Air-Fried Prosciutto: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham from Italy that is typically eaten raw. However, cooking prosciutto in an air fryer transforms the slices into crispy chips, providing a tasty salty crunch to a range of meals. It is a simple and delicious way to add a crunchy texture and savoury flavour to your dishes. In this article, we will explore the steps to make the perfect crispy prosciutto in an air fryer.

Cooking methods and temperatures

Cooking prosciutto in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add a crunchy texture and a salty pork flavour to your dishes.

Firstly, place 2-3 prosciutto strips on the air fryer basket, leaving space between each slice to avoid overcrowding. Prosciutto is lightweight and thin, so it can easily move around in the air fryer. To prevent this, place a fitted wire rack on top of the prosciutto to keep it in place.

Set the air fryer to 350°F and air fry for 4-5 minutes, carefully flipping the prosciutto halfway through. Keep a close eye on the prosciutto, as it can burn easily. Alternatively, you can air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes without preheating the air fryer. Work in batches, reducing the time by 2 minutes for each subsequent batch as the air fryer is already hot.

Once the prosciutto looks firm and is beginning to crisp, remove it from the air fryer immediately to avoid burning. The prosciutto will continue to crisp as it cools, so it is best to remove it from the air fryer slightly underdone.

How to stop prosciutto from moving around in the air fryer

Prosciutto is a thin and lightweight cured ham that is designed to be eaten raw. However, it can also be cooked in an air fryer. Because of its lightweight and thin texture, prosciutto can easily move around in the air fryer. To prevent this from happening, follow the steps outlined below:

Firstly, place the prosciutto slices in a single layer, leaving space between each slice. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to place 2-3 pieces of prosciutto flat inside. It is important to note that thicker slices will take longer to crisp up and might turn out chewier rather than crispy.

Secondly, if you have a small wire rack, place it on top of the prosciutto to keep it in place. Some air fryers come with a small wire rack. If your air fryer does not have one, you can use a fitting BBQ wire mesh or a shallow steam rack to weigh down the prosciutto. Alternatively, you will need to check the prosciutto frequently (every 30 seconds) and use tongs to flatten it out.

Lastly, air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the prosciutto because it can easily burn. The prosciutto is ready when it turns golden brown.

How to store cooked prosciutto

Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that originates from Italy. It is typically rubbed with a mixture of salt and other spices and then aged for several months, resulting in a firm texture and intense flavor. While it is designed to be eaten raw, cooking prosciutto is a simple process and there are several ways to do it. You can bake it, fry it, air fry it, or even microwave it.

Now, let's discuss how to store cooked prosciutto:

Storing Cooked Prosciutto in the Fridge

If you have leftover cooked prosciutto, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Wrap the prosciutto slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out and to maintain their crispness. Ensure to keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the bottom. Properly stored, cooked prosciutto will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Storing Cooked Prosciutto in the Freezer

If you want to store cooked prosciutto for a more extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the prosciutto slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before transferring them to the freezer. To minimize the loss of quality, freeze the prosciutto in thicker chunks rather than thin shavings, as smaller pieces are more susceptible to oxidation. Properly stored, frozen prosciutto will maintain its quality for up to three months.

Tips for Storing Cooked Prosciutto

• Allow the prosciutto to cool completely before storing it.
• If you're using plastic wrap, try to press out as much air as possible before sealing the package.
• Label the storage container or package with the date it was stored and use it within the recommended time frame.
• When storing in the freezer, place the prosciutto in a corner of the freezer where it is less likely to be damaged or crushed by other items.

How to reheat prosciutto

Reheating prosciutto in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It is important to note that prosciutto is a cured meat designed to be eaten raw, but it can be cooked too.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place 2-3 prosciutto strips on the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each strip. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the prosciutto to keep it in place.

Air fry for 1-2 minutes, just until heated through. Keep a close eye on the prosciutto as it can easily burn. You can also reheat prosciutto in the oven or on a stovetop in a skillet.

Prosciutto is a delicious, crunchy, and savory addition to salads, pastas, soups, and sandwiches. It is a good source of protein and iron and is rich in vitamin B12.

What to serve prosciutto with

Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham from Italy that is typically eaten raw. It is made from the hind leg of a pig, which is rubbed with a mixture of salt and other spices, then aged for several months. This process results in a firm texture and a strong flavour. While prosciutto is delicious on its own, it can also be paired with various foods to create a tasty dish. Here are some ideas for what to serve with prosciutto:

Salads

Prosciutto can be added to a variety of salads to give them a savoury, crunchy kick. Try crumbling it over a rocket and Parmesan salad, a simple potato salad, or a classic Caesar salad. For a sweet and salty flavour combination, make a grilled apricot salad with goat's cheese and prosciutto, or a salad with pears, Jerusalem artichoke and prosciutto.

Bruschetta

For a simple bruschetta, grill a slice of rustic bread, top it with a slice of prosciutto, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively, tear the prosciutto into small pieces and scatter it over a plate of bruschetta to share as an appetiser.

Soups

Prosciutto crisps are a great topping for soups. Try them with butternut squash soup or a creamy butternut squash and pasta soup.

Sandwiches

Add prosciutto to a salad sandwich for a crunchy texture and savoury flavour.

Fruit

Fruit is a classic Italian pairing with prosciutto. Wrap prosciutto around freshly sliced cantaloupe, then top with a basil leaf. Figs and pears also go well with prosciutto.

Cheese

Prosciutto pairs well with creamy cheeses like mozzarella and goat's cheese. It also goes well with Parmesan. For a quick snack, fill a baguette with cheese, vegetables and prosciutto.

Other ideas

Prosciutto can also be added to pizzas and pasta dishes, or served with avocado, asparagus, cucumber, honeydew, peaches, peas, pine nuts, pistachios, and many other ingredients!

Frequently asked questions