Air Fryer Meat Loaf: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Yes, you can make a meatloaf in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook a delicious, juicy meatloaf with a tasty crust in a fraction of the time compared to cooking it in an oven.

Meatloaf ingredients and alternatives

Meatloaf is a classic dish that can be made in an air fryer with a variety of ingredients and alternatives. Here are the essential ingredients and some possible substitutions to consider:

Meat

• Ground beef is the most commonly used meat for meatloaf, and it is recommended to use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to reduce grease and help the loaf stick together.
• Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef, providing a delicious and moist meatloaf.
• For extra flavour, you can also mix in ground Italian sausage or ground pork.

Binders and Seasonings

• Breadcrumbs are typically used as a binder, but you can also use torn-up pieces of bread, crackers, or panko breadcrumbs. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk to soften them before mixing.
• Eggs act as a binder and help hold the meatloaf together.
• Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are commonly used for seasoning. You can also add in fresh or dried herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavour.

Toppings and Glaze

• Ketchup is a classic meatloaf topping, but you can also mix it with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or Dijon mustard for a tangy and sweet glaze.
• For a zesty topping, try using chili sauce, which is like a tangy ketchup with tons of flavour.

Vegetables

• Finely diced onions, green peppers, and parsley can be added for extra flavour and texture.
• You can also use onion powder or fresh onions, but be sure to cook them first to soften their flavour.

Remember to mix all the ingredients well but be careful not to overmix the meat, as it can make the meatloaf tough. Shape the mixture into a loaf and cook it in your air fryer for a juicy and tasty meal!

Air fryer temperature and timings

The ideal temperature to cook your meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. This is true for most types of meat, including beef, turkey, pork, or veal. At this temperature, your meatloaf should be cooked in about 30 minutes.

However, air fryers can vary, so it is recommended to start checking the meatloaf after 15 minutes. You can do this by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the meatloaf. It is done when the thermometer reads at least 155°F to 160°F.

Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for at least 5 minutes, but 10 minutes is ideal. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf nice and juicy throughout.

If you are making two smaller meatloaves, they will likely cook faster, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

Meatloaf glaze

A glaze is essential to a good meatloaf, adding a sweet and tangy flavour to the dish. The glaze is added towards the end of the cooking time and brushed or spread over the meatloaf, adding a delicious crispness to the meatloaf.

A simple glaze can be made from ketchup, spicy mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add apple cider vinegar, or even BBQ sauce to the glaze.

The glaze is added to the meatloaf after it has been cooking for around 15-20 minutes. The glaze is brushed or spread over the meatloaf, and then returned to the air fryer for a further 10-15 minutes.

The glaze will darken and crisp up, adding a tasty crust to the meatloaf. This is a great way to add flavour to the meatloaf, and the glaze can also be served on the side as a condiment.

Meatloaf size and shape

The size of your meatloaf will depend on the size of your air fryer. It is important to make sure that there is enough space between the two loaves and around each of them so that the air can circulate properly. Most recipes recommend making two smaller loaves instead of one large one. This ensures even cooking and allows for more of the crispy edges that people love.

The ideal size for a meatloaf in an air fryer is around 3-4 inches in width, 5-6 inches in length, and 2 inches in height. This will, of course, vary depending on the size and shape of your air fryer, so it is important to adjust the measurements accordingly.

When shaping your meatloaf, it is important to make sure that it is not too thick, or it won't cook evenly all the way through. Try to make the loaf shape as even as possible from end to end. You can use your hands to shape the meat mixture into a loaf, or you can use a loaf pan that fits in your air fryer basket.

Additionally, it is recommended to line the basket with foil or parchment paper to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier. However, some people choose not to line the basket to allow the fat to drip away from the loaf.

Finally, it is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it is always a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meatloaf.

Meatloaf serving suggestions

Meatloaf is a classic dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried meatloaf:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the rich flavours of meatloaf. The smooth texture of mashed potatoes creates a delightful contrast with the hearty, dense bite of the meatloaf. You can even top them with gravy for extra flavour.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, bell peppers, and broccoli add a burst of colour to your plate. The caramelised edges of roasted veggies bring out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the savoury notes of the meatloaf.

Garlic Green Beans

For a palate-cleansing element to balance the hearty meatloaf, try serving tender-crisp green beans with a hint of garlic.

Caesar Salad

The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad provide a nice contrast to the dense texture of the meatloaf.

Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is another classic side dish that goes well with meatloaf. The comforting, cheesy goodness complements the comforting qualities of the meatloaf, creating a satisfying meal.

Corn on the Cob

Oven-roasted corn on the cob is always a welcome addition to any dinner menu, regardless of the season.

Potato Dishes

There are numerous potato-based side dishes that pair well with meatloaf, such as herbed potato stacks, super crispy smashed potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes, and creamy au gratin potatoes.

Spinach

Creamed spinach is a fast and easy side dish that even kids will enjoy. You can also try serving it with other greens, like creamed corn and spinach, or creamed spinach and cheese.

Baked Beans

Sweet and smoky baked beans are a wholesome side dish that perfectly complements meatloaf.

Yeast Rolls

Light and fluffy yeast rolls might just be more satisfying than any other side dish, so don't be surprised if your family asks for another batch!

Frequently asked questions