Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a delicious and elegant dish that can be made in an air fryer with surprising ease. The air fryer is a convenient way to achieve a restaurant-quality steak, with a beautifully browned crust and juicy, tender meat. The air fryer's rapid air circulation ensures the steak is cooked evenly, and the bacon is cooked to a perfect crispness, adding flavour to the steak.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking bacon-wrapped filet mignon. By preheating the air fryer, you ensure that the appliance reaches the desired temperature for cooking the steak. This step is crucial as it helps to create the ideal environment for the meat to cook evenly and effectively.

To preheat your air fryer for bacon-wrapped filet mignon, start by setting the temperature. Depending on your preference and the level of doneness you desire, you can set the air fryer to 350°F, 375°F, or 400°F. It is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions or user manual to understand its specific temperature settings and adjustments.

Once you have set the temperature, let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. This duration may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is advisable to consult the user manual for precise instructions. As a general guideline, aim for a preheat time of around 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the air fryer's cooking chamber will heat up, and the appliance will be ready to cook your bacon-wrapped filet mignon to perfection.

While preheating, you can simultaneously prepare the bacon-wrapped filet mignon. Wrap the bacon securely around the filet mignon, using a toothpick to hold it in place. Season the steak with salt, pepper, or your preferred seasonings. By the time your steak is ready to be placed in the air fryer, the appliance should have preheated sufficiently.

Remember, preheating your air fryer ensures that your bacon-wrapped filet mignon cooks evenly and effectively. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions or user manual for specific preheating guidelines and temperature settings.

Season the filet mignon

Seasoning the filet mignon is a crucial step in preparing this mouth-watering dish. The seasoning adds flavour and character to the steak, enhancing the dining experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to seasoning your filet mignon before cooking it in an air fryer:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Seasoning

The choice of seasoning depends on your preference and the desired flavour profile. Kosher salt is a popular choice for steak, and it is recommended to be generous with it. Freshly cracked black pepper is also a classic seasoning for steak and can be used in combination with salt. Additionally, you can use other seasonings like garlic powder, steak seasoning, or garlic herb butter. If you want to get creative, try using thick-course kosher salt and spread garlic herb butter or blue cheese butter on top of the steak after cooking.

Step 2: Preparing the Steak

Take the steak out of its package and use paper towels to pat it dry. This step is important as it helps the bacon stick to the steak and ensures even cooking. You can cut the steak into 4 oz or 6 oz portions, depending on your preference and the number of people you are serving.

Step 3: Seasoning the Steak

Evenly season all sides of the steak with your chosen seasonings. Be generous with the seasoning, especially the salt, as it will enhance the natural flavour of the meat. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or olive oil to boost the flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Step 4: Wrapping with Bacon

After seasoning, wrap the steak with bacon. Thick-cut bacon is a popular choice as it provides a crispy texture without breaking or burning. Secure the bacon in place with toothpicks by piercing them through the bacon and steak. You can use one or two slices of bacon, depending on the size of your steak.

Step 5: Refrigerate (Optional)

If you are preparing the dish ahead of time, you can season and wrap the steaks and then refrigerate them overnight. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before cooking.

By following these steps, you will have a beautifully seasoned filet mignon ready for the air fryer. The combination of seasonings and bacon will create a delicious flavour profile that will impress your taste buds and your guests!

Wrap the filet mignon in bacon

Wrapping filet mignon in bacon is a great way to add extra flavour to your steak. You can use either pork or beef bacon, depending on your preference. Thick-cut bacon is a good option as it will have a crispy texture without breaking or burning. If you are using a 4-5 oz steak, one slice of bacon should be enough. However, if you are using a larger cut of meat, you may need two slices.

To wrap the filet mignon, start by taking one piece of bacon per filet and wrapping it around the outside of the meat. You can secure the bacon in place by pressing a toothpick through the bacon and into the filet, then out of the filet and into the other end of the bacon. You can also season the filet mignon with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning, before wrapping it in bacon.

If you want to prepare the bacon-wrapped filet mignon in advance, you can season and wrap the steaks and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before cooking.

Secure the bacon with a toothpick

Securing the bacon with a toothpick is a crucial step in ensuring your bacon-wrapped filet mignon cooks evenly and stays together during the air-frying process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, prepare your filet mignon by seasoning it with salt and pepper or your desired seasonings. Then, take a slice of bacon and wrap it around the outside of the filet mignon. If you have a larger steak, you may need two slices of bacon or opt for a thick-cut variety.

Now, for the toothpick: take a standard toothpick and press it through the bacon, ensuring it goes into the filet, and then bring it out of the filet and into the other end of the toothpick. This will anchor the bacon in place and prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Repeat this process for any additional slices of bacon you use. It is important to note that you should use a toothpick made from a safe material for cooking, such as bamboo or stainless steel.

Once the bacon is secured, place your bacon-wrapped filet mignon onto the air fryer rack. Spray a small amount of avocado oil onto the steak to promote even cooking and a crispy texture. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a low smoke point and may burn at higher temperatures.

Finally, set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time, typically around 375°F for 10 minutes, and then an additional 5 minutes after flipping the steak. The toothpick will ensure that the bacon remains in place during this process, creating a beautifully seared and flavorful steak.

Cook to your desired level of doneness

The cooking time for your bacon-wrapped filet mignon in the air fryer will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, remove the steak from the air fryer when the internal temperature is 120-125°F. For a medium steak, remove it when the internal temperature is 130-135°F. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook even after being removed from the heat, so it's important to take it out a few degrees before it reaches your desired temperature.

If you prefer your steak well-done, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, but be careful not to overcook it. The bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a delicate and elegant dish, and overcooking it might ruin its beautiful presentation and texture.

Additionally, different air fryer models may cook at varying speeds, so it's essential to keep a close eye on your steak as it gets close to being done. The size of the steak and the thickness of the bacon slices will also impact the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

When cooking, remember to preheat your air fryer to ensure a nice sear and crust on the outside of your steak. The recommended temperature for preheating varies, with some recipes suggesting 350°F, while others recommend 400°F or even 450°F.

Once you've preheated the air fryer, place the bacon-wrapped filet mignon in the basket and cook for around 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Some recipes suggest flipping the steak halfway through the cooking process.

To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Remember to account for the additional cooking that will occur after removing the steak from the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions