Air-Fried Meatloaf: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Meatloaf is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy meal to prepare and cook, perfect for a busy weeknight. The air fryer cuts down the cooking time of a traditional meatloaf by almost half, with most recipes taking between 25 and 35 minutes to cook.

There are a variety of recipes available online, with different ingredients and cooking temperatures, but most agree that an air fryer temperature of around 350°F is best for cooking meatloaf.

Meatloaf can be made with different types of meat, including beef, turkey, pork, or veal, and can be served with mashed potatoes and green vegetables. It can also be made with a variety of glazes, including ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a combination of the two.

Some tips for making meatloaf in an air fryer include using a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked through, mixing all the ingredients except the meat first, and allowing the meatloaf to rest after cooking for easier slicing.

What ingredients do I need to make meatloaf in an air fryer?

Making meatloaf in an air fryer is a quick and tasty way to cook a family meal. The ingredients you will need are:

• Ground beef, either lean or a fattier variety.
• Breadcrumbs, preferably not the panko kind.
• Eggs.
• Milk, to add moisture to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire sauce, for added flavour.
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning.
• Garlic powder, dried onion, and/or onion powder.
• Fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme or basil.
• Cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• A glaze made from ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and/or mustard.

You will also need to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Optional ingredients include:

• Horseradish, for added moisture (this won't make the meatloaf spicy).
• Spicy ingredients like jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Liquid smoke or smoked paprika, for a smoky flavour.

How do I cook meatloaf in an air fryer?

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make meatloaf in an air fryer:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Meatloaf seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Minced onion
• Dried green onion
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Italian seasoning
• Yellow mustard
• Lean ground beef
• Bread
• Onion powder
• BBQ sauce
• Egg
• Salt
• Dry ground mustard
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Ketchup
• BBQ sauce

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, meatloaf seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. You can use a spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients.
• Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the air fryer basket. You may want to spray the basket with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cook the meatloaf for 25 minutes.
• While the meatloaf is cooking, make the topping by combining ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
• After 25 minutes, spoon the topping onto the meatloaf and place it back in the air fryer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the centre reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• If you notice the top of the meatloaf browning too quickly, cover it with aluminium foil.
• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavour and texture. Leaner ground beef may dry out in the air fryer.
• Use an alarm thermometer to ensure your meatloaf is cooked through but not overcooked.
• If making a larger meatloaf, cook at a lower temperature to prevent burning.
• You can make your meatloaf in advance and store it in the fridge for up to four days.

How long do I cook meatloaf in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook meatloaf, allowing you to make a tasty dinner in under 35 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your meatloaf, the type of meat used, and the temperature of the air fryer.

Cooking Times:

• For a 1-pound meatloaf, cook for 15 minutes, glaze, then cook for another 8-10 minutes.
• For a 2-pound meatloaf, cook for 25 minutes, glaze, then cook for another 5-10 minutes.
• For a 3-pound meatloaf, one user recommends cooking it in a pan underneath the air fryer basket.

Temperature:

The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. However, some recipes recommend cooking at 370°F.

Doneness:

The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. It is best to use a meat thermometer to check this.

Resting:

Let the meatloaf rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking, and ideally for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meatloaf easier to slice.

What temperature should I cook meatloaf in an air fryer?

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and tasty dinner option, perfect for a busy weeknight. The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. This temperature is generally true regardless of the type of meat you are using, be it beef, turkey, pork, or veal.

At 350°F, your meatloaf will be cooked in about 30 minutes. To ensure it is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the centre of the loaf. You are looking for an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Then, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is nice and juicy throughout when sliced.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 350°F, while others suggest cooking the meatloaf at 350°F without preheating. One source recommends cooking at 370°F for the duration.

One recipe suggests that, if your air fryer is large enough, you can cook two 1-pound meatloaves side by side at 350°F. Just make sure there is space between the two loaves and around each of them so that the air can circulate properly.

How do I store and reheat meatloaf?

Storing your meatloaf is simple. Put it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months.

When reheating, make sure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. If you plan on freezing it, be sure to wrap it tightly with foil or freezer paper and, if you plan on reheating it, make sure to thaw the meatloaf completely before heating.

Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Take the meatloaf out of the refrigerator and place it on a microwave-safe plate or dish. If your meatloaf is sliced, lay them out individually for even heating. Cover with foil if you want to retain moisture during the reheating process. Reheating will typically take 5 to 10 minutes.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place your leftover meatloaf slices in a small shallow dish. Sprinkle each piece with a tablespoon of beef broth. Cover the dish with aluminium foil, place it in the centre of your oven, and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Microwave

Place the meatloaf slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Cover the plate with a sheet of damp kitchen paper/paper towel. Reheat the pieces for 1 minute, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and turn the meatloaf over. Put the dish back in the microwave and heat for 1 minute more or until it's hot all the way through. If it's not hot enough yet, place it back in the microwave and reheat in 30-second increments at 50% power.

Skillet/Frying Pan

Place your skillet/frying pan over medium-low heat, add a tablespoon of oil, and ¼ cup of beef broth. Add the meatloaf slices to the pan and cook for 2 minutes over medium-low heat. Flip the slices and cook for a further 2 minutes. Turn up the heat so any remaining liquid evaporates and the outside of your slices crisp and firm slightly.

Frequently asked questions