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

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason—they're versatile, convenient, and can cook food to crispy perfection. But can you cook a meatloaf in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! Cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is not only possible, but it's also a quick and easy way to prepare this classic dish. By preparing meatloaf in an air fryer, you can achieve a tasty crust and preserve the fantastic flavour, all in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven baking.

Meatloaf ingredients and preparation

The ingredients for a meatloaf cooked in an air fryer are largely the same as those for a meatloaf cooked in an oven. The basic ingredients for the loaf are: ground beef, an egg, an onion, milk, breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other ingredients to taste, such as: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, thyme, basil, or Worcestershire sauce.

To prepare the meatloaf mixture, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. It is recommended to use your hands for this step. Be careful not to overwork the meat, and simply mix until combined.

Next, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. It is important not to make the meatloaf too thick, or it will not cook through evenly. Place the loaf in the air fryer basket. Spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.

The air fryer does not need to be preheated. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the meatloaf for 20 to 25 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup with other ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce. After 15 to 18 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze onto the meatloaf and return it to the air fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the centre reads at least 155°F (68°C).

Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The ideal temperature for cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 370°F or 375°F. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, the size of the meatloaf, and the type of meat used. For example, a 1-pound meatloaf will cook faster than a 2-pound meatloaf. Ground beef meatloaves typically require a longer cooking time than those made with ground turkey or chicken.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary, so it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. The meatloaf is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. For a well-done meatloaf, aim for a temperature of 165°F.

To ensure even cooking, it is best to shape the meatloaf into an even loaf shape at an angle in the air fryer basket. Additionally, avoid making the meatloaf too thick, as it may not cook through evenly. Some recipes suggest cooking the meatloaf for 15 minutes at 350°F, then adding a glaze and cooking for an additional 10 minutes at the same temperature. Others recommend cooking for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F, brushing with a glaze after 18 minutes.

If using an air fryer oven, the meatloaf may take longer to come to temperature. In this case, it is suggested to cook the meatloaf for about 35 minutes and then add the topping to avoid burning. For those who prefer a crispy topping, a higher temperature of 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking may be desirable.

Glaze ingredients and preparation

The glaze is a key component of a meatloaf, providing a tangy, sweet, and savoury kick to the dish. There are several glaze recipes you can try, depending on your taste preferences.

A traditional glaze can be made by mixing ketchup with brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. You can add a little Dijon mustard to this mix for an extra kick. Brush this glaze over the meatloaf about 5-7 minutes before the end of cooking.

If you prefer a spicier glaze, you can add some BBQ sauce to the ketchup, or substitute it altogether. You can also add some heat to the meatloaf by mixing in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

For a deeper, smokier flavour, add some liquid smoke or smoked paprika to your glaze. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme will also add a new flavour dimension.

When making the glaze, simply stir the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside until you are ready to brush it onto the meatloaf. You can also save any leftover glaze to serve on the side.

Resting and serving the meatloaf

Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Some sources suggest resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and the loaf to firm up, making it easier to slice.

You can then transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and slice it. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf before serving. The meatloaf should reach 160°F in the centre to be safe to eat.

Meatloaf is best served hot. You can serve it with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables on the side. You can also use any leftover glaze as a sauce to pour over the meatloaf or on the side.

Meatloaf reheating and storage

Leftover meatloaf is a great option for a quick and easy meal, but reheating it can sometimes lead to it drying out. To avoid this, there are several methods you can use to reheat your meatloaf so that it stays moist and juicy.

Oven

The oven is the best way to guarantee even reheating. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and place your leftover meatloaf slices in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle each slice with a tablespoon of water or beef broth to prevent drying, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and place it in the centre of the oven. Reheat for 20-30 minutes.

Air Fryer

Reheating meatloaf in an air fryer is convenient and efficient, as it helps to revive the flavours while maintaining the texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and take your meatloaf out of the refrigerator. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate or dish and cover them loosely with foil to retain moisture. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, checking the internal temperature periodically to ensure it reaches at least 160°F (74°C).

Microwave

The microwave is the quickest and easiest option, especially if you're only reheating a few slices. Place the meatloaf slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Reheat for 1 minute, then flip the slices and heat for another minute or until hot throughout. If it's not hot enough, continue reheating in 30-second increments at 50% power.

Storage

To store your meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Frequently asked questions