Grana Padano cheese
Beans
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Gremolata
- 1 cup loosely packed parsley leaves finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- Zest of 2 lemons
Instructions
Prepare the Asparagus
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears.
- Wrap each asparagus spear, around the middle of the stalk, with a half slice of prosciutto.
- Brush the asparagus and prosciutto with the olive oil and sprinkle with the black pepper.
Cook the Asparagus
- Place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears in the air fryer basket, we laid 12 down and placed two on each end, so that they did not overlap on the prosciutto. You can also cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, turning the asparagus halfway through, or until the prosciutto is crispy, and the asparagus is tender.
Prepare the Beans
- In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed and drained cannellini beans with the red pepper flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat evenly.
Make the Gremolata
- In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly.
Assemble and Serve
- On a serving platter, spread out the prepared cannellini beans.
- Place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on top of the beans.
- Sprinkle the grated Grana Padano cheese over the asparagus.
- Finish with a generous sprinkling of the gremolata and enjoy!
Rate this recipe
- Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!
Video
Notes
TIPS
Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips. For cooking consistency, choose a similar thickness of asparagus. Prepping the Asparagus: To trim the asparagus, hold each spear with both hands and bend until it snaps. This natural breaking point ensures you remove the tough, woody ends. Fresh, local asparagus does not need to be trimmed. Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus and the air fryer model. Check the asparagus at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Serving Temperature: Serve the asparagus warm for the best flavour and texture. You can keep cooked batches warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish air frying the rest. Gremolata Tips: For a finer gremolata, you can use a micro plane for the garlic and lemon zest. Ensure the parsley is very finely chopped for an even distribution of flavors. Cheese: Freshly grated Grana Padano cheese melts better and has a more pronounced flavour than pre-grated. Grate it just before serving for the best results.
Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips. For cooking consistency, choose a similar thickness of asparagus. Prepping the Asparagus: To trim the asparagus, hold each spear with both hands and bend until it snaps. This natural breaking point ensures you remove the tough, woody ends. Fresh, local asparagus does not need to be trimmed. Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus and the air fryer model. Check the asparagus at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Serving Temperature: Serve the asparagus warm for the best flavour and texture. You can keep cooked batches warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish air frying the rest. Gremolata Tips: For a finer gremolata, you can use a micro plane for the garlic and lemon zest. Ensure the parsley is very finely chopped for an even distribution of flavors. Cheese: Freshly grated Grana Padano cheese melts better and has a more pronounced flavour than pre-grated. Grate it just before serving for the best results.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!