Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Steak: Crispy, Tender Perfection

how to cook bacon wrapped steak in air fryer

Bacon-wrapped steak is a delicious and juicy dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal effort. It is a perfect combination of crispy bacon and juicy steak, making it a great appetizer or main course. The air fryer ensures quick and mess-free cooking, and the dish can be paired with various sauces and sides. The key steps to making bacon-wrapped steak in an air fryer include cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces, wrapping it in bacon, seasoning, and then cooking it in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes.

How to cook bacon-wrapped steak in an air fryer

Characteristics Values
Steak type Sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, skirt steak, porterhouse, T-bone
Steak size 1-2 inch cubes
Marinade Soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper
Bacon Half a slice of bacon per steak bite
Seasoning Salt, pepper, steak seasoning, garlic powder, rosemary, basil, cayenne pepper
Air fryer temperature 350-400°F
Air fryer time 10-18 minutes
Serving suggestions Creamy chipotle dipping sauce, garlic butter, mashed potatoes, air-fried fries, cucumber salad

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How to wrap the steak in bacon

To wrap your steak in bacon, start by laying three pieces of bacon horizontally, lined up next to one another but not overlapping. Place your steak in the middle of the three slices. Next, wrap the top piece of bacon around and underneath the steak. Repeat this step with the second piece of bacon. For the third piece, pull the last side up and tuck it under one of the other pieces of bacon so they don't unravel. Secure the bacon-wrapped steak with a toothpick by pressing the toothpick through the bacon and into the steak, then out of the steak into the bacon on the other end of the toothpick.

If you are making steak bites, cut the steak into bite-sized cubes (approximately 1 inch) and place them in a bowl. You can also cut off any big pieces of fat. Marinate the steak bites by pouring a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper over them and letting them sit for 20–30 minutes. After marinating, wrap each piece of steak with half a slice of bacon.

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How to season the steak

Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it adds flavour and depth to your dish. Here is a guide on how to season your steak for bacon-wrapped steak bites in an air fryer:

Firstly, select a tender cut of beef, such as filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, skirt steak, porterhouse, or T-bone. Avoid tougher cuts like brisket, chuck roast, or rump roast. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes of approximately 1-2 inch pieces. As you cut the steak, trim away any large pieces of fat. Place the cubed steak into a bowl.

Now it's time to season your steak. There are various ways to do this, depending on your taste preferences. You can use a dry rub, a marinade, or a simple seasoning mix. For a dry rub, mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl, then sprinkle half of the mixture onto one side of the steak cubes. Pat it down so it sticks, then flip the steak cubes and repeat until all the seasonings are used. A suggested dry rub mixture includes garlic powder, rosemary, basil, and cayenne pepper.

Alternatively, you can create a marinade by mixing soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour this marinade over the steak cubes and let them soak for 20-30 minutes.

If you prefer a simpler approach, you can season your steak bites with olive oil and your favourite steak seasoning. Toss the steak in the bowl until everything is well-coated. You can use store-bought steak seasonings or make your own blend.

Once your steak bites are seasoned, you can wrap them in bacon and cook them in the air fryer!

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How to cook the steak in the air fryer

To cook bacon-wrapped steak in an air fryer, start by cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes. You can also cut off any large pieces of fat. Then, wrap each piece of steak with half a slice of bacon. You can secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Place the bacon-wrapped steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket so that the bacon can get crispy.

Sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the steak bites. You can use salt and pepper, or other seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, basil, or cayenne pepper. You can also marinate the steak bites in a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper before wrapping them in bacon.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F for about five minutes. Then, cook the steak bites for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the type of steak used. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, 140°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well.

Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, remove the toothpicks and serve warm. They go well with sides like mashed potatoes, air-fried fries, or a fresh cucumber salad. You can also dip them in sauces like garlic butter, steak sauce, or a creamy chipotle dipping sauce.

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How to store leftovers

If you have any leftovers of your delicious bacon-wrapped steak, it is important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your leftovers:

Firstly, it is important to note that bacon-wrapped steak leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible after cooking. Leftovers should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can lead to bacterial growth and food spoilage.

To store in the refrigerator, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry before putting the leftovers inside. You can also wrap the leftovers securely in aluminium foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the container to help keep them moist and prevent them from picking up odours from other foods in the refrigerator.

The leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. If you live in a hot climate or it is a particularly warm day, it is recommended that you refrigerate the leftovers within one hour to be extra cautious.

Leftovers of bacon-wrapped steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Make sure to label and date the container so you know when you need to eat it by.

If you do not plan on eating the leftovers within this time frame, it is best to freeze them. To freeze, follow the same steps as for refrigerating, but place the airtight container in the freezer instead. Alternatively, you can wrap the leftovers tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or freezer bags. Frozen leftovers will maintain their quality for one to two months but can be kept indefinitely if stored continuously at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and then reheat them until they are steaming hot throughout. You can reheat them in the air fryer, on the stove, or in the oven. Just make sure they reach a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure any harmful bacteria are killed.

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How to choose the right cut of steak

When it comes to choosing the right cut of steak for your bacon-wrapped steak in an air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, opt for a tender cut of beef such as filet mignon, ribeye, T-bone, New York strip steak, porterhouse, or skirt steak. These cuts are ideal for this cooking method and will result in juicy and tender bites.

The size of your steak cubes will also depend on your personal preference. For a bacon-wrapped steak bite, aim for 1.5-inch to 2-inch cubes. Keep in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster, so don't make them too small unless you want them well done. If you prefer your steak on the rarer side, a thicker cut of around 2 inches is a better option.

Additionally, consider the type of bacon you will be using. Regular or thin-cut bacon is recommended as thick bacon takes longer to cook. If you only have thick-cut bacon, you can pre-cook it a little before wrapping it around the steak.

Lastly, the size of your air fryer basket will determine the quantity of steak and bacon you can cook at once. You will need to leave space around each steak bite to allow the hot air to circulate and cook everything evenly. Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steak bites in batches.

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