Olivia Carter
The classic Beef Wellington is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender beef tenderloin, savory mushroom duxelles, and flaky puff pastry. Traditionally, this dish is baked in the oven, but did you know that you can also make individual Beef Wellington parcels in an air fryer? That’s right – with the help of modern technology, you can enjoy this gourmet dish in a fraction of the time and with less hassle.
Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to cook food evenly and quickly, while still producing crispy and golden results. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which allows it to cook faster than traditional methods. By cooking Beef Wellington parcels in an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect combination of a tender and juicy beef interior, surrounded by a crispy and flaky pastry exterior.
So, if you’re ready to impress your dinner guests or just treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, keep reading to learn how to cook Beef Wellington parcels in an air fryer. We’ll walk you through the steps, from preparing the ingredients to serving up these delicious parcels on your plate. Trust us, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the oven!
Steps to Cook Beef Wellington Parcels in Air Fryer
Beef Wellington parcels are a delicious and elegant dish that can be easily cooked in an air fryer. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the beef fillet from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Season the beef fillet with salt and pepper, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the beef fillet on all sides until it is browned evenly. This will help seal in the juices.
- Remove the beef fillet from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the puff pastry. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Place the seared beef fillet in the center of the pastry, then fold the edges over to encase it completely.
- Press the edges to seal the pastry and prevent any leakage.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg, which will give it a golden and glossy finish.
- Place the beef Wellington parcels in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other.
- Cook the parcels in the air fryer for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the parcels from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice the beef Wellington parcels into thick slices and serve them with your favorite side dishes.
Follow these steps and enjoy a perfectly cooked beef Wellington parcels with a crispy pastry crust and tender, juicy beef.
Preparing the Ingredients
To cook beef Wellington parcels in the air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Beef filet: Choose a high-quality piece of beef filet, preferably around 1-1.5 pounds.
- Puff pastry sheets: Use store-bought puff pastry sheets for convenience.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto adds a delicious flavor to the Wellington.
- Duxelles mixture: Make the duxelles mixture by finely chopping mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
- Mustard: Choose your favorite mustard variety for a tangy kick.
- Egg wash: Beat an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash for a golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: Season the beef filet and duxelles mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
1. Prepare the beef: Begin by seasoning the beef filet with salt and pepper. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the beef for a few minutes on each side until it forms a caramelized crust. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Prepare the duxelles: Finely chop mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Heat a pan with a drizzle of oil over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic until they are softened and most of the moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cool.
3. Assemble the parcels: Roll out the puff pastry sheets into rectangles. Spread a thin layer of mustard on each pastry sheet. Place a slice of prosciutto on top, followed by a layer of the cooled duxelles mixture. Finally, place the seared beef filet on top.
4. Wrap and seal: Carefully wrap the pastry around the beef, ensuring it is completely sealed. Trim off any excess pastry if necessary. Brush the pastry with the prepared egg wash for a shiny finish.
5. Chill: Place the wrapped Wellington parcels in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the pastry to firm up.
Now that you have prepared all the ingredients, you are ready to cook the beef Wellington parcels in the air fryer!
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking the beef Wellington parcels in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating the air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature and helps in achieving crispy and perfect results.
To preheat the air fryer, follow these simple steps:
- Place the air fryer on a stable and heat-resistant surface.
- Plug in the air fryer and set the temperature to the recommended cooking temperature for beef Wellington parcels, usually around 200-220 degrees Celsius (400-430 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. Some models may have a preheat indicator or timer, so make sure to check the user manual for specific instructions.
Preheating the air fryer before cooking the beef Wellington parcels ensures that the cooking time is accurate and the parcels cook evenly. It also helps in achieving the desired texture and browning on the pastry crust.
Assembling the Beef Wellington Parcels
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the beef Wellington parcels. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly wrapped parcels:
- Take one sheet of puff pastry and place it on a clean surface. Make sure to lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking.
- Place a slice of prosciutto onto the center of the puff pastry sheet. This will help to seal in the juices and add flavor.
- On top of the prosciutto, lay a thin layer of pâté or mushroom duxelles. This will add richness and depth of flavor to the beef Wellington.
- Season both sides of the beef fillet with salt and pepper, then place it on top of the pâté or mushroom duxelles.
