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Learn how to make versatile Crispy Prosciutto (air-dried Italian ham) in both the oven and on the stovetop in this tasty, uncomplicated recipe. It’s a great garnish crumbled over hot or chilled soups, pastas, salads, sides and more. And is also delicious in a sandwich and so easy and quick to prepare!

It’s almost crazy to call this ridiculously easy Crispy Prosciutto a recipe as it’s only a couple of very simple steps.
Regardless, it’s one of the best things you can make in your kitchen to increase the flavor and texture of so many different types of recipes. Or, quite honestly, to just eat alone as a snack. (Prosciutto crisps, anyone?)
Intensely flavorful, savory, salty and crunchy–all of this! Once crisped, prosciutto truly transforms into a versatile pop of flavor that you’ll want to add to whatever you can!
Learn how to crisp prosciutto easily in both the oven and on the stovetop below + some of the many ways to enjoy it. Mangia bene!
What is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto (pronounced “pro-shoo-toe“) is literally the Italian word for ham, but in reality is so much more.
Colloquially, prosciutto refers to prosciutto crudo, which is Italian dried and salt-cured ham made from the hind leg of the pig that’s aged/dried for months or years. It has a salty, nutty, buttery, savory yet mildly sweet and porky flavor and delicate, chewy texture. It’s traditionally sliced into paper-thin slices to serve. Just a little bit of prosciutto goes a long way as a flavor booster!
(Prosciutto Cotto, on the other hand, is cooked prosciutto that also comes from a pig’s hind legs.)
And, while prosciutto is generally associated with the famed prosciutto di Parma or di San Daniele, there are numerous other regional versions around Italy and also superior versions in Spain (jamón Serrano and Ibérico).

Cured Pork Confusion?
Prosciutto vs. Guanciale vs. Pancetta vs. Bacon
As mentioned above, prosciutto is salt-cured, aged and raw ham from a pig’s leg. It’s usually eaten raw/as is in thin slices for an appetizer or in a panino but is sometimes cubed up and sautéed in place of pancetta or guanciale. Or crisped up, like we are doing here! It is much leaner and has a more mild flavor than the other cured pork products.
Guanciale, which comes from the word “guancia” meaning “cheek” in Italian is cut from a pig’s jowl. And, pancetta, which comes from the word “pancio” meaning “belly” in Italian, is from the pig’s belly.
Both guanciale and pancetta are salted and cured and both add fat, flavor, saltiness and texture to whatever dish they are added to (like in these Pasta e Piselli and Pasta with Potatoes recipes). Their main difference lies in fat composition and flavor. Guanciale has a much higher fat-to-meat ratio than pancetta giving it a richer, sweeter and more savory depth of flavor. Plus, guanciale has a very distinctive aroma and slight funkiness to its taste, something that you will recognize immediately after having it just once.
Like pancetta, bacon also comes from fatty pork belly and has a nearly identical texture to pancetta. Their main difference lies in how they are prepared, seasoned and cured. Pancetta is made by seasoning a side of pork belly with salt and black pepper, then rolling it into a tight roll and wrapping it in a casing to hold its shape. Bacon, on the other hand, is made from pork belly sides that are first brined, then smoked; they, therefore, have a heavier, smokier flavor.
Guanciale, pancetta and bacon all need to be cooked before being eaten, unlike prosciutto crudo.
Best Type of Prosciutto for this Recipe
While I typically purchase paper thin, cut-to-order, slices of premium prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele from my local Italian deli for an antipasti platter, I prefer using pre-sliced, packaged prosciutto when making crispy prosciutto. There’s no need to splurge on the expensive version for this recipe since it’s delicate texture and subtle flavor notes will fade once crisped.
Nowadays, pre-packaged prosciutto is sliced evenly and thinly and conveniently separated by thin pieces of wax paper or plastic (making it much easier to manage), and the delicate flavors of the premium varieties tend to fade during baking.

Making Crispy Prosciutto in the Oven
- Arrange rack in middle of oven and preheat to 375°F on the convection setting if you have that option. Then, carefully arrange prosciutto slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet or on a wire rack over a sheet pan with some space in between the pieces. You can also break the prosciutto up into smaller pieces at this point if you want.
- Roast on middle rack until crispy (about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness). Check them after 6 or 7 minutes. Turn the baked prosciutto pieces over about halfway through the cooking process.



How to Cook Prosciutto on the Stovetop
- Heat a dry nonstick or seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat until you can feel the heat when you hover your hand over the top. If you’re not using a nonstick pan, rub the bottom of the pan with a little oil before adding the prosciutto.
- Then, carefully arrange prosciutto slices in in a single layer in the pan. Lay the pieces flat so as much surface area as possible is in contact with the pan to crisp up. You’ll likely have to do this in batches depending on how much you would like to make.
- After a couple minutes being heated, it will start to shrink a bit and turn a bit translucent (depending on its thickness). When this happens, flip the prosciutto pieces over and continue cooking until it becomes crispy, another few minutes. Keep a close eye on the prosciutto as it can burn quickly.



