Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Filet: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking bacon-wrapped filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfect results. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, providing more concentrated heat than an oven, so it can brown the steak without requiring a searing step. The cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer, the thickness of your steak, and your desired level of doneness. For a 6 oz. filet, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130ºF, as the steak will continue to cook while resting.

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Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your bacon-wrapped filet cooks evenly and efficiently. By preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature, you create a consistent cooking environment, which is crucial for achieving the desired level of doneness for your steak.

For cooking bacon-wrapped filet in an air fryer, preheating the appliance to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F is recommended. This temperature range is higher than the typical preheat temperature for an oven, which is often around 350°F. The reason for this higher temperature is that the air fryer uses a concentrated stream of hot air to cook the food, and a higher temperature ensures thorough cooking.

When preheating your air fryer to 350°F, you can expect the cooking process to be a bit slower compared to preheating at 400°F. This lower temperature setting is still effective but may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired level of doneness for your steak.

On the other hand, preheating your air fryer to 400°F will result in a faster cooking process. This higher temperature setting is ideal if you want to cook your bacon-wrapped filet more quickly. It is important to keep in mind that different air fryer models may have varying preheat times, so adjusting the timing accordingly is essential.

While preheating your air fryer to 350-400°F, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped filet by seasoning it with salt, pepper, or your preferred seasonings. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with the steak. By the time your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, your bacon-wrapped filet will be ready to be placed in the cooking basket.

Season the steak

Seasoning your steak is an important step in the cooking process. It can add flavour and depth to your dish, enhancing the taste of the meat. Here is a guide to seasoning your steak before cooking it in the air fryer:

Firstly, choose a tender cut of beef, such as filet mignon, ribeye, or strip steak. These cuts are ideal for bacon-wrapped steak bites as they cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.

Next, prepare your seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper is a classic choice and will enhance the natural flavour of the meat. You can use kosher salt or regular table salt, depending on your preference. Freshly cracked black pepper will add a bold, sharp taste. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili flakes. You can also use premade blends such as Montreal steak seasoning or Kinder's Butter Steak House.

Now, it's time to season the steak. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, removing any large pieces of fat as you go. Place the steak cubes into a large bowl. Add your chosen oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to the bowl. Then, sprinkle your selected seasonings over the steak cubes. Toss the steak cubes in the bowl until they are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings. Make sure each piece is well-coated to ensure consistent flavour.

At this point, you can wrap the steak bites in bacon and secure them with toothpicks or skewers. But before you start cooking, don't forget to season the tops of the bacon-wrapped steak bites with a little extra seasoning. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavour.

Finally, cook your bacon-wrapped steak bites in the air fryer according to your preferred level of doneness. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful creation!

Wrap the steak with bacon

To make bacon-wrapped filet mignon in an air fryer, you'll need to start by wrapping the steak with bacon. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose your steak: For this recipe, it is recommended to use a tender cut of beef like filet mignon, which is known for its tenderness, juiciness, and delicate flavour. Other options include ribeye, New York strip steak, or skirt steak.
• Cut the bacon: While you can use any type of bacon, thick-cut bacon is preferred by some as it provides a crispy texture without breaking or burning. Cut the bacon strips in half so that they are easier to wrap around the steak.
• Season the steak: Before wrapping the steak, you can season it with salt, pepper, and your choice of additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil to enhance the flavour.
• Wrap the steak with bacon: Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around the outside of the steak. Overlap the ends slightly, as the bacon will shrink during cooking. Secure the bacon in place by piercing it with a toothpick or small bamboo skewer.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F. Place a greased tray or rack inside the air fryer basket.

Once you've completed these steps, you can move on to cooking the bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your desired level of doneness, but typically, it should take around 10-15 minutes at 375°F-400°F for a medium-rare to medium steak.

Cook for 7-15 minutes

Cooking bacon-wrapped filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The cooking time will depend on the size of your filet, the desired doneness, and the model of your air fryer, but generally, you'll want to cook it for around 7-15 minutes.

First, prepare your filet mignon by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can also try spreading garlic herb butter or blue cheese butter on top of the filet for extra flavor. Then, wrap the filet with bacon and secure it with a toothpick. You can use one or two slices of bacon, depending on the size of your filet. Thick-cut bacon is a good option, as it will have a crispy texture without breaking or burning.

Once your filet is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket so that the hot air can circulate properly. Spray the filet with avocado oil or cooking spray, which will help achieve a crispy texture.

Now, it's time to cook your bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through. If you prefer your steak more well done, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes. The steak will continue to cook internally after it's removed from the air fryer, so be sure to remove it when it's 5 degrees below your desired temperature. For a steak that's between medium and medium-well, one source suggests cooking for 10 minutes, then turning for 5 minutes, and then cooking for a couple more minutes.

While the steak is cooking, you can prepare side dishes and sauces. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and salad are all great options to serve with your bacon-wrapped filet. If you're looking for a special touch, try making a Scotch-flavored mushroom sauce or garlic butter for an extra indulgent meal.

Serve with sides

Now that you've cooked your bacon-wrapped filet mignon in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. This dish is a fancy entree that will thoroughly impress your guests, and there are several side options that can enhance the dining experience.

One option is to serve the filet mignon with a side of vegetables or a salad. This can add a crisp, fresh element to the meal, providing a contrast to the rich, juicy steak. Old-fashioned green beans or a crunchy tossed salad are great choices to consider. If you're looking for something more indulgent, buttery mashed potatoes or a loaded baked potato would also pair well with the steak.

For an even more elegant touch, you can top the steak with a compound butter, such as herb butter or silky butter with garlic cloves and rosemary. This adds a luxurious and flavorful finish to the dish.

If you're serving wine with the meal, a bottle of pinot noir is an excellent choice to complement the flavors of the bacon-wrapped filet mignon.

Finally, don't forget that the presentation of the dish is also important. Placing the steak on a platter and garnishing it with fresh herbs can make the meal even more impressive and enjoyable for your guests.

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