Beef Wellington is a classic and decadent dish that is often reserved for special occasions. Traditionally, it is made by wrapping a filet mignon in a layer of pâté and duxelles (a mixture of mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs), then encasing it all in puff pastry. The result is a perfectly cooked, tender steak surrounded by layers of rich flavors and a crispy pastry crust. While this dish may seem intimidating to make, it can actually be simplified and made more accessible by using an air fryer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking Beef Wellington parcels in an air fryer, providing you with a delicious and easy recipe.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you embark on your culinary journey of making Beef Wellington parcels in an air fryer, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
For the Beef Wellington Parcels:
– 4 beef tenderloin fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 slices of prosciutto
– 1 cup mushroom duxelles (you can make this by finely chopping mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs)
– 4 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Mushroom Duxelles:
– 8 ounces mushrooms (such as cremini or button), finely chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparing the Mushroom Duxelles
To begin, let’s prepare the mushroom duxelles that will add a rich and earthy flavor to our Beef Wellington parcels.
1. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and thyme to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become browned.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool.
Preparing the Beef Wellington Parcels
Now that we have our mushroom duxelles prepared, it’s time to assemble the Beef Wellington parcels.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef tenderloin fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a skillet over high heat, add the olive oil and sear the fillets for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. On a clean surface, lay out a sheet of puff pastry. Place a slice of prosciutto on top, followed by a portion of the mushroom duxelles.
5. Place a seared beef fillet on top of the mushroom duxelles and wrap the puff pastry around the fillet, sealing it well. Repeat this process for the remaining fillets.
6. Brush the beaten egg wash over the pastry-wrapped fillets.
7. Carefully transfer the prepared Beef Wellington parcels to the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each parcel to allow for even air circulation.
8. Cook the parcels in the air fryer for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature of the beef reaches your desired level of doneness (e.g., 130°F for medium-rare).
9. Once cooked, remove the parcels from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Wellington parcels are a show-stopping dish that deserves to be presented beautifully. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement this delectable creation:
– Serve the Beef Wellington parcels with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
– Drizzle a luscious red wine reduction or a velvety mushroom sauce over the parcels for an extra layer of indulgence.
– Garnish your plates with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Beef Wellington parcels in an air fryer is a brilliant way to simplify this elegant dish while still achieving fantastic results. The air fryer ensures that the pastry becomes beautifully golden and crisp, while the beef remains tender and cooked to perfection. By following this easy recipe, you can prepare a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to delight your taste buds with these succulent Beef Wellington parcels.