Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon: A Gourmet Meal Made Easy at Home

When you’re looking to elevate your dinner experience without the fuss of a fancy restaurant, this bacon-wrapped filet mignon in the air fryer is an unparalleled choice. You’ll achieve perfectly crispy bacon, a succulent and juicy steak cooked precisely to your liking, and an utterly delicious meal that feels like a special occasion. The air fryer simplifies the entire process, handling the hard work so you can relax and savor a truly gourmet dinner in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Effortless Recipe

For many, steaks are reserved for special celebrations. Filet mignon, known as the “king of steaks,” is particularly prized for its incredible tenderness, cut from the most delicate part of the beef tenderloin. Its exquisite flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a truly luxurious meal. However, the thought of cooking such an expensive cut of meat at home can often be intimidating, with worries about overcooking or not getting that perfect sear.

But fear not! The air fryer completely transforms this experience. It eliminates the guesswork and the need to meticulously manage pan temperatures, making gourmet steak cooking accessible to everyone. This revolutionary appliance circulates hot air evenly around the meat, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful crust without the need for constant attention.

What’s more, you have complete control over the doneness of your steak, from a perfectly pink medium-rare to a satisfying medium-well. Despite its sophisticated taste, this dish is surprisingly quick to prepare, with cooking times rarely exceeding 20 minutes. This makes it a fantastic option not just for celebratory dinners, but also for a luxurious yet convenient weeknight meal when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients for Perfection

Crafting the perfect bacon-wrapped filet mignon requires only a handful of quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the beef and bacon to truly shine. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 4 Filet mignon steaks (petite; about 3 oz each)
• 4 Strips bacon
• ½ Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp Montreal steak seasoning (or your favorite blend)

Optional Garlic Herb Butter: The Ultimate Finishing Touch

While optional, preparing a simple garlic herb butter to finish your steaks adds an incredible layer of richness and aromatic flavor that truly elevates the dish to gourmet status. This compound butter melts beautifully over the hot steak, infusing every bite with savory goodness.

• 2 Tbsp salted butter (at room temperature for easy mixing)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp salt

How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is remarkably straightforward, yielding tender results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to prepare your perfect steak:

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. If your model doesn’t have this exact setting, choose the closest temperature. Preheating is crucial for achieving an immediate sear and even cooking.
2. Wrap the Filets: Carefully take one strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around the circumference of each filet mignon steak. Secure the bacon firmly in place using toothpicks, cooking twine, or silicone bands. This not only keeps the bacon from unraveling but also helps to contain the juices and flavor within the steak.

3. Apply Olive Oil: Lightly brush both the top and bottom surfaces of the bacon-wrapped filets with olive oil. The olive oil aids in crisping the bacon and helps the seasoning adhere to the meat, contributing to a beautiful golden-brown crust.

4. Season Generously: Evenly apply your chosen steak seasoning to the oiled filets. Gently press the seasoning into the meat and bacon to ensure it sticks well. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it forms a flavorful crust during cooking.

5. Place in Air Fryer: Carefully arrange the seasoned, bacon-wrapped filets in the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between each steak for proper airflow, which is essential for even cooking and crisping. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

6. Initial Cook: Cook the filets on the air fry setting at 375°F for 6 minutes. This initial cooking phase helps to render the bacon and begin the searing process.
7. Flip and Finish: After 6 minutes, carefully flip each filet to ensure even browning and crisping of the bacon on both sides. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes for a medium-rare finish (internal temperature of 135°F), 6 minutes for medium (140°F), or 9 minutes for medium-well (145°F). Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your steaks and the specific air fryer model. For accurate results, always use an instant-read meat thermometer, checking the internal temperature every couple of minutes during the final cooking stage.
8. Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While your filets are cooking to perfection, take a small bowl and combine the softened salted butter with the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well distributed, creating a fragrant and flavorful compound butter.

9. Rest the Steaks: Once your steaks have reached your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer basket. It’s crucial to let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful steak.
10. Serve with Butter: After resting, top each warm filet with a generous dollop of the freshly made garlic herb butter. The butter will melt beautifully, coating the steak with an aromatic glaze. Serve immediately with your favorite complementary side dishes for a truly satisfying meal.

