Air-Fried Meatloaf: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially in the summer when you don't want to heat up your kitchen. You can cook meatloaf in an air fryer in a fraction of the time it takes in a regular oven—most recipes call for 25 to 35 minutes of cooking time, compared to 45 minutes to an hour in the oven. Air fryer meatloaf is also juicy and tasty, with a tangy glaze, and it's easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Meatloaf ingredients and preparation

Meatloaf is a comforting main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. It is also a versatile dish that can be made in an oven, instant pot, crockpot, or air fryer. The ingredients and preparation methods may vary slightly depending on the cooking appliance and personal preferences, but here is a general guide to meatloaf ingredients and preparation.

Ingredients:

For the meatloaf:

• Ground beef or a combination of ground beef and other ground meats such as chicken or sausage
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Onion
• Fresh or dried herbs and seasonings such as thyme, Italian seasoning, or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the glaze:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Mustard or Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: Hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or honey

Preparation:

• Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl and let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
• Add the remaining meatloaf ingredients to the bowl and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape or smaller individual loaves.
• Prepare the glaze by mixing all the glaze ingredients together in a separate bowl.
• Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket or a loaf pan in the oven. Spray the basket or pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• Cook the meatloaf for 20 to 25 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 350 degrees F. In an oven, the cooking time will be longer, around 40 minutes to 1 hour at 350 degrees F.
• After the initial cooking time, brush the glaze onto the meatloaf and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 155 to 165 degrees F.
• Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer or oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Meatloaf can also be prepared in advance and frozen before or after cooking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for your meatloaf will depend on the type of air fryer you have. If you are using a countertop oven-style air fryer or one built into your oven, place the rack in the middle for even heat circulation.

For a 350°F preheated air fryer, the meatloaf should be cooked perfectly in about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read at least 155°F (68°C).

For a 370°F air fryer, the cooking time is 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and return it to the air fryer for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

If you are using an air fryer oven, your meatloaf may take longer to cook. Cook it for about 35 minutes, then add the topping to avoid any burning.

To reheat leftover meatloaf, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

Making the glaze

While the meatloaf is cooking, it's time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. You can also add a teaspoon of mustard and some Worcestershire sauce to taste. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth.

If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add more brown sugar. Alternatively, for a tangier glaze, add a little more vinegar. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients, such as honey, soy sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce for some extra spice.

Once the glaze is mixed, spread it over the meatloaf while it is still in the air fryer basket. You can use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating. Then, return the meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

The glaze will add a beautiful shine and extra flavor to your meatloaf. It is a quick and easy step that will impress your family and friends!

Reheating and storing meatloaf

Reheating meatloaf in an air fryer is a convenient, quick, and easy way to revive the flavors while maintaining the texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheat meatloaf in an air fryer:

Preparing the meatloaf:

Take the leftover meatloaf out of the refrigerator. If your meatloaf is in slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate or dish and lay them out individually for even heating. If your meatloaf is in one piece, consider slicing it into individual portions for more effective reheating.

Preheating the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Preparing the air fryer basket:

Line the basket of the air fryer with baking paper or parchment paper. This will make the cleaning process easier.

Reheating the meatloaf:

Place the meatloaf slices in the air fryer basket. If you are concerned about the meatloaf drying out, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Reheat the meatloaf for about 3 to 5 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the amount of meatloaf and the size of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it.

Checking the internal temperature:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This is the minimum safe temperature according to USDA guidelines for ground meat.

Serving:

Once the meatloaf is heated through, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. Enjoy your delicious and juicy leftover meatloaf!

Storing Meatloaf:

To store leftover meatloaf, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for three to four days.

Meatloaf sides and serving suggestions

Meatloaf is a hearty and nourishing meal, perfect for cold winter nights. It is a versatile dish, and there are many side dish options to choose from. Here are some serving suggestions and side dishes to round out the meal:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with meatloaf. You can make them even more delicious by adding gravy, butter, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, or garlic. For a fun twist on the traditional, use goat cheese to add a tangy flavor.

Mac and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy dish is a perfect comfort food to serve alongside meatloaf. You can even mix in some creamed corn for an extra special treat.

Green Beans

Green beans are a great side dish for meatloaf, especially when roasted in the oven with butter, salt, and pepper. For a low-carb option, try yellow summer squash combined with whipping cream, butter, and Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.

Carrots

Carrots are a healthy and savory option that can be roasted in the oven or glazed with orange marmalade and fresh orange juice for a sweet and colorful dish.

Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky, and savory, baked beans are a perfect pairing with meatloaf. They are easy to make and can be served as a side dish or ladled on top of the meatloaf slice.

Other Suggestions

Other side dishes that go well with meatloaf include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, corn on the cob, potato stacks, and dinner rolls.

Frequently asked questions