Air Fryer Meatloaf: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Yes, you can cook meatloaf in an air fryer. It's an easy way to make a tasty, juicy, and tender meatloaf in less than 30 minutes. This method is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F, and it should be cooked for about 30 minutes.

Meatloaf ingredients

Meatloaf is a simple dish to make, requiring just a few ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make a delicious meatloaf in your air fryer:

For the Meatloaf:

• Ground beef: This is the base of your meatloaf. Use ground beef with a higher fat content (e.g., 80/20 or 85/15) to keep it moist and juicy.
• Breadcrumbs: These soak up moisture from the meat and other ingredients, helping to keep the loaf tender.
• Milk: Milk adds moisture and flavour to the meatloaf, and also helps to hydrate the breadcrumbs.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together and adding richness.
• Onion: Onions add a subtle savoury flavour to the meatloaf. Finely mince the onion to ensure it mixes well with the meat.
• Seasoning: Keep the seasoning simple with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Worcestershire sauce for a savoury umami flavour.
• Other add-ins: You can also add some chopped fresh thyme, or other fresh herbs like basil, to your meatloaf for extra flavour.

For the Glaze:

• Ketchup: Ketchup is the base for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar balances the acidity of the ketchup and gives the glaze a glossy finish.
• Mustard: Mustard, especially yellow or dijon, adds depth and savoury flavour to the glaze.
• Apple cider vinegar: This ingredient can be added to the glaze for a tangy twist.
• Worcestershire sauce: A small amount of Worcestershire sauce in the glaze enhances the savoury flavour.

Glaze ingredients

A glaze is essential to a good meatloaf, adding a sweet and tangy sauce to the top of the loaf. Here are some ingredients you can use to make a glaze for your air-fried meatloaf:

Classic Glaze Ingredients

A classic meatloaf glaze typically includes:

• Ketchup or BBQ sauce: This provides a rich tomato flavour and a hint of sweetness, acting as the base for the glaze.
• Brown sugar: Adding more sweetness and helping to caramelise the glaze, creating a golden crust on the meatloaf.
• Vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar): For a tangy kick to balance out the sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds depth of flavour and a subtle umami taste to the glaze.
• Spices: Such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, which give the glaze a savoury undertone.

Variations and Substitutions

You can experiment with different ingredients to customise your meatloaf glaze:

• Make it sweeter: Increase the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference.
• Add some spice: Include a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of chilli sauce for a little heat.
• Amp up the tang: Adjust the ratio of ketchup to vinegar, or add a tablespoon of BBQ sauce, for a tangier glaze.
• Use different types of sugar: Such as light or dark brown sugar, or granulated sugar.
• Try different condiments: Experiment with alternatives like honey, teriyaki sauce, or yellow mustard.
• Include herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a new flavour profile to your glaze.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for meatloaf in an air fryer vary depending on the type and size of the air fryer, as well as the ingredients and size of the meatloaf. However, a temperature of around 350°F to 380°F for 20 to 35 minutes is a good starting point. Here is a more detailed guide:

Air Fryer Temperature:

It is recommended to set your air fryer to a temperature of around 350°F to cook your meatloaf. This temperature setting is suitable for various types of meat, including beef, turkey, pork, or veal.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf and the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, a small meatloaf (around 1 pound) in a standard air fryer should cook for about 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F. However, larger meatloaves or those cooked at a lower temperature may require additional time.

Checking for Doneness:

To ensure your meatloaf is cooked thoroughly, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the meatloaf; it is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

Resting the Meatloaf:

After removing the meatloaf from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavourful meatloaf.

Adjustments and Variations:

When cooking meatloaf in an air fryer, you may need to make adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and the ingredients used. Here are some additional tips:

• If your air fryer has a tendency to smoke, try adding a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket to disperse the grease and reduce smoking.
• If the top of the meatloaf is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminium foil to prevent burning.
• For a crispier exterior, increase the temperature slightly after the initial cooking period.
• If making a larger meatloaf, you may need to cook it at a lower temperature for a longer period.
• Always refer to the specific instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer.

Resting the meatloaf

During the cooking process, the proteins in the meat contract, and some of the liquid is squeezed out. By letting the meatloaf rest, you give the proteins a chance to reabsorb those tasty juices. If you cut into the meatloaf too quickly, those liquids will run off, and your meatloaf will be drier.

To rest your meatloaf, you can leave it in the air fryer basket or transfer it to a cutting board or cooling rack. Tenting some aluminium foil over the meatloaf will help to conserve heat while still allowing for air circulation.

While your meatloaf is resting, you can make use of the time by preparing a side dish or two to go with it. Some suggestions include mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, asparagus, corn on the cob, zucchini chips, or carrots.

Storing and reheating

Storing

Firstly, you'll want to wrap your meatloaf in plastic wrap or tin foil, or place it in an airtight container. It should then be stored in the refrigerator, where it will last for three to four days.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat your meatloaf, including in the oven, air fryer, toaster oven, microwave, skillet or frying pan, or steamer basket.

Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 350ºF/175ºC.
• Line the basket with baking or parchment paper.
• Spray both sides of the meatloaf slices with oil.
• Reheat for 4-5 minutes.

Oven

• Preheat the oven to 250ºF/120ºC.
• Place the slices in a small, shallow dish.
• Sprinkle each slice with a tablespoon of beef broth.
• Cover the dish with tin foil and place in the centre of the oven.
• Cook for 20-25 minutes.

Microwave

• Place the slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover the dish with a damp paper towel.
• Reheat for 1 minute, then carefully remove the dish and turn the slices over.
• Put the dish back in the microwave and heat for another minute, or until hot all the way through.
• If it's not hot enough, heat in 30-second increments at 50% power.

Toaster Oven

• Preheat the toaster oven to 350ºF/175ºC.
• Place the slices on a metal rack in the toaster oven with a baking sheet underneath to catch any fat.
• Heat for 3 minutes, then flip and heat for another 2.

Skillet or Frying Pan

• Place the skillet/pan over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil and 1/4 cup of beef broth.
• Add the slices and cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2.
• Turn up the heat to evaporate any remaining liquid and crisp up the outside of the slices.

Steamer Basket

• Add 2"/5cm of water to a pan and bring to a simmer.
• Spray the slices with oil and place in a single layer in the steamer basket.
• Place the basket over the simmering water, ensuring it isn't touching the water, then cover and steam for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the slices and place them on a paper towel to remove excess water.

Frequently asked questions