Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites: A Quick & Easy Appetizer!
Craving a fancy appetizer without the fuss? These Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites are your answer! Perfectly portioned and bursting with savory flavors, they’re surprisingly simple to make and are ready in minutes thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight treat, a fun party snack, or even a unique “cheap dinners for a family” option for a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites
- Super Quick: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Deliciously Addictive: The flaky pastry and savory beef are a match made in heaven.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these bite-sized delights.
- Impressive but Easy: Looks fancy, tastes amazing, but requires minimal effort.
- Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen all night.
- A Fun Take on a Classic: Enjoy the flavors of Beef Wellington in a convenient and playful form.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Substitutions:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with finely chopped cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season and Combine: Stir in Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare the Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Assemble the Bites: Using a pizza cutter or knife cut the puff pastry into small squares (about 2×2 inches).
- Add the Filling: Place a small spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry squares over the filling to form triangles or rectangles. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg.
- Air Fry: Place the assembled Beef Wellington Bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling will make the pastries difficult to seal and they might burst during cooking.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease your air fryer basket or use parchment paper liners to prevent the bites from sticking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.
- Vegan Variation: Make it a vegan air fry recipe by substituting finely chopped walnuts and mushrooms for the beef, and using a plant-based cream cheese to bind the mix.
- Add Cheese: A small cube of brie or a sprinkle of shredded Gruyere in the center would add a delicious cheesy element.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites are fantastic as an appetizer or snack. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of horseradish sauce or creamy Dijon mustard for dipping.
- Pair them with a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal – a great option from your list of potential “healthy dinner ideas!”
- Add a side of roasted asparagus or green beans for a complete and satisfying dinner or lunch.
- Present them on a platter with other appetizers like cheese and crackers for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crispy.
- You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQ about Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites
Q: Can I use different cuts of beef?
A: Ground beef works best for this recipe in terms of ease and affordability. You could use very finely diced steak, but ensure it’s cooked thoroughly. Making these Beef Wellington bites with ground beef keeps them on the “easy weeknight dinners” menu.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites ahead of time and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Q: What temperature should I air fry at?
A: We recommend air frying these at 375°F (190°C) for the best results. This ensures the pastry gets golden brown and the filling is heated through without burning. This is one of the simplest air fry recipes you will ever try.
Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead of air frying?
A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep in mind that air fryers provide a quicker and crispier result.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites
These Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of Beef Wellington without all the effort. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! We’d love to see your creations, so be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how yours turned out. And while you’re here, subscribe to our newsletter for more easy and inspiring recipes!
Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- skillet,
- Pizza Cutter
- Fork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg egg beaten (for egg wash)
Substitutions & Variations
- ground beef substitution finely chopped cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat for vegetarian option
- puff pastry substitution gluten-free puff pastry for gluten-free version
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife cut the puff pastry into small squares (about 2×2 inches).
- Place a small spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry squares over the filling to form triangles or rectangles. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg.
- Place the assembled Beef Wellington Bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites!
