Go Back

Air Fryer Mini Beef Wellington - Elegant, Fast, and Surprisingly Easy

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 4 beef tenderloin medallions (about 4–5 ounces each), trimmed
  • Puff pastry: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed but still cold
  • Mushrooms: 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, very finely chopped
  • Aromatics: 1 small shallot, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Herbs: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • Prosciutto (optional but recommended): 4 thin slices
  • Mustard: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Butter and oil: 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
  • Seasoning: Kosher salt, black pepper
  • Flour: Light dusting for rolling pastry

Method
 

  1. Prep the beef: Pat the beef dry. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prep the mushrooms.
  2. Make the mushroom duxelles: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, shallot, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the mixture releases its moisture and becomes dry and concentrated, 8–10 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  3. Sear the beef: Heat the same skillet over medium-high. Sear the beef for 45–60 seconds per side to brown, not cook through. Transfer to a plate and brush all over with Dijon. Let cool. Cold components help keep the pastry crisp.
  4. Prep pastry and prosciutto: Lightly flour your surface. Roll the puff pastry to smooth creases, then cut into 4 rectangles large enough to wrap each piece of beef. If using prosciutto, lay a slice on each rectangle.
  5. Assemble: Spread a tablespoon of mushroom duxelles over the prosciutto or directly on the pastry. Place a beef medallion in the center. Fold the pastry up and over the beef, sealing seams firmly. Trim excess pastry if needed. Place seam-side down. Brush with egg wash. Score lightly on top for vents.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped Wellingtons for 15–20 minutes. Chilling helps prevent blowouts and keeps the pastry flaky.
  7. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket or use a parchment liner with perforations.
  8. Air fry: Arrange Wellingtons in a single layer with space between. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–14 minutes for medium-rare, depending on thickness and your air fryer model. Internal temp for medium-rare: 125–130°F (52–54°C) after resting.
  9. Rest and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. The carryover cooking will bring them to a perfect pink center. Serve hot with a simple pan sauce, peppercorn sauce, or a side of greens.