How to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Filet in Air Fryer: A Quick and Delicious Recipe
If you are a meat lover, then you know the joy of sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked filet. And if you are looking for a quick and delicious way to prepare filet, then look no further than your trusty air fryer. Air frying has gained popularity due to its ability to create crispy and flavorful dishes without the need for excessive oil. In this article, we will guide you through a simple but mouthwatering recipe for bacon-wrapped filet cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
To make this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 filet mignon steaks (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 8 strips of bacon
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Filet Mignon:
Before you start cooking, it is crucial to prepare the filet mignon. Begin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the steaks. You want your filets to have a nice, uniform shape for even cooking. Once the trimming is complete, brush the filets with olive oil and season them generously with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow the filets to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Wrapping the Filet Mignon with Bacon:
Now it’s time to give your filet mignon an extra layer of flavor and texture with bacon. Take two strips of bacon and carefully wrap them around each filet, ensuring the bacon covers as much of the steak’s surface as possible. The bacon not only adds its enticing flavor but also helps to keep the meat moist during cooking. Secure the bacon with toothpicks, ensuring they are inserted through the bacon and into the filet to hold everything together.
Preheating and Cooking:
Preheating the air fryer is an essential step to achieving that perfect sear on your filet mignon. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, carefully place the bacon-wrapped filets into the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space around them for proper air circulation. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook the filets in batches.
Cook the bacon-wrapped filets in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will result in a medium-rare doneness, but you can adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness. For a more well-done steak, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Resting and Serving:
Once the filets are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent steak. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
You can serve the bacon-wrapped filet mignon as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite sides. Classic accompaniments include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The combination of the juicy steak and the crispy bacon will undoubtedly impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Tips and Variations:
Here are a few tips to enhance your bacon-wrapped filet mignon in the air fryer:
1. For an extra flavor boost, marinate the filets in your favorite marinade before seasoning them with herbs and wrapping them in bacon.
2. Experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple-smoked or peppered, to add unique flavors to your dish.
3. If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you can substitute filet mignon with pork tenderloin or chicken breast wrapped in bacon.
4. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can hinder the cooking process and prevent the bacon from crisping up properly.
Conclusion:
Cooking bacon-wrapped filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to indulge in a delicious and flavorful meal. The air fryer’s ability to create a crispy exterior while maintaining the meat’s juiciness makes it an ideal cooking method. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, fire up your air fryer and start cooking this delectable bacon-wrapped filet mignon today!