How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Filet In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

Recommended Equipments:

Bacon-wrapped filet mignon is the epitome of indulgence-an exquisite combination of tender, buttery beef encased in smoky, crisp bacon. Traditionally, this dish might conjure images of sizzling pans or broilers in a restaurant kitchen, but the modern home cook can achieve equally impressive results using an air fryer. Air fryers, known for their ability to circulate hot air rapidly, provide a unique cooking environment that locks in juices while creating a perfectly crisp exterior. The beauty of cooking a bacon-wrapped filet in an air fryer lies in its simplicity, speed, and consistent results, making this restaurant-worthy meal achievable in your own kitchen.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Bacon Wrapped Filet In Air Fryer

Temperature control is the cornerstone of cooking the perfect bacon-wrapped filet. For most air fryers, 400°F (204°C) is the ideal starting point. This temperature strikes a balance between rendering the bacon to a golden, crisp perfection and gently cooking the filet mignon inside without overcooking. Lower temperatures, such as 350°F, can be used if you prefer slower cooking to ensure even heat penetration, but this may require slightly longer cook times. On the other hand, temperatures above 420°F risk burning the bacon before the filet reaches the desired internal temperature. Precision here is key: an air fryer works quickly, and small differences in temperature can significantly affect texture and doneness.

How Long To Cook Bacon Wrapped Filet In Air Fryer

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the filet and your desired doneness. For a standard 1.5-inch thick filet, the following guidelines provide a starting point:

• Medium-Rare (130-135°F internal temperature): 10-12 minutes
• Medium (135-145°F): 12-14 minutes
• Medium-Well (145-155°F): 14-16 minutes

It’s essential to remember that air fryers vary slightly in intensity, so these times are approximate. Checking internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer will yield the most reliable results.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Visual cues alone are not always reliable for filet mignon due to its tender, uniform texture. Here are the most accurate ways to determine doneness:

1. Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the filet. Refer to the temperature ranges above.
2. Touch Test: Gently press the filet; medium-rare should have slight resistance, medium should spring back slightly more, and medium-well will feel firm.
3. Bacon Appearance: The bacon should be golden-brown and crisp, indicating it has rendered fat fully and formed a flavorful crust.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare bacon-wrapped filet mignon in an air fryer, you’ll need:

• 2 filet mignon steaks (1.5-2 inches thick)
• 4 slices of bacon (2 per filet)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme for seasoning
• Cooking twine (to secure the bacon, if needed)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (to lightly grease the air fryer basket)

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Filet In Air Fryer

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2. Season Filets: Pat the filets dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Lay two slices of bacon per filet, wrapping them around the circumference. Secure with cooking twine or toothpicks if necessary.
4. Place in Air Fryer: Lightly grease the basket and place the filets inside without overcrowding.
5. Cook: Air fry for 10-16 minutes depending on desired doneness, flipping halfway through to ensure even bacon crisping.
6. Rest: Allow the filets to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

• Lower Temperatures (e.g., 350°F): The filet will cook more slowly, which can improve tenderness, but the bacon may not crisp as well. You may need to finish under the broiler or increase cooking time.
• Higher Temperatures (e.g., 425-450°F): Bacon will crisp quickly, but the filet risks overcooking on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Close monitoring is essential.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Cooking times should align with filet thickness and desired doneness. Shorter times may yield undercooked steaks, while longer times risk overcooking the filet. Always rely on internal temperature rather than timer alone. Adjust in 1-2 minute increments and recheck temperature for precision.

When Things Go Wrong

• Bacon isn’t crispy: Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or increase air fryer temperature slightly at the end.
• Filet overcooked: Next time, reduce cooking time or check internal temperature sooner. Resting the meat for 5 minutes can sometimes salvage juiciness.
• Uneven cooking: Flip filets halfway, and consider spacing them out more to allow better air circulation.

Expert Tips

1. Room Temperature Filets: Let filets sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat penetration.
2. Use a Thermometer: Don’t rely solely on visual cues; instant-read thermometers are essential for perfect doneness.
3. Season Under the Bacon: Seasoning directly on the filet before wrapping ensures the beef flavor shines.
4. Don’t Overcrowd: Proper air circulation is crucial for crisp bacon and evenly cooked meat.
5. Rest Meat: Never skip resting-this makes the difference between a juicy, tender filet and a dry one.

FAQs

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To For Cooking Bacon Wrapped Filet?

For a perfectly cooked bacon wrapped filet, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the bacon to crisp up while cooking the filet to your desired doneness without drying it out.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Bacon Wrapped Filet In An Air Fryer?

Cooking time depends on the thickness of the filet and desired doneness. For a 1.5-inch thick filet, cook for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. Adjust the time slightly for thicker or thinner cuts or for different doneness levels.

Should I Wrap The Bacon Tightly Around The Filet Or Loosely?

Wrap the bacon snugly around the filet to ensure it stays in place during cooking. You can secure it with toothpicks if needed, but avoid wrapping too tightly as the bacon will shrink and may distort the shape of the filet.

Do I Need To Pre-cook The Bacon Before Air Frying?

Pre-cooking the bacon is optional. Raw bacon will render its fat and crisp up during air frying, but partially cooking it can reduce cooking time and ensure extra crispiness. If using thin-cut bacon, cooking it partially is often recommended.

How Can I Prevent The Bacon From Burning While The Filet Cooks?

To prevent burning, choose medium-cut bacon and monitor the cooking process closely. You can also tent the filet with foil for the first half of cooking and uncover for the remaining time to allow the bacon to crisp without burning.

Do I Need To Season The Filet Separately Before Wrapping It In Bacon?

Yes, lightly season the filet with salt, pepper, and optional spices before wrapping it in bacon. The bacon adds additional flavor, but seasoning the meat directly enhances its taste and balances the saltiness of the bacon.

How Do I Check If The Bacon Wrapped Filet Is Cooked To My Preferred Doneness?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); medium, 135-145°F (57-63°C); and medium-well, 145-155°F (63-68°C). Allow the filet to rest for 5 minutes after air frying for the juices to redistribute.