Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus: A Quick & Elegant Appetizer

Asparagus, with its vibrant green stalks and delicate flavor, is a springtime favorite. Wrapping it in salty, savory prosciutto elevates it to a gourmet delight. And now, with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have this elegant appetizer on the table in minutes! This recipe for Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is not only incredibly easy but also delivers perfectly cooked asparagus with a satisfyingly crisp-tender bite, embraced by the salty, melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight side dish, a sophisticated party appetizer, or even a special brunch treat.

Why Instant Pot Asparagus?

You might be wondering, “Why use an Instant Pot for asparagus?” Traditional methods like roasting or steaming are perfectly fine. However, the Instant Pot offers several advantages:

* **Speed:** The Instant Pot cooks asparagus in a fraction of the time compared to other methods. We’re talking minutes, not tens of minutes.
* **Consistency:** The pressure cooking environment ensures even cooking, preventing some stalks from being overcooked while others are still underdone.
* **Flavor:** The steam cooking preserves the asparagus’s natural flavor and nutrients.
* **Convenience:** It’s a hands-off method. Simply set it and forget it (for a few minutes, of course!).
* **Crisp-Tender Texture:** You get that perfect balance of crispness and tenderness that makes asparagus so enjoyable.

The Secret to Perfect Instant Pot Asparagus

The key to perfectly cooked Instant Pot asparagus lies in the timing. Asparagus cooks very quickly under pressure, so overcooking is a real risk. Here’s what you need to know:

* **Asparagus Thickness:** The thickness of your asparagus stalks will affect the cooking time. Thicker stalks will require a slightly longer cooking time than thinner stalks.
* **Water Amount:** A small amount of water is needed to create steam inside the Instant Pot. Too much water can make the asparagus soggy.
* **Quick Release:** A quick pressure release is crucial to prevent overcooking. As soon as the cooking time is up, release the pressure immediately.
* **Ice Bath (Optional):** For the brightest green color and the most crisp-tender texture, you can plunge the cooked asparagus into an ice bath immediately after cooking. This stops the cooking process instantly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
* 4-6 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup water
* Optional: Balsamic glaze, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, freshly ground black pepper

Equipment Needed

* Instant Pot
* Steamer basket or trivet
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Tongs
* Optional: Ice bath (bowl filled with ice water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly cooked Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus:

**Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus**

1. **Wash the asparagus:** Rinse the asparagus stalks thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
2. **Trim the asparagus:** Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus stalks. You can also cut off the bottom inch or two with a knife. The snapping method usually results in less waste, as it naturally breaks off where the stalk becomes too fibrous.

**Step 2: Wrap with Prosciutto**

1. **Slice the prosciutto (if needed):** Depending on the size of your prosciutto slices, you may need to cut them in half lengthwise to make them easier to wrap around the asparagus. This is particularly helpful if using larger, thicker slices of prosciutto.
2. **Wrap the asparagus:** Take 3-5 asparagus spears (depending on their thickness) and wrap them with a slice of prosciutto. Start at one end of the bundle and spiral the prosciutto around the asparagus, overlapping slightly. Secure the end of the prosciutto by tucking it under the wrap.

**Step 3: Prepare the Instant Pot**

1. **Add water:** Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
2. **Insert steamer basket or trivet:** Place a steamer basket or trivet inside the Instant Pot. This will keep the asparagus above the water, allowing it to steam cook instead of boil.

**Step 4: Cook the Asparagus**

1. **Arrange asparagus:** Carefully place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus bundles in the steamer basket or on the trivet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
2. **Close and seal:** Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
3. **Cook on high pressure:** Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to **0 minutes** (yes, zero!). This might seem counterintuitive, but the Instant Pot will come up to pressure very quickly, and that’s all the cooking time the asparagus needs. The residual heat and pressure will finish cooking it.

**Step 5: Quick Release and Serve**

1. **Quick release pressure:** As soon as the cooking time is up (or when the Instant Pot beeps to indicate it has reached pressure), carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam that will be released.
2. **Remove asparagus:** Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Use tongs to remove the asparagus bundles from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a serving platter.
3. **Optional: Ice bath:** If you want to stop the cooking process immediately and ensure the asparagus remains bright green and crisp-tender, plunge the cooked asparagus into an ice bath for a minute or two. Then, remove and pat dry before serving.
4. **Serve immediately:** Serve the Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus immediately. It’s delicious on its own or with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a grind of fresh black pepper.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcook:** Overcooked asparagus will be mushy and unappetizing. Err on the side of undercooking, as it will continue to cook slightly after you release the pressure.
* **Adjust cooking time:** If you have very thick asparagus stalks, you may need to add 1 minute to the cooking time. However, always start with 0 minutes and adjust accordingly based on your asparagus and your Instant Pot’s performance.
* **Use fresh asparagus:** Fresh, high-quality asparagus will have the best flavor and texture.
* **Thinly sliced prosciutto:** Thinly sliced prosciutto will cook more evenly and be easier to wrap around the asparagus.
* **Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot:** Overcrowding the Instant Pot can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Experiment with seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.

Variations

* **Bacon-wrapped asparagus:** Substitute prosciutto with bacon for a smoky and savory twist. You may need to slightly increase the cooking time if using thick-cut bacon.
* **Parmesan-crusted asparagus:** Before serving, sprinkle the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese and broil for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Garlic asparagus:** Sauté some minced garlic in olive oil before adding the asparagus to the Instant Pot. This will infuse the asparagus with a delicious garlic flavor.
* **Lemon-herb asparagus:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, after cooking.
* **Spicy asparagus:** Sprinkle the asparagus with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party.
* **Side dish:** Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete and healthy meal.
* **Brunch:** Add it to your brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and toast.
* **Salad topping:** Chop the asparagus and add it to a salad for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Pasta dish:** Toss the asparagus with pasta, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a simple and delicious pasta dish.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the asparagus ahead of time by washing, trimming, and wrapping it in prosciutto. Store the wrapped asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply follow the instructions above.

Cooking the asparagus ahead of time is not recommended, as it will likely become soggy when reheated. However, if you need to cook it ahead of time, undercook it slightly and then reheat it in the microwave or oven just before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Be aware that the asparagus may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 150-200
* Protein: 10-15g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Fiber: 2-3g

Recipe Card

**Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus**

A quick and elegant appetizer or side dish featuring tender asparagus wrapped in savory prosciutto, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 5 minutes (including pressure build-up)
**Total Time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
* 4-6 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup water
* Optional: Balsamic glaze, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, freshly ground black pepper

**Equipment:**

* Instant Pot
* Steamer basket or trivet
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Tongs
* Optional: Ice bath (bowl filled with ice water)

**Instructions:**

1. Wash and trim the asparagus.
2. Wrap 3-5 asparagus spears with a slice of prosciutto.
3. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the Instant Pot and insert a steamer basket or trivet.
4. Place the wrapped asparagus in the Instant Pot in a single layer.
5. Close and seal the Instant Pot lid.
6. Cook on high pressure for 0 minutes.
7. Quick release the pressure immediately.
8. Remove the asparagus and serve immediately. Optionally, plunge into an ice bath for a minute for a crisper texture.
9. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, or add a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

**Notes:**

* Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the asparagus. Thicker stalks may require 1 minute.
* Don’t overcook the asparagus. It should be crisp-tender.
* Use fresh, high-quality asparagus and thinly sliced prosciutto for the best results.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus!

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and elegant appetizer or side dish. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly simple to achieve perfectly cooked asparagus every time, and the salty prosciutto adds a touch of gourmet flair. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this flavorful and visually appealing dish!