Crispy Kroger Bacon-Wrapped Filet: Air Fryer Mastery

Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Try cooking a Kroger bacon-wrapped filet in an air fryer! This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to prepare this tasty dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a mouth-watering meal that's sure to impress. Get ready to indulge in a crispy, flavorful experience!

Ingredients and Preparation: Gather Kroger bacon, filet mignon, and air fryer basket

To begin, you'll need to gather the following ingredients and tools for this delicious air-fried dish:

Ingredients:

• Kroger bacon: Choose a good quality bacon, preferably the thick-cut variety, as it will hold its shape better when wrapped around the filet.
• Filet mignon: Opt for a tender and well-marbled cut of beef for the best results. You'll need about 4-6 ounces per person, depending on your desired thickness.
• Salt and pepper: Seasonings to enhance the flavor.
• Butter (optional): A small amount of butter can add richness to the dish.

Preparation:

• Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking bacon-wrapped filets as it ensures the meat cooks evenly without drying out.
• Prepare the bacon by laying it flat and slightly overlapping. You can cut the bacon into strips if needed, but leave it whole for a more rustic look.
• Take the filet mignon and gently pound it with a meat mallet to an even thickness, about 1-inch thick. This step is crucial for even cooking and ensures the bacon is tightly wrapped around the meat.
• Season the filet generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add a small amount of butter to the meat for extra flavor, especially if you're using a leaner cut.
• Now, it's time to wrap! Take a piece of bacon and carefully wrap it around the filet, ensuring the meat is completely covered. Secure the bacon with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep it in place during cooking. Repeat this process for each filet.
• Place the wrapped filets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other to allow for even cooking.
• Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping the filets halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the filet, so keep an eye on it to ensure it reaches your desired doneness.
• Once cooked, remove the toothpicks or twine and let the bacon-wrapped filets rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.

Seasoning and Marinade: Season with salt, pepper, and optional marinade for flavor

When preparing a bacon-wrapped filet in an air fryer, seasoning and marinating are crucial steps to enhance the flavor and ensure a delicious result. Here's a detailed guide on how to season and marinate your filet for optimal taste:

Seasoning: Start by seasoning the filet with salt and pepper. These basic spices provide a foundation for flavor and help bring out the natural taste of the meat. Use a generous amount of salt, especially if your filet is on the thinner side. Salt not only adds flavor but also helps to break down the meat's proteins, making it more tender. Pepper adds a subtle kick and rounds out the overall taste. You can also consider using a spice rub or a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for a more complex flavor profile. Remember to season both the filet and the bacon, ensuring an even coating.

Optional Marinade: For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the filet before cooking. A simple marinade can be made by mixing your choice of oil (such as olive or avocado oil), a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, and some herbs or spices. You can also add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the acidity. Let the filet soak in this marinade for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for more intense flavors. This step is particularly beneficial if you're using a lean cut of meat, as it will help keep the filet moist and flavorful during cooking.

When marinating, ensure the filet is evenly coated, and consider using a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish to make the process easier. After marinating, pat the filet dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before wrapping it in bacon. This will help the bacon adhere better and cook more evenly.

Remember, the key to a successful bacon-wrapped filet is to let the flavors meld together. Proper seasoning and marinating will ensure a juicy, flavorful dish that your air fryer can easily handle.

Cooking Technique: Place in air fryer, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway

To prepare the Kroger bacon-wrapped filet in an air fryer, follow these detailed steps for a delicious and crispy dish. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender. While the air fryer heats up, prepare your filet and bacon.

Take a piece of filet mignon and carefully wrap it with a few slices of bacon, securing them with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This method ensures the bacon stays in place during cooking. Season the wrapped filet with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. The key here is to keep the seasoning simple, allowing the natural flavors of the meat and bacon to shine.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the bacon-wrapped filet into the basket. Ensure there is enough space for the air to circulate and cook the dish evenly. If your air fryer has a divider, use it to prevent the bacon from overheating and becoming too crispy while the filet cooks. Cook the filet for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. This flipping step is crucial to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture on all sides.

After the initial 12-15 minutes, check the internal temperature of the filet. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C). If you prefer your meat more well-done, increase the cooking time by a few minutes until it reaches your desired doneness. Remember, the air fryer's cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the filet.

Finally, remove the toothpicks or twine and serve the bacon-wrapped filet immediately. This dish pairs exceptionally well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy the convenience and delicious results of air frying your Kroger bacon-wrapped filet!

Baking and Finishing: Bake until bacon is crispy and filet is cooked to desired doneness

To achieve the perfect bacon-wrapped filet in an air fryer, you'll need to focus on the baking and finishing process. Here's a detailed guide to ensure your dish turns out delicious:

Preparation: Before you start, ensure your filet mignon is properly seasoned. You can use a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Wrap each piece of filet with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine. This step adds a delicious savory flavor to the dish.

Baking in the Air Fryer: Place the bacon-wrapped filets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your filet and the desired doneness. For medium-rare, you want the center of the filet to reach an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). For medium, aim for 145°F (63°C).

Crispy Bacon and Cooked Filet: During the baking process, the bacon will start to crisp up, adding a delightful crunch to your dish. Simultaneously, the filet will cook to your desired level of doneness. For a crispy bacon exterior, you want the bacon to be slightly charred and crispy. The filet should be cooked through but still tender and juicy.

Finishing Touches: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the filets from the air fryer. Use tongs to handle the bacon-wrapped filets to avoid any mess. Let the filets rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step is crucial for a juicy and flavorful bite.

Serving Suggestion: Serve the bacon-wrapped filets with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The contrast between the crispy bacon and the tender filet will create a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy your homemade restaurant-style meal!

Serving Suggestions: Serve with sides like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes

When preparing a bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer, it's essential to consider the sides that will complement the dish and create a well-rounded meal. Roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes are excellent choices that can enhance the overall dining experience.

For the roasted vegetables, opt for a variety of colorful options to add visual appeal to your plate. Carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers are excellent choices. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a simple dressing of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add a touch of garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavor. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them in the air fryer until tender and slightly charred. The high heat of the air fryer will help caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating a delicious, slightly sweet flavor.

As for the mashed potatoes, this classic side dish pairs beautifully with the bacon-wrapped filet. Start by boiling a few pounds of potatoes until tender. Then, drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to your desired consistency. You can also add some garlic powder or chives for extra flavor and color. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes will provide a nice contrast to the crispy bacon and juicy filet.

Consider serving the bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer with a generous portion of roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. The vegetables will provide a healthy and colorful accompaniment, while the mashed potatoes will add a comforting and satisfying element to the meal. This combination will ensure that your guests or family members have a well-rounded and delicious dining experience.

Additionally, you can experiment with different herb and spice combinations to elevate the flavors. Try adding a sprinkle of paprika or cumin to the mashed potatoes for a heartier taste, or use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for the roasted veggies. These simple additions can take your side dishes to the next level and create a memorable meal.

Frequently asked questions