If you love crispy bacon and tender pork, you’re going to enjoy this easy recipe. Cooking a bacon-wrapped pork filet in your air fryer is a game-changer.
It locks in the flavor, keeps the meat juicy, and gives you that perfect crispy finish—all without heating up your whole kitchen. In this post, you’ll discover simple steps to make this delicious dish quickly and with minimal fuss. Ready to impress yourself and anyone you’re cooking for?
Let’s dive in and make your next meal unforgettable.
Choosing The Right Pork Filet
Choose fresh pork filet with a pink color and firm texture. Avoid meat with a gray shade or slimy feel. Freshness ensures better taste and safety. Smaller filets cook more evenly in the air fryer. A filet weighing about 1 to 1.5 pounds fits most air fryer baskets well. Larger pieces might need longer cooking or cutting into parts.
For portion sizes, aim for 4 to 6 ounces per person. This size cooks quickly and stays juicy. Overcrowding the basket lowers air flow and cooking quality. Leave space between wrapped filets for crisp bacon.
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Preparing The Bacon Wrap
Choosing the right bacon is key for wrapping pork filet. Thick-cut bacon works best. It stays juicy and holds well during cooking. Thin bacon may burn or tear easily. Look for bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. This adds flavor and keeps the pork moist.
Wrapping techniques need care for even cooking. Start by patting the pork dry. Wrap bacon slices tightly around the filet. Overlap each strip slightly to hold it in place. Secure with toothpicks if needed. This stops bacon from unraveling in the air fryer. Let the bacon cover most of the pork for full flavor.
Seasoning Tips For Flavor
Recommended spices for bacon wrapped pork filet include garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. These spices add a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with bacon. For a little heat, try cayenne pepper or chili powder. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme also bring a nice, earthy aroma.
Marinating the pork filet helps keep it juicy and tasty. Use a simple mix of olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, add minced garlic and a little brown sugar. This mix gives a sweet and tangy taste that complements the bacon well.
Air Fryer Settings
Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for cooking bacon wrapped pork filet. This heat level helps cook the meat evenly and crisps the bacon well.
Cook the filet for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check the pork at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking. The bacon should be crispy and the pork juicy inside.
| Temperature | Cooking Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 15-20 minutes | Check at 15 minutes for doneness |
| Lower temperature | Longer time | Use if pork is very thick |
Step-by-step Cooking Process
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the pork filet cooks evenly and crisps well. Preheating takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Place the bacon-wrapped filets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching. This helps the hot air reach all sides for even cooking. Leave space between each piece.
Flip the filets halfway through cooking, usually at 10 minutes. This keeps the bacon crispy and cooks the pork evenly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Achieving Crispiness
Pat the pork filet dry before wrapping it with bacon. Moisture causes bacon to steam, not crisp. Use thin slices of bacon for even cooking. Thick bacon may stay soft inside. Place the bacon-wrapped filet seam side down in the air fryer basket. This helps the bacon stick and crisp better.
Cook at a medium-high temperature, around 375°F (190°C). Too low, and bacon stays chewy; too high, it burns. Flip the filet halfway through cooking to crisp all sides evenly. Avoid crowding the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate for crispiness.
Let the filet rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps juices inside and bacon crispy outside. For extra crispness, you can spray bacon lightly with oil before cooking, but this is optional.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli work well. They add color and crunch. Mashed potatoes bring a soft, creamy texture. Simple salads with fresh greens balance the meal.
Barbecue sauce or honey mustard adds a sweet touch. Garlic aioli gives a creamy, savory flavor. Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. Lemon wedges brighten the dish with a fresh zing.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Undercooked pork happens when the air fryer temperature is too low or cooking time is too short. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for at least 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C). Rest the meat for 3 minutes before cutting.
Burnt bacon occurs if bacon cooks faster than pork. Wrap bacon slices tightly and use thinner bacon for even cooking. Place bacon-wrapped pork filet seam side down to keep bacon in place. Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) if bacon burns too fast.
Uneven cooking may result from overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space between filets for hot air to circulate. Flip the pork halfway through cooking for even heat. Check the thickness of the filet; thicker parts take longer to cook.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long To Cook Bacon Wrapped Pork Filet In Air Fryer?
Cook the bacon wrapped pork filet for 18-20 minutes at 400°F. Flip halfway to ensure even cooking and crisp bacon.
What Temperature Is Best For Air Frying Pork Filet?
Set the air fryer to 400°F for perfectly cooked pork filet with crispy bacon. This temperature cooks the meat thoroughly and crisps the bacon nicely.
Should Bacon Be Pre-cooked Before Air Frying Pork Filet?
No, you don’t need to pre-cook the bacon. Air frying cooks both bacon and pork filet evenly, saving time and keeping flavors intact.
How To Check If Pork Filet Is Fully Cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Pork filet is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F with a 3-minute rest.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon wrapped pork filet in an air fryer is quick and simple. The air fryer keeps the meat juicy and the bacon crispy. You only need a few minutes to make a tasty meal. This method saves time and uses less oil than traditional cooking.
Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete dinner. Try this recipe to enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make dish anytime. Perfect for busy days or special occasions. Give it a shot and enjoy great flavors with little effort.