Ella Walter
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a delicious meal that can be prepared in an air fryer. This cooking method is quick, easy, and versatile, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The air fryer's concentrated heat sears the steak beautifully and cooks it evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy steak with a crispy bacon exterior. With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can achieve gourmet-quality steaks in the comfort of your own home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Temperature for cooking | 375°F-425°F |
| Cooking time | 7-10 minutes |
| Steak weight | 4 oz. or 6 oz. |
| Steak type | Filet mignon |
| Bacon type | Thick-cut |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, steak seasoning, blue cheese, etc. |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, baked potato, green beans, salad, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-cooking the bacon
To pre-cook the bacon, start by placing the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F to 400°F and cook the bacon for about 2 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon, as you want it to be partially cooked but not yet crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the bacon, so adjust accordingly.
Once the bacon is partially cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess fat. This step helps to ensure that the bacon will be crispy when wrapped around the steak. You can also blot the bacon with a paper towel to absorb any remaining grease.
After draining the bacon, you can begin wrapping it around the filet mignon. Depending on the size of your steak, you may need one or two slices of bacon. Wrap the bacon securely around the steak, ensuring even coverage with no exposed areas. This will help prevent the steak from drying out during the cooking process.
Secure the bacon in place with toothpicks, inserting them through the bacon and into the steak. You can also weave the toothpick through the bacon and steak for a more secure hold. Season the steak with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings.
By pre-cooking the bacon, you not only ensure a crispy exterior but also help lock in the moisture and flavor of the steak. This step is key to achieving the perfect bacon-wrapped filet mignon in your air fryer.
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Wrapping the filet mignon
Firstly, lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them at 350°F-400°F for about 2-4 minutes until they are partially cooked but not yet crispy. Remove the bacon and place them on a paper towel to drain. This step ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely without overcooking the filet mignon.
Next, wrap the bacon around the filet mignon. Depending on the size of the steak, you may need one or two slices of bacon. Overlap the ends of the bacon and secure it with a toothpick by inserting it into the filet and then out of the filet into the bacon on the other end.
Finally, season the steak with salt and pepper or your favourite seasonings. You can also brush the steak with olive oil or avocado oil to add extra flavour and moisture. Now your filet mignon is ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked to perfection!
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Cooking the filet mignon
First, set your steaks out for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This will ensure that the steaks cook evenly throughout and prevent them from toughening up.
Next, season your filet mignon with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. You can also add garlic powder or olive oil for extra flavor. Then, wrap a slice of bacon around the sides of the steak and secure it with a toothpick. If you're using a larger filet, you may need two slices of bacon. Make sure the bacon covers the steak evenly to prevent any exposed areas from drying out.
Now, you can start cooking the bacon-wrapped filet mignon in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the steaks in a single layer on a greased tray or rack in the air fryer basket. Cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer.
Once the steak has reached the desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to continue cooking, bringing it to the desired internal temperature. Finally, remove the toothpicks and slice the steak to serve.
The filet mignon is now ready to be enjoyed! You can pair it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or a crunchy tossed salad.
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Making a sauce
A Scotch-flavoured mushroom sauce is a great complement to bacon-wrapped filet mignon. The dried thyme and rubbed sage go well with the baby portobello mushrooms, and the Scotch, ginger ale, brown sugar and soy sauce add flavour without being overpowering. If you don't have Scotch, you can use bourbon.
To make the sauce, start by sauteing mushrooms and thyme in olive oil and a tablespoon of butter until tender. Then, add the Scotch to the pan, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Next, stir in the ginger ale, brown sugar, soy sauce and sage. Return the skillet to the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by half. Finally, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a thickening agent like cornstarch.
For a simpler sauce, you can top the steak with butter or cheese, such as gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles.
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Choosing a side dish
When it comes to choosing a side dish to accompany your bacon-wrapped filet mignon, there are several options that can complement this rich and indulgent main course. Here are some ideas to consider:
Starchy Sides
Potatoes are a classic side dish, and there are several ways to prepare them that will pair well with your steak. Consider baking a potato in the air fryer, either a sweet potato or a regular baked potato loaded with toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives. For a more indulgent option, try twice-baked potatoes or au gratin potatoes. Instant mash is another quick and easy option that pairs well with the steak.
Vegetables
A variety of vegetables can be a great way to balance out the richness of the steak. Try serving it with a fresh, crisp salad, such as a wedge salad or a leafy green salad. If you prefer cooked vegetables, roasted asparagus, old-fashioned green beans, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent choices. You can also add some herbs to your vegetables, such as thyme, rosemary, or chives, to enhance their flavor.
Carbohydrates
If you're looking for a more substantial side dish, consider serving your steak with a mound of seasoned rice or your favorite type of pasta. This can help fill out the meal and satisfy heartier appetites.
Comfort Food
For a comforting and indulgent side dish, mac and cheese is always a popular option. It pairs well with the savory flavors of the steak and can be easily prepared ahead of time.
Wine
While not a traditional side dish, a good bottle of wine can elevate your meal. A pinot noir is a great choice to pair with the bacon-wrapped filet mignon, as it will complement the flavors of the steak and bacon.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F-375°F. Place the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes until it is partially cooked but not crisp. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel. Next, wrap a strip of bacon around the side of each steak and secure it with toothpicks. Place the steaks in a single layer on a greased tray in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the meat reaches the desired doneness.
For medium-rare, a thermometer inserted into the side of the steak should read 135°F. For medium, it should read 140°F, and for medium-well, it should be 145°F.
This dish goes well with a variety of sides, such as potatoes (baked, mashed, or garlic), vegetables (asparagus, green beans, or a salad), or a mushroom sauce.
Yes, you can. Start by frying the bacon in a skillet until partially cooked. Then, preheat the oven to 375°F. Wrap each steak with a piece of bacon and cook in an oven-proof skillet with oil over medium-high heat for two minutes on each side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached.
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