Air Fryer Beef Wellington Recipe: A Gourmet Delight in Half the Time
Beef Wellington is a classic, elegant dish typically reserved for special occasions, combining a juicy beef tenderloin, a rich mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry all wrapped up in a golden, crispy shell. Traditionally baked in the oven, this recipe takes a modern twist with the air fryer, delivering the same incredible flavors and textures in less time and with less oil. The air fryer helps crisp up the pastry beautifully while keeping the beef tender and perfectly cooked.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making air fryer Beef Wellington, from preparing the beef tenderloin to creating the mushroom filling, assembling the Wellington, and using the air fryer to get that perfect crisp on the outside. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, celebrating a holiday, or hosting a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Beef Wellington
- Quick & Easy: While traditional Beef Wellington can take hours, using the air fryer cuts down on cooking time significantly, making it an excellent option for a gourmet dinner without the wait.
- Crispy Puff Pastry: The air fryer helps achieve that perfectly crisp, golden puff pastry that wraps the beef in a delightful crunch.
- Juicy, Tender Beef: The beef stays tender and juicy on the inside, thanks to the air fryer’s even heat distribution.
- Impressive Presentation: Beef Wellington is a showstopper on any plate, and using the air fryer makes it even more accessible, making it an ideal dish for any celebration.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef Wellington
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef tenderloin (center-cut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for brushing)
For the Mushroom Duxelles:
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
For the Assembly:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (enough to wrap the beef)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for brushing the beef)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Beef Wellington
1. Prepare the Beef Tenderloin:
- Trim the Beef: Begin by trimming any excess fat or silverskin from the beef tenderloin.
- Season the Beef: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef tenderloin and sear it on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until a rich, brown crust forms. This step locks in the flavors and creates a delicious exterior.
- Brush with Dijon Mustard: Once the beef is seared, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Brush the entire surface of the beef with Dijon mustard. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the mushroom duxelles adhere to the beef.
2. Make the Mushroom Duxelles:
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the onions over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it in to deglaze the pan and cook until the liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. This adds depth to the flavor of the duxelles.
- Season: Season the mushroom mixture with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the duxelles cool completely.
3. Assemble the Beef Wellington:
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a rectangle large enough to fully wrap around the beef tenderloin.
- Layer the Duxelles: Spread the cooled mushroom duxelles evenly over the center of the puff pastry. Make sure to cover the area where the beef will sit.
- Wrap the Beef: Place the Dijon mustard-coated beef tenderloin in the center of the pastry. Carefully fold the edges of the pastry over the beef, making sure it’s fully enclosed. Press the edges to seal the pastry and trim any excess dough.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the surface of the wrapped Wellington. This will give the pastry its golden, crispy finish when cooked.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crisp golden pastry.
5. Cook the Beef Wellington in the Air Fryer:
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Place in the Air Fryer Basket: Carefully transfer the wrapped beef Wellington into the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space around the Wellington for the air to circulate, which will ensure even cooking and crisping.
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Air Fry the Wellington: Air fry the beef Wellington at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your Wellington and your air fryer model, but aim for a golden, crispy crust and an internal temperature of about 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare. For medium to well-done, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium or 145°F (63°C) for well-done.
Tip: If the puff pastry starts to brown too quickly, cover the Wellington with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Rest the Beef Wellington: Once the Wellington is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender beef center.
- Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the Wellington into thick slices and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beef Wellington
- Use High-Quality Beef: Since the beef is the star of this dish, choose a high-quality beef tenderloin. Look for one with a nice marbling of fat for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: If your air fryer is small, cook the Beef Wellington in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven browning.
- Chill the Wellington: If you have time, after assembling the Wellington, place it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before air frying. This helps the pastry set and ensures it crisps up perfectly.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your Beef Wellington reaches your preferred level of doneness. Remember, the beef will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
- Experiment with the Duxelles: While traditional recipes use mushrooms, you can get creative with the filling. Spinach, prosciutto, or goat cheese can all be added to the mushroom duxelles for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer Beef Wellington is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Potato Purée: A silky-smooth mashed potato or potato purée makes an excellent companion to the rich Beef Wellington.
- Fresh Salad: A light arugula or spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the Wellington.
- Red Wine: Complement the dish with a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to bring out the beef’s flavors.
Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington, when prepared in the air fryer, provides a good source of protein from the beef, healthy fats from the puff pastry and butter, and essential vitamins from the mushrooms and herbs. While the puff pastry is calorie-dense, the air fryer significantly reduces the amount of fat needed for cooking, making this version a bit lighter than traditional methods.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer Beef Wellington is a fantastic, easy-to-make version of the classic dish that delivers all the flavor and texture you love with less time and effort. The juicy beef, flavorful mushroom duxelles, and golden puff pastry create a beautiful and delicious meal that will impress your guests or make your special occasion unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or enjoying a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your air fryer repertoire. Enjoy!