- Wrap the puff pastry around the beef fillet, making sure to seal it tightly. You can use a little water to help the pastry stick together if needed.
- Trim off any excess pastry and brush the parcels with beaten egg. This will give the pastry a lovely golden color when cooked.
- Place the assembled beef Wellington parcels into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
Now that you have assembled your beef Wellington parcels, you are ready to cook them in the air fryer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the beef fillet, as well as the air fryer model. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef Wellington parcels!
Cooking the Parcels in the Air Fryer
Once you have prepared the beef Wellington parcels, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly cooked and delicious meal.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes.
2. Lightly brush the beef Wellington parcels with some olive oil to ensure a golden and crispy crust.
3. Place the parcels in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each one for proper air circulation.
4. Cook the parcels for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to cook them evenly on all sides.
5. Check the internal temperature of the beef Wellington parcels using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare result, it should read 55-60°C (130-140°F).
6. Once the parcels are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
7. Serve the beef Wellington parcels hot and enjoy the tender beef, flavorful filling and crispy pastry!
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Beef fillet | 1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). |
| – Puff pastry | 2. Brush the parcels with olive oil. |
| – Mushroom duxelles | 3. Place the parcels in the air fryer basket. |
| – Prosciutto | 4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. |
| – Egg wash | 5. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer. |
| – Salt and pepper | 6. Remove from the air fryer and let rest. |
Checking the Parcels for Doneness
Once the cooking time is up, it’s important to check the beef Wellington parcels for doneness before serving. Follow these simple steps to determine if your parcels are cooked to perfection:
- Using tongs or a fork, carefully remove one parcel from the air fryer.
- Place the parcel on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to carefully slice into the middle.
- Check the color of the beef. It should be cooked to your desired level of doneness, whether that’s rare, medium, or well-done.
- Take note of the temperature. For medium-rare beef, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C), while medium beef should reach around 140°F (60°C).
- Check the puff pastry. It should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Finally, take a moment to appreciate the wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen!
If the beef is not cooked to your liking or the puff pastry needs more time, simply place the parcels back in the air fryer and cook for an additional few minutes until desired doneness is reached.
Once the parcels are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the meat retain its juices and ensure maximum flavor.
Now that you know how to check the parcels for doneness, you can confidently serve up your delicious beef Wellington parcels and impress your family and friends with your air fryer cooking skills!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your beef Wellington parcels are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few tips for serving and making the most of this delicious dish:
- Allow the beef Wellington parcels to cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to handle and cut into individual portions.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice each parcel into thick, even slices. The crispy pastry and tender beef should be clearly visible.
- Plate the sliced parcels on a serving platter or individual plates, arranging them in an appealing manner.
- Consider serving the beef Wellington parcels with a side salad or roasted vegetables to add some freshness and balance to the dish.
- Drizzle some gravy or sauce over the sliced parcels for added flavor and moisture.
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add an extra touch of visual appeal.
- Pair the beef Wellington parcels with a glass of red wine or your preferred beverage to complement the rich flavors.
- Sit down, relax, and savor each bite of the delicious beef Wellington parcels with your family or friends.
Remember, this dish takes time and effort to prepare, so take a moment to appreciate the flavors and textures as you enjoy your homemade beef Wellington parcels!
Questions and Answers
Can I cook Beef Wellington parcels in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook Beef Wellington parcels in an Air Fryer. The Air Fryer provides a quick and efficient way to cook this delicious dish.
What ingredients do I need to make Beef Wellington parcels?
To make Beef Wellington parcels, you will need beef fillet, puff pastry, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, and an egg for an egg wash.
How do I prepare the beef for the Wellington parcels?
To prepare the beef for the Wellington parcels, you will need to sear the beef fillet in a hot pan until browned on all sides. Then, let it cool before spreading mustard all over it.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef fillet?
Yes, you can use a different type of meat instead of beef fillet. However, beef fillet is the traditional choice for Beef Wellington parcels and provides the best flavor and texture.
How long do I need to cook the Beef Wellington parcels in the Air Fryer?
The cooking time will depend on the size of your Beef Wellington parcels and the temperature of your Air Fryer. Generally, it takes around 20-25 minutes at 180°C for the parcels to cook to a perfect medium-rare.
