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Air Fryer Beef Wellington
- Category: Dinner |
Anyone can make this, it’s as impressive as it is deceptively simple, and making it in the air fryer makes it much quicker than doing it in the oven.
SERVES
6
COOKING TIME
1 hour
DIFFICULTY
difficult
Here we have one of my favourite ever things to serve at a special occasion. I know beef wellington sounds intimidating, but the reality is that it’s just a beef fillet wrapped in pastry. Anyone can make this, it’s as impressive as it is deceptively simple, and making it in the air fryer makes it much quicker than doing it in the oven.
Can you cook Beef Wellington in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook Beef Wellington in the air fryer. It’s a quicker, more energy-efficient way to achieve beautifully golden, flaky pastry and perfectly cooked beef. Just make sure your Wellington fits in the basket and monitor the internal temperature for best results.
How long does Beef Wellington take to cook in an air fryer?
A typical individual Beef Wellington or smaller-sized version takes around 20–25 minutes at 200°C, depending on your air fryer model and how well done you like your beef. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 52–54°C, and allow it to rest before slicing.
Will the puff pastry go soggy in the air fryer?
No – in fact, the air fryer is brilliant for pastry! The circulating hot air helps create that golden, crisp puff pastry exterior you want in a Beef Wellington, without needing to overcook the beef inside.
Can I make Beef Wellington ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your Beef Wellington in advance – just assemble and chill it in the fridge (unbaked) until ready to air fry. This actually helps the pastry set and hold its shape, which is ideal when air frying.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for Beef Wellington?
Preheating your air fryer isn’t essential, but it’s recommended for more even cooking. A quick 3–5 minute preheat at 200°C helps ensure your pastry puffs up nicely from the start.
What size of Beef Wellington fits in the air fryer?
This will depend on the size of your air fryer. Most standard air fryer baskets can comfortably fit a single-serve or small Beef Wellington. If making a larger one, opt for a dual-drawer or oven-style air fryer, or make individual portions instead.
What cut of beef is best for Wellington in the air fryer?
Traditionally, beef fillet (tenderloin) is used as it’s lean, tender, and cooks evenly. Its cylindrical shape also wraps well in puff pastry, helping it cook evenly in the air fryer.
What should I serve with air fryer Beef Wellington?
Beef Wellington pairs brilliantly with roast potatoes, garlic green beans, air fryer carrots, and a rich red wine or peppercorn sauce. It’s ideal for special occasions, Christmas, or a showstopping date-night dinner.
Is Beef Wellington in the air fryer healthier?
Using the air fryer means you can avoid excess oil or butter while still getting that crispy finish. Plus, with lean beef and minimal added fat, it can be a lighter version of a classic indulgent dish.
For more delicious air fryer recipes like this, you can visit my website or you can pick up a copy of my cookbook The Healthy Air Fryer on Amazon.
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Method
Step 1
Massage the beef well and season the fillet with salt and pepper, then add to the air fryer for 20–25 minutes at 200ºC (390ºF). If you like it less pink, cook for 25 minutes. Let the beef rest for 5 minutes, then brush with the mustard.
Step 2
Blitz the mushrooms in a blender until they almost resemble breadcrumbs – don’t add any oil as this will seep into your pastry and give you the famous soggy bottom, and nobody wants that. Then fry in a pan with the chopped thyme until all the liquid released has evaporated and the mushrooms are golden. Again, don’t use oil as the mushrooms have their own moisture. Allow to cool.
Step 3
Spread out a sheet of cling film on a work surface and lay out the prosciutto slices in a line, slightly overlapping. Spread over the cooked mushrooms, then place the beef on top and use the cling film roll it like a sausage roll until it’s tightly wrapped in the ham slices. Remove the cling film.
Step 4
Place the wrapped beef in the centre of one of the puff pastry sheets and set the other sheet on top. Press down the edges of the pastry to seal and cut away the excess. If you’re feeling fancy, cut the excess pastry into shapes to decorate the top of the beef Wellington.
Step 5
Brush the pastry all over with the beaten egg and then place in the fridge to chill for 20 minutes. Once chilled and firm, transfer to the air fryer basket lined with greaseproof paper and bake at 200ºC for around 20 minutes.
Step 6
Remove from the air fryer and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. For quick and easy air fryer recipes, you can pick up a copy of my latest air fryer book Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals on Amazon today.
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
800g (1.8 pounds) beef fillet
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
350g (12 oz) chestnut mushrooms (any mushrooms will do)
handful of fresh thyme, chopped
8 slices of prosciutto
2x sheets of ready roll puff pastry
1 large egg, beaten
salt and pepper, to taste