What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

A luxurious bacon-wrapped filet mignon deserves equally impressive accompaniments to complete the dining experience. Whether you prefer classic steakhouse pairings or something more unique, here are some fantastic suggestions, from starters to sides and even dessert:

• Salads: A crisp Caesar salad or a refreshing wedge salad provides a light, tangy contrast to the richness of the steak.
• Soups: A warm, savory French onion soup can be a delightful starter, offering deep flavors that complement beef.
• Creamy Vegetables: Creamed spinach offers a classic steakhouse feel, while sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions add earthy sweetness and umami.
• Glazed Vegetables: Glazed carrots, with their touch of sweetness, make for an elegant and flavorful side.
• Potato Dishes: You can never go wrong with potatoes alongside a steak. Options like a fluffy baked potato, creamy mashed potatoes, rich scalloped potatoes, or loaded potato skins provide satisfying starch and texture.
• Comfort Food Sides: Macaroni and cheese is a comforting and indulgent pairing that appeals to all ages.
• Breads: Warm dinner rolls or crusty garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any delicious juices or butter.
• Desserts: Finish your exquisite meal with a decadent chocolate cake or a comforting apple crisp, offering a sweet conclusion.

To truly enhance your bacon-wrapped filet in the air fryer, consider pairing it with my tasty Caramelized Onions in the Air Fryer, hearty Potato Skins in the Air Fryer, a perfectly classic Air Fryer Baked Potato With Foil, sweet Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, or creamy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes. For a delightful end to your meal, a warm Air Fryer Apple Crisp is simply irresistible.

Recipe Pro Tips for the Best Filet Mignon

• For Extra Crispy Bacon: If you adore super crispy bacon but want to ensure your filet remains perfectly medium-rare or medium, here’s a clever trick: pre-cook the bacon by itself in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 375°F before wrapping it around the filets. This gives the bacon a head start on crisping without overcooking the steak.
• Scaling the Recipe: This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adjust. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner for two or a small family gathering, you can easily halve or double the ingredients to suit your needs. Just remember to ensure adequate space in your air fryer basket if increasing the quantity to maintain proper airflow.
• Air Fryer Variations: Air fryers can vary significantly in their cooking power and efficiency. My filets reached perfection after a total of 12 minutes in a Ninja Dual air fryer, resulting in medium-well for the thinner steaks and medium for the slightly thicker ones, all remaining exceptionally tender and juicy. Always use these times as a guideline and rely on an instant-read meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness, especially when using a new air fryer model.

Storage and Reheating Best Practices

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious bacon-wrapped filet mignon long after it’s cooked:

• Storage: Any leftover filet mignon can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. While you can freeze cooked filet for up to 6 months, be aware that freezing can sometimes cause the meat to lose some moisture and texture over time. For the best quality, enjoy it within a few days.
• Reheating: To reheat your bacon-wrapped filet while maintaining its juiciness and crisp bacon, the air fryer is your best tool. Place the leftover steak in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until it’s heated thoroughly to your desired temperature. This method helps the bacon re-crisp and the steak warm evenly without drying out.

• Bacon Wrapped Salmon in the Air Fryer

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon Awaits

This bacon-wrapped filet mignon in the air fryer is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy a truly incredible, upscale steak dinner right in your own kitchen. With its promise of crispy bacon and perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender steak, it’s a dish that impresses every time.

The air fryer takes the stress out of cooking, providing consistent results and eliminating the need for constant monitoring, allowing you to create a gourmet meal with surprising ease. Season your filet just the way you like it, and don’t forget that irresistible garlic herb butter – it’s the perfect finishing touch that elevates every bite.

Whether you pair it with classic steakhouse sides or venture into exciting new combinations, this recipe guarantees a memorable meal. For an even more extravagant experience, try serving these magnificent filets with some Air Fryer Garlic Butter Scallops to create an amazing surf and turf option. Get ready to indulge in restaurant-quality steak that’s surprisingly simple to make!