Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork: A Tasty, Easy Meal

Bacon-wrapped pork medallions are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be cooked in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. This recipe combines the savory flavors of bacon with tender, juicy pork medallions, creating a mouth-watering meal that's perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. By wrapping the pork in bacon, you add a crispy, salty exterior while keeping the meat moist and flavorful. The air fryer method ensures a crispy, golden finish without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option for those who love the taste of fried food. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to achieve perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped pork medallions, ready in no time.

Prepare Pork: Season pork medallions with salt, pepper, and garlic powder

To begin preparing the pork medallions, it's essential to focus on seasoning, as this will greatly impact the flavor and texture of the final dish. Start by taking the pork medallions and patting them dry with paper towels. Moisture on the meat can lead to soggier bacon and a less-than-desirable outcome. Once dry, season both sides of the medallions generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. The salt enhances the natural flavors and adds a savory note, while pepper provides a subtle kick. Garlic powder adds a distinct savory aroma and flavor to the meat. You can adjust the amounts of each seasoning to your taste preferences.

Let the seasoned medallions sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively. During this time, you can prepare the bacon and set up your air fryer.

Now, for the bacon-wrapping process. Take a piece of bacon and lay it flat, then place a pork medallion on top. Roll the bacon tightly around the medallion, securing it with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine. Repeat this process for each medallion, ensuring a secure wrap. The bacon will not only add flavor but also help to keep the meat moist during cooking.

After wrapping all the medallions, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and ensure it's well-heated before adding the wrapped medallions. Place the wrapped medallions in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one for even cooking. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your medallions and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they reach your desired doneness.

Once cooked, carefully remove the toothpicks or twine and serve the bacon-wrapped pork medallions. These can be paired with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy bacon and tender, flavorful pork!

Wrap in Bacon: Secure bacon around pork with toothpicks

When preparing bacon-wrapped pork medallions for the air fryer, the key step is securing the bacon around the pork tightly to ensure a delicious, flavorful meal. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Start by laying a piece of bacon on a flat surface. Take a pork medallion and place it at the center of the bacon. The size of the pork should match the size of the bacon strip for an even wrap. Begin wrapping the bacon around the pork, ensuring that each layer overlaps slightly to create a secure and compact package. As you wrap, use your fingers to gently tuck any loose ends under the bacon. Once you've wrapped the entire pork medallion, secure it with toothpicks. These toothpicks will act as a temporary hold, keeping the bacon in place during the cooking process. Make sure to use enough toothpicks to create a sturdy structure that can withstand the cooking time.

It's important to note that the number of toothpicks used can vary depending on the size of your pork medallion and the desired level of security. For larger medallions, consider using multiple toothpicks to ensure the bacon stays intact. After securing the bacon with toothpicks, you can proceed with the rest of your cooking preparation.

Remember, the goal is to create a compact, flavorful package that will cook evenly in the air fryer. The toothpicks will be removed after cooking, so ensure they are not too close to the edges of the bacon-wrapped pork. This technique not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the pork moist and juicy, making it a popular choice for air-frying enthusiasts.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped pork medallions in your air fryer. Enjoy the process and the mouth-watering results!

Air Fry: Place wrapped medallions in air fryer basket

To cook bacon-wrapped pork medallions in an air fryer, you'll want to ensure a crispy and delicious result. Here's a step-by-step guide for the 'Air Fry' stage:

Preparation: Before you begin, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature range is ideal for cooking pork and bacon. Prepare your pork medallions by seasoning them with salt and pepper or your preferred spices. Wrap each medallion with a few slices of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine. This wrapping technique not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the pork moist during cooking.

Arranging in the Air Fryer: Place the wrapped medallions in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You might need to work in batches, especially if your air fryer is small. Leave some space between the medallions to allow hot air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking. If using a large air fryer, you can stack the medallions slightly, but avoid stacking them too high to prevent overcrowding.

Cooking Time: The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork medallions and your air fryer's power. As a general guideline, cook for approximately 10-15 minutes. Flip the medallions halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. The bacon should be crispy, and the pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F to 160°F (medium-rare) for optimal tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.

Serving Suggestion: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the medallions from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Serve the bacon-wrapped pork medallions with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the crispy bacon and tender pork in every bite!

Cook: Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway

To prepare bacon-wrapped pork medallions in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the pork evenly and quickly. While the air fryer heats up, you can prepare your ingredients. Take a pound of boneless pork loin and cut it into 4 to 6 medallions, depending on the thickness you prefer. It's important to keep the medallions as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.

Now, it's time to wrap the pork. Take a strip of bacon and carefully wrap it around each pork medallion, securing it with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine. The bacon will add a delicious smoky flavor and help keep the meat moist during cooking. Once all the medallions are wrapped, you can season them. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is usually sufficient, but feel free to add other spices or herbs like garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.

Place the bacon-wrapped medallions in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, resulting in even cooking. Spray the medallions with a light coating of cooking oil to prevent them from drying out. Set the air fryer timer for 12 to 15 minutes, and during this time, flip the medallions halfway through cooking. This flipping step ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and the pork reaches a desirable doneness.

After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the medallions from the air fryer. The internal temperature of the pork should be 145°F (medium-rare) to 160°F (medium) for optimal texture and taste. Let the medallions rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.

Finally, plate your bacon-wrapped pork medallions and serve them with your choice of sides. These could be roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious, air-fried pork medallions, knowing that you've prepared them with precision and care!

Rest and Serve: Let rest, then serve with desired sides

Once your bacon-wrapped pork medallions are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's crucial to let them rest before serving to ensure a delicious and enjoyable meal. This simple step can make a significant difference in the overall taste and texture of the dish. Here's a detailed guide on how to handle the resting process and serve your culinary creation:

Resting Time: After removing the bacon-wrapped pork from the air fryer, place the medallions on a clean plate or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Allow them to rest for approximately 5-10 minutes. This resting period is essential as it helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. During this time, the internal temperature of the pork will continue to rise slightly, which is beneficial for food safety.

Resting Benefits: Resting allows the meat to relax and retain its moisture, preventing it from drying out. It also enables the flavors to meld together, creating a more flavorful and cohesive dish. This step is often overlooked but can elevate your air-fried pork medallions to a whole new level.

Serving Suggestions: Once rested, your bacon-wrapped pork medallions are ready to be served. Consider pairing them with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try air-frying or roasting some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. These can be seasoned with herbs and spices to complement the pork.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that goes well with pork. You can add garlic, herbs, or even a touch of truffle oil for extra flavor.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can provide a crisp and healthy contrast to the hearty pork.
• Grilled Peppers: Grilled sweet or chili peppers can add a smoky and slightly sweet element to your plate.

Remember, the resting process is a simple yet vital step in the cooking journey, ensuring your bacon-wrapped pork medallions are not only delicious but also a culinary delight for your guests. Enjoy your air-fried masterpiece!

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