Tournedos in the air fryer: in this recipe we explore how this tender, juicy steak can be cooked to perfection using the fast, hot air circulation of the air fryer. At the same time, we keep the traditional sides that have accompanied beef tenderloin for generations – from the well-chosen piece of beef to the indispensable slice of bacon and the ideal sauces and toppings.
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents
- Why make Tournedos in the air fryer?
- Where do the dish and the name come from?
- I recommend this fantastic red wine with our luxurious tournedos with bacon
- What type of meat is Tournedos?
- Why is bacon, which is pork, used together with beef?
- What can you use as toppings and sides besides onion?
- What do you serve with tournedos?
- Which sauces do you serve with tournedos?
- Conclusion on tournedos in the air fryer
- FAQ
Why make Tournedos in the air fryer?
The air fryer has become a popular kitchen appliance thanks to its ability to cook food with less fat and, in many cases, faster than conventional methods. For tournedos, this means an even, crispy exterior with a juicy, medium-cooked interior. The constant circulation of hot air ensures even cooking that is hard to achieve in a traditional pan or oven.
Where do the dish and the name come from?
Tournedos is a French dish that classically consists of a small, round slice of beef tenderloin, the most tender piece of meat on the animal. The name “tournedos” is said to derive from the French ‘tourner dos à la cheminée’. This refers to the kitchen staff’s habit of turning their backs to the hot fireplace to avoid the smoke while preparing this delicacy.
I recommend this fantastic red wine with our luxurious tournedos with bacon
When you serve a cut as exquisite as beef tenderloin, the food deserves an equally flavourful counterpart in the glass. I can warmly recommend the Château Batailley Pauillac 5. Cru 2017 – an outstanding Bordeaux full of power and finesse. Cheers and enjoy your meal.
What type of meat is Tournedos?
Tournedos is cut from the beef tenderloin, which lies along the spine and is known for its tender texture and low fat content. Because of its high quality and soft texture, the tenderloin is considered one of the finest cuts of beef.
Why is bacon, which is pork, used together with beef?
Bacon adds a smoky, salty dimension to the tournedos that complements the rich and subtle flavour of the beef. Traditionally, a slice of bacon is wrapped around the steak. This is not only for the flavour, but also to keep the meat juicy during cooking.
What can you use as toppings and sides besides onion?
While soft onions are a classic, tournedos can also be topped with a range of other ingredients such as mushrooms, blue cheese or even a simple herb butter for extra flavour. Sides can include: baked potatoes, hasselback potatoes or a fresh and colourful salad to add a fresh, crunchy texture to the meal.
What do you serve with tournedos?
In addition to the potato sides mentioned, it is also common to serve tournedos with a range of vegetable sides – such as glazed carrots, green beans or even a side of grilled asparagus. These sides offer a light and balanced contrast to the richness of the meat.
Which sauces do you serve with tournedos?
Béarnaise sauce is the go-to sauce for tournedos thanks to its creamy texture and the flavour of tarragon and butter, which brings out the umami flavour of the meat. Alternatives could be a red wine sauce that adds depth of flavour, or a peppercorn cream sauce for a spicy touch.
Let the meat rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This little tip ensures that the steak cooks more evenly and helps enhance the natural aromas and juiciness of the meat when it goes into the air fryer.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Conclusion on tournedos in the air fryer
The technology of the air fryer makes it possible to cook an exquisite tournedos to perfection. At the same time, the presence of the bacon adds depth of flavour and prevents the meat from drying out. This method preserves the juiciness of the meat and brings out its delicate flavour – showing that even the most classic dishes can be renewed and adapted to the changed cooking techniques of modern times.
FAQ
Bacon-wrapped tournedos need 10–12 minutes at 200 °C, and you turn the steaks after 6 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer into the centre of the meat: 55 °C gives medium-rare and 58–60 °C gives medium. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Wrap the bacon tightly around the steak and secure it with cocktail sticks so it sits close to the meat. When you turn the steaks after 6 minutes, the hot air reaches both sides of the bacon and it crisps up. Thin rashers of bacon crisp up faster than thick ones.
Tournedos are cut from the beef tenderloin and are at their best when the meat is still pink in the middle. I recommend medium-rare at 55 °C or medium at 58–60 °C. The temperature usually rises a couple of degrees while the meat rests, so take the steaks out a little early.
Recipe
Tournedos in the Air Fryer Wrapped in Bacon
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Ingredients
- 2 pcs tournedos
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pcs onion
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
How to make it
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees C.(Pre-program it, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking)
- Rub 2 pcs tournedos with a mixture of 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp coarse salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Wrap 2 slices of 4 slices bacon around each steak and secure with cocktail sticks.
- Place 1 pcs onion in slices in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Melt 1 tbsp butter and drizzle it over the onion.
- Place the steaks on top of the onion.
- Air fry at 200 °C for 10–12 min, turning the steaks after 6 min. A meat thermometer inserted into the centre of the meat should read 55 °C for medium-rare and 58–60 °C for medium.Start the online kitchen timer here
- Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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