Air Fryer Meatloaf: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. It is possible to make meatloaf in an air fryer, and it can be done in about half the time it takes to cook in an oven. The fat drips away from the meatloaf into the pan, so the meat doesn't cook in the fat, making it healthier. The ideal temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F, and it should be cooked for about 30 minutes.

Meatloaf ingredients and alternatives

A classic meatloaf typically contains ground beef, eggs, milk, bread or breadcrumbs, and seasonings. However, there are many variations and alternatives you can try when making meatloaf in your air fryer. Here are some ideas for ingredients and alternatives to make your meatloaf delicious and tailored to your taste:

Meat

• Ground beef is a popular choice for meatloaf, but you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination of these meats.
• For the best flavour, it is recommended to use 80/20 lean ground beef. However, if you prefer a lighter option, you can go for a leaner option like 90/10 or 93%.
• You can also add ground Italian sausage to your meatloaf for extra flavour.

Vegetables

• Finely diced bell peppers, onions, parsley, and garlic can add flavour and texture to your meatloaf.
• You can use either fresh or powdered onion and garlic, depending on your preference.
• Some recipes also suggest adding diced green peppers or roasted diced peppers.

Binders and Seasonings

• Breadcrumbs are commonly used as a binder in meatloaf, but you can also use torn-up pieces of bread. Soaking the breadcrumbs or bread in milk helps to retain moisture in the meatloaf.
• Eggs also act as a binder and help hold the meatloaf together.
• For seasonings, you can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dry ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, or chopped fresh basil.
• You can also add Parmesan cheese to your meatloaf for extra flavour.

Toppings and Glazes

• A classic meatloaf topping is a mixture of ketchup and BBQ sauce. You can adjust the proportions of ketchup and BBQ sauce to your taste.
• For a tangy glaze, you can combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
• You can also get creative with your toppings by using alternatives like mustard, honey, teriyaki sauce, or BBQ sauce.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and alternatives to find your perfect combination for a juicy and flavourful air-fried meatloaf!

Air fryer temperature and timing

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F. This temperature is generally recommended for cooking meatloaf, regardless of the type of meat used. At this temperature, your meatloaf should be ready in about 30 minutes. However, it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check if your meatloaf is done. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the loaf and look for an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

During cooking, you may need to adjust the temperature or timing based on your air fryer model and the size of your meatloaf. Some recipes suggest cooking the meatloaf at 370°F for the entire duration, while others recommend starting at 350°F and then adding a glaze before finishing at the same temperature. It is important not to overcook your meatloaf, as this can lead to dryness.

Additionally, consider the size of your meatloaf. Smaller meatloaves, typically weighing around one pound, will cook faster and may be ready in as little as 20 minutes. Larger meatloaves, around two pounds, may take longer, up to 35 minutes or more.

Finally, allow your meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring your meatloaf is juicy and flavourful.

Meatloaf glaze

A glaze is essential to a good meatloaf, and there are many ways to make one. A simple glaze can be made by mixing ketchup, spicy mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also try a combination of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard.

If you're looking for something a little more complex, try a glaze made from ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Or, if you want to get really creative, experiment with adding other ingredients like onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or milk.

No matter which glaze you choose, the key is to slather it on your meatloaf during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will give it time to caramelize and form a delicious, crispy crust. So, go ahead and experiment with different glaze recipes until you find the one that's perfect for you!

Meatloaf prep and shaping

To make a delicious meatloaf in your air fryer, you'll want to follow these steps:

Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. For the meatloaf itself, you'll need breadcrumbs, milk, ground beef, onion, egg, and seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, parsley, and garlic for extra flavour. For the glaze, which is optional but recommended, you'll need ketchup, apple cider vinegar or BBQ sauce, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Mixing

In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and milk, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Then, add in the beef, onion, egg, and seasonings, and combine everything evenly without overmixing. You can use your hands for this step.

Shaping

Next, it's time to shape your meatloaf. Form the beef mixture into one large or two smaller loaves, depending on the size of your air fryer. The key here is to ensure the loaf isn't too thick, so it cooks evenly all the way through. Place the shaped meatloaf in the air fryer basket.

Glazing

While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl. After the meatloaf has cooked for about 15 minutes, brush the glaze evenly over it.

Cooking

Cook the meatloaf until it's nicely browned, which should take about 20-25 minutes in total. You can check if it's done by using an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be at least 155-160°F.

Resting

Finally, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring a juicy texture.

Meatloaf serving suggestions

Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to elevate the entire meal. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air fryer meatloaf:

Mashed Potatoes

The smooth and creamy texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect complement to the hearty and dense meatloaf. It provides a delicious contrast in flavours and textures, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Roasted Vegetables

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

Garlic-Infused Green Beans

Tender-crisp green beans with a hint of garlic offer a refreshing palate-cleansing element that balances the richness of the meatloaf. It adds a zesty and healthy side to your meal.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the meatloaf in terms of texture and flavour. The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons lighten up the meal and make it more refreshing.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf. The cheesy goodness complements the meatloaf, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal. This can be made on the stovetop while the meatloaf is in the air fryer.

Bread Rolls

Light and fluffy yeast rolls are a simple yet satisfying side dish that can be served alongside your meatloaf. They are a great option to soak up any leftover sauce or gravy and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

These suggestions offer a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. You can choose one or two sides or mix and match to create a diverse and flavourful spread to go with your air fryer meatloaf.

Frequently asked questions