Air Fryer Crispy Prosciutto: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that originates from Italy and is made from the hind leg of a pig. It is typically rubbed with a mixture of salt and other spices, then aged for several months, resulting in a firm texture and intense flavour. While prosciutto is commonly served raw, cooking it in an air fryer transforms the slices into crispy chips and expands the serving possibilities. To make crispy prosciutto in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F, spray the basket with cooking oil, and arrange the prosciutto slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the prosciutto is firm and beginning to crisp.

How to choose the best prosciutto

Choosing the best prosciutto can be challenging, but it all depends on how you plan to serve it. For example, if you're arranging a charcuterie board, you'll want something palatable and distinguishable, whereas if you're serving it on a panino, you'll want something on the saltier side.

The location of origin determines the salt content. Two of the most popular regions of prosciutto exported to the US are Parma and San Daniele. Prosciutto di Parma is saltier than Prosciutto di San Daniele. The former is excellent with burrata and mozzarella, used as a filling for tortellini, or served on a sandwich. The latter is a little more delicate and great on a charcuterie board or paired with fruit like melon and figs.

Prosciutto should always be sliced paper-thin. If you're at a grocery store deli, make sure the clerk slices it as thin as possible. There is also prosciutto cotto (cooked) and prosciutto crudo (raw). Cotto is often lighter in flavor than crudo. Prosciutto cotto is delicious with sharp cheeses and crisp white wines, while crudo pairs well with creamy cheeses, fresh fruits, and wrapped around grissini.

When possible, it's best to taste test before purchasing. However, if you're looking for the best quality, pay attention to where the prosciutto was cured. Prosciutto di Parma, made in Italy, is the best option. You'll want to keep an eye out for a gold crown on the label.

How to prepare your air fryer

Setup

Before using your air fryer for the first time, you should remove any packaging materials and clean all parts and accessories. Then, place the air fryer on a level, flat, dry surface, ensuring there is enough clearance around the appliance. Refer to your owner's manual for specific setup instructions.

Food Preparation

Air fryers are great for cooking proteins or vegetables. Spritz or brush your ingredients with a light coat of oil and your desired seasonings before placing them in the basket. If you are reheating food, you can skip the oil.

Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with an oil spray to prevent sticking, then distribute your food in an even layer across the bottom for an even bake. Avoid air frying foods with wet batters or delicate leafy greens.

Preheating

Not all air fryers require preheating, so check your manual. Preheating usually takes a few minutes and helps to ensure consistent results.

Air Fryer Settings

Most air fryers have a number of preset programs with cook times and temperatures for common foods. You can also manually set the cook time and temperature yourself.

During Cooking

Most air fryers require you to shake the basket at least once during the air fry process to ensure even cooking. Some recipes call for flipping or shaking every 5 minutes, so don't stray too far from your air fryer while cooking.

After Cooking

Use tongs, a spatula, or a spoon to remove food from the air fryer. Use oven mitts if you choose to pull food out while it is still in the basket.

Cleaning

Clean your air fryer after each use to prevent flavours from mixing between recipes. Unplug your air fryer and remove the crumb tray and basket, then clean with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge or rag. For stuck-on foods, soak the parts in warm, soapy water to loosen grime before cleaning.

Cooking time and temperature

When making crispy prosciutto in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the quantity of prosciutto you are cooking, the thickness of the slices, and the specific model of your air fryer. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should:

Preheat your air fryer to somewhere between 350°F and 375°F. Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Then, place 2-3 slices of prosciutto in a single layer in the basket, ensuring that the slices do not overlap or touch. Depending on the thickness of the prosciutto, air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. The prosciutto is ready when it is firm and beginning to crisp, but be careful not to overcook it as it will continue to crisp as it cools.

If you are cooking a larger batch of prosciutto, you will need to work in batches. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will prevent the prosciutto from crisping up properly.

Thin slices of prosciutto can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they are cooking. It is also a good idea to check on the prosciutto frequently and use tongs to flatten it out, as the lightweight and thin texture of the prosciutto means it can easily move around in the air fryer.

Prosciutto serving suggestions

Crispy prosciutto is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salads

Crumble crispy prosciutto over a variety of salads, such as a simple arugula salad, a roasted squash salad, or a green salad with rocket and parmesan. It can also be added to a Caesar salad or used as a bacon substitute in a wedge or chicken cobb salad. For a sweet and savoury option, try pairing it with melon and prosciutto, or wrapping prosciutto around freshly sliced cantaloupe, topped with a basil leaf.

Soups

Garnish creamy soups like butternut squash soup, creamy pumpkin soup, or potato soup with crispy prosciutto bits. It also goes well with cold soups like cucumber gazpacho.

Pasta

Crumble crispy prosciutto over pasta dishes like bucatini cacio e pepe, mac and cheese, creamy pesto pasta, or creamy pumpkin pasta. You can also sprinkle it over spaghetti Aglio e olio or mix it into fried rice.

Pizza

Chop up crispy prosciutto and sprinkle it over a pizza, or use it as a topping for bruschetta.

Sandwiches and Paninis

Add crispy prosciutto to a variety of sandwiches, such as a salad sandwich for a crunchy and tasty addition. It can also be used in place of bacon in a BLT or egg sandwich, or paired with cheese and vegetables in a panino.

Appetizers

Prosciutto crisps make a great crunchy snack on their own or served with crusty bread and burrata on an elegant platter. They can also be added to a charcuterie board or used as an appetizer on shareable bruschetta.

Breakfast

Crispy prosciutto can be served alongside eggs or crumbled over them. It can also be a tasty addition to waffles or pancakes with maple syrup, providing a sweet and savoury combination.

Vegetables

Crispy prosciutto goes well with roasted vegetables, such as maple-roasted carrots or hasselback butternut squash. It can also be paired with steamed green beans, spinach, or cauliflower.

Other Dishes

Prosciutto can be used in a variety of other dishes, such as risotto, gnocchi with blue cheese, or spring pea risotto. It can be wrapped around avocado appetizers or asparagus, or stuffed into pork chops. It can also be used as a topping for tortellini or added to a frittata.

How to store leftover prosciutto

Storing leftover prosciutto is important to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover prosciutto:

Firstly, it is important to note that prosciutto is a delicate Italian dry-cured ham with a short shelf life. While the curing process might make it seem like prosciutto will last a long time, it is susceptible to moisture loss and can dry out. Therefore, it is best to wrap leftover prosciutto tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal it to prevent oxidation and extend its shelf life.

If you plan to consume the prosciutto within a few days, store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at a maximum temperature of 44°F (as recommended by a representative from Rovagnati Prosciutto). Prosciutto stored this way will last up to three days, but it is best consumed within one day of purchase to enjoy its optimal flavour and texture.

If you wish to store prosciutto for longer, freezing is an option, although it may result in a loss of quality. To freeze prosciutto, it is best to vacuum seal it or wrap it tightly in plastic, ensuring it is in thick chunks rather than shavings to minimise oxidation. Frozen prosciutto can last for up to three months but should be thawed and consumed within that time frame to avoid further quality degradation.

Additionally, when storing prosciutto, keep it away from food with strong odours like cheese, and avoid exposing it to light to preserve its natural flavour. It is also important to note that crispy prosciutto, which has been cooked in an air fryer or oven, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

In summary, prosciutto is a delicate cured meat that requires proper storage to maintain its quality and freshness. By following these instructions for wrapping, refrigeration, and freezing, you can extend the shelf life of leftover prosciutto and enjoy it for a few extra days or months, depending on your storage method.

Frequently asked questions