Air Fryer Meatloaf: A Tasty, Quick-Fix Dinner Option

Cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table, perfect for a busy weeknight. It's also a great option if you're short on time as air fryers preheat much faster than ovens and cook the meatloaf in less time. You can use a variety of meats, including ground beef, turkey, chicken, and pork, and add your own unique spin with different ingredients and seasonings. The key to a juicy and flavorful meatloaf is to ensure it doesn't dry out, so be mindful of the cooking time and use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (74°C) in the centre.

Meatloaf recipe ingredients

Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients and cooking methods. Here is a detailed list of ingredients that can be used to make a delicious meatloaf in a vortex air fryer:

Meatloaf Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef with some fat is ideal for adding flavour and moisture to the meatloaf. Avoid extra-lean beef as it can make the loaf dry. Ground chicken or turkey are also options but may require additional care to prevent dryness.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and bind the meatloaf together. Soak them in milk before mixing to add extra moisture and flavour.
• Egg: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatloaf together.
• Onion: Chopped onions add flavour and texture to the meatloaf. Sautéing the onions before adding them can soften their flavour if desired.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavours of the other ingredients. Additional seasonings like fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or pink Himalayan salt can be added to taste.
• Milk: Milk is used to moisten and bind the meatloaf. Canned or whole milk can be used, and it is combined with the breadcrumbs before mixing with the meat.
• Glaze: A tangy glaze can be made by mixing ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. This glaze is brushed on the meatloaf towards the end of cooking to create a sticky, flavourful coating.

Optional Ingredients:

• Vegetables: Some recipes include chopped red bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, sautéed in olive oil. These add flavour, moisture, and texture to the meatloaf.
• Spices: Spices like garlic powder and onion powder can enhance the flavour of the meatloaf.
• Toppings: Meatloaf can be served with a variety of toppings or sauces, such as brown gravy, chilli sauce, or BBQ sauce.

Remember, the beauty of meatloaf is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your unique version.

How to prepare the glaze

Preparing a glaze for your meatloaf is simple and can be done while your meatloaf is cooking in the air fryer. To make a classic tangy glaze, you'll need ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add some extra spices, such as a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of chili sauce, for a spicier glaze. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, simply increase the amount of brown sugar. Alternatively, for a tangier glaze, adjust the ratio of ketchup to vinegar or add a tablespoon of BBQ sauce.

To make the glaze, stir the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. You can then set the glaze aside until your meatloaf is almost cooked through. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf towards the end of the cooking time, as this will prevent it from burning and allow it to meld with the meatloaf for maximum flavor. Return the glazed meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes to set the glaze.

The glaze will caramelize beautifully, creating a deliciously sticky exterior. It's important to note that the glaze can burn easily, so keep a close eye on your meatloaf during the final stages of cooking. Once the glaze is caramelized, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to firm up, making it easier to slice.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking meatloaf in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the meatloaf, the model of the air fryer, and personal preferences for doneness. Most sources recommend cooking the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C) in the thickest part of the loaf, while some suggest a minimum of 155 °F (68 °C).

It's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of the meatloaf and the air fryer model. For a 1-pound meatloaf, start checking the internal temperature around the 30-minute mark. For a 2-pound meatloaf, expect a longer cooking time, with some sources reporting 40 to 45 minutes. However, it's always best to rely on the internal temperature rather than the cooking time.

To ensure even cooking, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer to temperatures between 350 °F and 380 °F. During cooking, if the top of the meatloaf starts browning too early, cover it with aluminium foil and remove the foil once you add the topping.

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest. Resting the meatloaf allows the juices to redistribute, making it juicier and easier to slice. The recommended resting time varies from 5 to 20 minutes.

For reheating leftover meatloaf, set the air fryer to 350 °F for 3 to 5 minutes.

Resting the meatloaf

After removing the meatloaf from the air fryer, let it rest in the uncovered basket for the desired amount of time. This will allow the excess grease to drip through the holes of the basket and into the drip tray. If you lined your basket with foil or parchment paper, you can simply remove the liner and place it on a cutting board to rest.

While the meatloaf is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces that you plan to serve with it. Mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables are classic choices that pair well with meatloaf. You can also use this time to clean up your cooking area and prepare for serving.

Once the resting time is complete, transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and slice it. The resting period should make it easier to slice and serve. If you used a glaze, you can serve the meatloaf with any leftover glaze on the side. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried meatloaf!

Meatloaf cooking tips

Yes, you can cook a meatloaf in a vortex air fryer. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Portion Size

It's best to make a smaller meatloaf in an air fryer, as there isn't much room. A large meatloaf will also get too browned on the outside before cooking all the way through. A one-pound meatloaf is ideal for an air fryer, and you can cook two of them side by side if your air fryer is large enough.

Temperature and Timing

Air fryers vary, so it's important to keep an eye on your meatloaf as it cooks. In general, a meatloaf should be cooked at around 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 370°F or 380°F for up to 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the meatloaf should read at least 155°F (68°C). For food safety, the meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Preparation

To prepare the meatloaf for cooking, spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. You can also spray the basket with oil to make the meatloaf easier to remove after cooking. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the basket. It's important not to make the meatloaf too thick, or it won't cook through evenly.

Glaze

Many recipes recommend glazing the meatloaf towards the end of cooking time. You can make a glaze by combining ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches the desired internal temperature.

Resting

After cooking, let the meatloaf rest in the air fryer basket for at least 5 minutes, and ideally 10. This allows the juices to redistribute and the loaf to firm up, making it easier to slice.

Frequently asked questions