- For both methods above, transfer prosciutto to a wire rack or paper towel to drain and cool once it’s crispy and finished. The prosciutto becomes a bit crispier/more brittle as it cools and will break easily with your fingers.
- Once cooled, leave whole or crumble into smaller pieces if desired, depending on how you plan on using it. Serve immediately, hold up to 4 hours, uncovered, at room temperature or refrigerate after cooled in an airtight container for up to 5 days. That’s it!


Best Ways to Enjoy Crispy Prosciutto
Oh, let me count the ways!
Seriously, though, there are so many great ways to enjoy crispy prosciutto. Here are lots of ideas:
- Pasta/Risotto: Sprinkle it over or mix it into pasta and risotto in crumbled form. It goes especially well with cream-based pasta sauces like this Paglia e Fieno Tagliatelle with Mushrooms, Creamy Pasta with Peas and Arugula and Tortellini alla Panna.
- Eggs: Use it as a bacon substitute in omelets and egg sandwiches, served alongside sunny-side up or over-easy eggs or crumbled and sprinkled over soft boiled eggs for a fun, savory texture contrast.
- Sandwiches: PLTs! (prosciutto, lettuce and tomato)–it’s the new BLT! Plus, it’s amazing in a grilled cheese sandwich, especially if it’s made with Italian cheese like fontina, taleggio or mozzarella. I also love adding it to a grilled veggie sandwich for a salty, crispy and porky punch or to a burger in place of crispy bacon.
- Salads: Bacon bits who? Skip the bacon bits and crumble this crunchy prosciutto over your favorite mixed greens instead (at the last minute). Think of it like a carb-free, high-protein crouton! It pairs especially well with peppery arugula and panzanella salad.
- Pizza: No explanation needed!
- Soups: Crispy prosciutto is a great garnish for your favorite soups, like Potato and Sausage Soup, Ribollita, Pasta with Chickpeas, Split Pea Soup and Roasted Pepper Soup. It’s actually a topping on my chilled Prosciutto and Melon Soup recipe, which is in my soup cookbook SOUPified: Soups Inspired by Your Favorite Dishes.
- Sides: Crumble and top off your next batch of mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese–everyone will love it!
- Antipasti Platter or Charcuterie Board: Place whole pieces of crispy prosciutto upright in a glass and add to your next grazing platter for a fun and unique element.
- Chips: Prosciutto chips are the new potato chips! (just kidding) But, they do make an amazing and decadent low carb, keto-type meat chip snack. Delicious!
I also love folding crumbled crispy prosciutto into pancake batter or cornbread batter. The possibilities ore seriously endless!
I’d love to hear how you enjoy crispy prosciutto–please let me know in the comments below!

If you love Italian cured meats, be sure to check out this Pizza Rustica, a.k.a., Easter Meat Pie.
More Italian Recipes You’ll Love
- Nonna’s Sunday Meatballs
- Mom’s Chicken Cutlets
- Baked Ziti (Meatless)
- Lasagna al Forno
- Stuffed Shells with Meat and Ricotta
- Escarole and Mini-Meatball Soup
- Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
- Homemade Spicy Pepper Oil

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze prosciutto?
Technically yes, you can freeze (raw) prosciutto. But I don’t recommend it as freezing and thawing will likely compromise its quality and damage its delicate texture and flavor. It should keep for some time in the refrigerator without issues, so freezing is unnecessary.
To extend its life in the fridge, wrap it tightly in wax paper to allow it to breath a bit.
Why is it okay to eat prosciutto since it’s raw?
Prosciutto is cured with salt during its aging. The salt draws out moisture and toxins which prevents bacteria in the meat. So, it’s safe to eat as is.
Can I make Crispy Prosciutto in a Microwave?
I don’t recommend making this recipe in a microwave. Microwave ovens are notorious for turning foods the opposite of crispy…unless you really overcook something, in which case it’s burnt and dead.
Can I Make Crispy Prosciutto in an Air-Fryer?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a “rack-style” air fryer, but it won’t work in a “basket-style” version. (I still prefer the roasting or stovetop methods, though!)
Place the prosciutto slices on the air fryer tray separated from each other and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes or so at 375°F, flipping them over at the halfway point. Check the slices periodically to check their crispiness because they will cook fast. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to cool.

