Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon: Air Fryer Perfection

Bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal that can be cooked in an air fryer, making it a convenient and tasty option for any occasion. This recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of bacon with the tender, juicy texture of filet mignon, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress. By wrapping the filet in bacon, you create a flavorful, juicy center that's cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to ensure your bacon-wrapped filet is cooked to your desired level of doneness, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients and Preparation: Gather filet mignon, bacon, and seasonings. Prepare the meat and wrap

To begin, you'll need to gather your ingredients and prepare the meat for the bacon-wrapped filet mignon. Start by selecting a high-quality filet mignon, ensuring it's fresh and at room temperature. You'll also need a few strips of bacon, preferably thick-cut, and a variety of seasonings to enhance the flavor. Consider using a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the filet. Remove any excess fat or silver skin from the meat, as this can affect the cooking process. Season the filet generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also make small slits in the meat to allow the seasonings to penetrate deeper, ensuring a flavorful center.

Now, it's time to wrap the bacon around the filet. Take a strip of bacon and lay it flat, then place the filet on top. Start wrapping the bacon tightly around the meat, securing it with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine. Ensure the bacon is snug against the filet to create a compact package. You can also use a little water on your hands to help the bacon stick to the filet as you wrap it.

After wrapping, you might want to consider adding a bit more seasoning to the exposed bacon. This will help to balance the flavors and create a delicious, crispy exterior. You can also brush the wrapped filet with a small amount of melted butter or oil to ensure it cooks evenly.

With the preparation complete, you're now ready to cook your bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F. Place the wrapped filet in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the filet is cooked to your desired doneness.

Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Line basket with foil

To begin cooking your bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer, it's important to set up your appliance correctly. First, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the filet and ensuring the bacon is crispy. While the air fryer heats up, it's a good idea to line the basket with foil. This step is crucial as it helps to catch any juices that may drip during the cooking process, making cleanup easier. The foil also prevents the filet from sticking to the basket, ensuring it cooks evenly and maintains its shape.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can start preparing your filet. If you haven't already, season the filet with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Then, carefully wrap the filet with bacon, securing it with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This wrapping technique not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the filet moist and juicy.

Now, it's time to place the wrapped filet in the air fryer basket. Make sure it fits snugly, and if needed, adjust the wrapping to ensure even cooking. Spray the wrapped filet with cooking oil to promote crispiness and prevent drying. This simple step can make a significant difference in the final texture of the dish.

After arranging the filet, set a timer for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping the filet halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the filet and your air fryer, so it's essential to keep an eye on it. The goal is to cook the filet to your desired doneness while ensuring the bacon is crispy and flavorful.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the filet from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and delicious meal. Finally, serve the bacon-wrapped filet and enjoy the crispy, flavorful result of your air fryer cooking!

Cooking Time: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Aim for an internal temp of 145°F

To prepare a delicious bacon-wrapped filet in your air fryer, follow these steps for a mouth-watering meal. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the filet evenly. While the air fryer heats up, prepare your ingredients. You'll need a thick cut of filet mignon, about 1-inch thick, and a few strips of bacon. Season the filet with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.

Now, it's time to wrap the bacon around the filet. Ensure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the meat, securing it with a toothpick if needed. This method not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the juices inside during cooking. Place the wrapped filet in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's enough space for the hot air to circulate.

The cooking time is crucial for this dish. Set your timer for 12-15 minutes, flipping the filet halfway through the cooking process. This flipping ensures even browning and helps to create a crispy bacon exterior. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (medium-rare) for the filet. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat. For safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F, as this is the recommended minimum for ground meat, but for filet mignon, it's a matter of personal preference.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the filet from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender filet. After resting, you can plate the dish and serve it with your choice of sides.

Remember, cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the filet. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired doneness. Enjoy your homemade bacon-wrapped filet, a quick and tasty meal that's sure to impress!

Rest and Serve: Rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with desired sides

Once your bacon-wrapped filet is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to focus on the final steps to ensure a delicious and well-presented meal. The key to a successful dish is allowing the meat to rest, which helps distribute the juices evenly and ensures a tender bite. After removing the filet from the air fryer, let it rest for approximately 5 minutes. This brief pause is crucial as it prevents the meat from drying out and allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful filet.

While the filet rests, you can prepare your desired sides to accompany the main course. This is a great opportunity to get creative and customize your meal. Consider classic pairings such as roasted vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, and onions, which can be seasoned with herbs and spices to complement the bacon's savory flavor. Alternatively, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a crisp and refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, mashed potatoes or a creamy pasta dish can be excellent choices.

Once the resting period is complete, it's time to slice the filet into generous portions. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the bacon-wrapped filet into thick slices, ensuring you maintain the integrity of the bacon wrapping. This presentation adds a touch of elegance to your dish. If you're serving a crowd, you can also consider cutting the filet into bite-sized pieces for a more casual presentation.

Now, your bacon-wrapped filet is ready to be served and enjoyed. Plate the slices and arrange them on a serving dish or individual plates. Accompany the filet with your chosen sides, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Don't forget to add a drizzle of your favorite sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is sure to impress your guests or family, offering a unique and delicious dining experience.

Remember, the art of cooking lies not only in the preparation but also in the presentation and the final resting period, ensuring a mouthwatering and memorable meal. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips and Variations: Experiment with marinades, herbs, and sauces for flavor. Adjust cooking time for thickness

When it comes to cooking bacon-wrapped filet in an air fryer, there are several tips and variations to explore to elevate your dish and make it truly delicious. Marinades, herbs, and sauces can all contribute to a burst of flavor, while adjusting cooking times based on the thickness of your filet ensures a perfectly cooked meal.

Experiment with Marinades: Marinating your filet before cooking can add a depth of flavor and moisture to the meat. Consider using a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and your choice of herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a more exotic touch, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes. Let the filet marinate in this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs can take your bacon-wrapped filet to the next level. Try chopping some fresh parsley or dill and mixing it with a little olive oil to create a herb-infused oil. Brush this mixture over the bacon and filet before cooking. Alternatively, you can rub the meat with a spice blend of your choice, such as a paprika-based rub or a blend of cumin and coriander.

Sauces and Glazes: For a sweet and savory glaze, mix together honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Brush this glaze over the bacon-wrapped filet during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, a simple butter-based sauce can be made by melting butter with garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. This sauce can be drizzled over the cooked filet for a rich, flavorful finish.

Adjusting Cooking Time: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your filet. As a general guideline, cook a 1-inch thick filet for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). For a thicker cut, add a few more minutes. Remember, you want the bacon to be crispy and the filet to be cooked to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (medium-rare) to 160°F (medium).

Feel free to get creative with your marinades, herbs, and sauces, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Adjusting the cooking time based on thickness ensures that your bacon-wrapped filet is cooked to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering, flavorful meal.

Frequently asked questions