TOP TIPS FOR CRISPY PROSCIUTTO
- Prosciutto: If you’re specifically buying prosciutto to make this recipe, then I suggest the more economical but still wonderful pre-packaged version. (The delicate flavors of premium product tend to fade during cooking.) It’s sliced evenly and thinly and conveniently separated by a thin piece of wax paper or plastic making it much easier to manage. And, it’s generally available in almost every common supermarket.
- Carryover Crisping: In both the oven and stovetop methods, the prosciutto will crisp up more as it cools. So, you don’t need to cook it until it’s very crispy as it may end up overcooked or burnt.
- Storage: Crispy prosciutto should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will lose a little crispness over time but is still very good. Bring it to room temperature before using.
- Reheating: I don’t think it’s necessary to reheat crispy prosciutto (just bring it to room temperature). But, if you really want it heated, I suggest reheating it in a 350˚F oven for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and crispy (about 5 minutes). You can also reheat/re-crisp in a skillet over medium heat.
I hope that you are enjoying my Italian food blog and all of my Italian recipes and Italian-American recipes!
If you’ve tried this Crispy Prosciutto recipe, please let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
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Crispy Prosciutto ~ Two Ways (Stovetop & Oven)
Michele
Learn how to make versatile Crispy Prosciutto in both the oven and on the stovetop in this tasty, uncomplicated recipe. It’s a great garnish crumbled over hot or chilled soups, pastas, salads, sides and more. It’s also delicious in a sandwich and so easy and quick to prepare!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine Italian
Equipment
Sheet Pan (for oven method)
Nonstick skillet or seasoned cast iron skillet (for stovetop method)
Ingredients
- Thin prosciutto slices (as many as you want/need!)
- Oil (optional if using the stovetop method without a nonstick pan)
Instructions
Making Crispy Prosciutto in the Oven
Arrange rack in middle of oven and preheat to 375℉ on the convection setting if you have that option.
Carefully arrange prosciutto slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan or on a wire rack over a sheet pan with some space in between the pieces. You can also break the prosciutto up into smaller pieces at this point if you want.
Roast on middle rack until crispy (about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness). Check them after 6 or 7 minutes. Turn the prosciutto pieces over about halfway through the cooking process.
When crispy and finished, transfer prosciutto to a wire rack or paper towel to drain and cool. The prosciutto becomes a bit crispier/more brittle as it cools and will break easily with your fingers.
Once cooled, leave whole or crumble into smaller pieces if desired, depending on how you plan on using it. Serve immediately, hold up to 4 hours, uncovered, at room temperature or refrigerate after cooled in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Making Crispy Prosciutto on the Stovetop
Heat a dry nonstick or seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat until you can feel the heat when you hover your hand over the top. If you’re not using a nonstick pan, rub the bottom of the pan with a little oil before adding the prosciutto.
Then, carefully arrange prosciutto slices in in a single layer in the pan without overlapping them. Lay the pieces flat so as much surface area as possible is in contact with the pan to crisp up. You’ll likely have to do this in batches depending on how much you would like to make.
After a couple minutes being heated, it will start to shrink a bit and turn a bit translucent (depending on its thickness). When this happens, flip the prosciutto pieces over and continue cooking until it becomes crispy, another few minutes. Keep a close eye on the prosciutto as it can burn quickly.
When crispy and finished, transfer prosciutto to a wire rack or paper towel to drain and cool. The prosciutto becomes a bit crispier/more brittle as it cools and will break easily with your fingers.
Once cooled, leave whole or crumble into smaller pieces if desired, depending on how you plan on using it. Serve immediately, hold up to 4 hours, uncovered, at room temperature or refrigerate after cooled in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Buon Appetito!
Notes
- If you’re specifically buying prosciutto to make this recipe, then I suggest the more economical but still wonderful pre-packaged version. (The delicate flavors of premium product tend to fade during cooking.) It’s sliced evenly and thinly and conveniently separated by a thin piece of wax paper or plastic making it much easier to manage. And, it’s generally available in almost every common supermarket.
- If you’re buying the prosciutto sliced to order from the deli, make sure to ask that it be sliced very thin and that the slices are separated with deli paper. They should 100% know to do this already, but it’s a good reminder.
- As an fyi, 16 slices very thinly sliced prosciutto = about ½ pound.
- In both the oven and stovetop methods, the prosciutto will crisp up more as it cools. So, you don’t need to cook it until it’s very crispy as it may end up overcooked or burnt.
- Crispy prosciutto should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will lose a little crispness over time but is still very good. Bring it to room temperature before using. I don’t think it’s necessary to reheat it. But, if you really want it heated, I suggest reheating it in a 350˚F oven for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and crispy (about 5 minutes). You can also reheat/re-crisp in a skillet over medium heat.
Recipe by Mangia With Michele. Please visit my site for more great cooking inspiration!
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Semi Dried Tomatoes ~ Slow Roasted Tomatoes
How to Make Italian Roasted Peppers (Three Ways!)
Peperonata ~ Italian Sautéed Bell Peppers with Olives and Capers
Michele
02/07/2025
Everyone always loves when I add this to soups, salads and pastas. A real winner recipe + incredibly easy!Reply
5 from 1 vote
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Ciao! I’m Michele Di Pietro and there is nothing I love more than feeding people, creating recipes and cooking for others. Welcome to my blog! My goal is to provide you with lots of innovation, inspiration and nostalgia through my Italian and Italian-American-inspired recipes and stories from my kitchen to yours. Let’s get cooking! read more