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

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. It is perfect for a busy weeknight as it can be cooked in about half the time it takes to cook in an oven. The fat drips away from the meat, and it makes two smaller meatloaves for easier handling and more crispy edges. It is also a great option if you don't want to heat up your oven in the warmer months.

Meatloaf ingredients and preparation

Ingredients

The ingredients for an air fryer meatloaf are similar to those for a traditional meatloaf. You will need:

• Ground beef (lean, preferably 80/20 or 85/15) or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version
• Breadcrumbs (dry or fresh)
• Milk (preferably whole or light)
• Egg(s)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, onion/onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc.)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Toppings/glaze (ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, etc.)
• Vegetables (optional): onion, green bell pepper, zucchini, parsley, garlic, etc.

Preparation

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf, except the meat. You can use a spoon or your clean hands for this step. Mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meat tough.
• Add the ground meat to the bowl and mix until the wetness seems fairly evenly dispersed.
• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf. The size of your loaf will depend on the size of your air fryer. Most recipes recommend making two smaller loaves instead of one large one to ensure even cooking and more crispy edges.
• Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket. You can line the basket with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup, but it's not necessary. Spray the basket and/or meatloaf with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
• Cook the meatloaf for about 20-25 minutes.
• While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze or topping by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl.
• After the initial cooking time, brush the glaze onto the meatloaf and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part.
• Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• If you are making a larger meatloaf, you may need to increase the cooking time. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the meat is fully cooked.
• If the top of the meatloaf is browning too quickly, cover it with foil until you add the topping.
• If you are using fresh bread instead of breadcrumbs, tear it into small pieces and soak it in milk before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Don't overmix the meat, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
• Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and make the loaf firmer and easier to slice.

Air fryer settings and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature settings for making meatloaf in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the size of the meatloaf. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, with some suggesting 370 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time ranges from 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the meatloaf and the desired level of doneness. It is important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf, which should reach at least 155 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure even cooking and browning, it is recommended to form the meat mixture into two smaller meatloaves rather than one large one. This also allows for more of the crispy edges that are characteristic of air-fried foods. It is also suggested to line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup, although some prefer not to line the basket to allow the fat to drip away from the meatloaf.

During the cooking process, a glaze or topping can be added to the meatloaf for extra flavour. This is typically done towards the end of the cooking time, and the meatloaf is then returned to the air fryer for a few more minutes to finish cooking.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of size, shape, and features, so adjustments to the cooking time and temperature may be necessary. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the meatloaf while it is cooking and to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the recommended internal temperature.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring a moist and juicy final product.

Meatloaf glaze

The glaze is an important part of making a meatloaf in an air fryer, as it helps to create a tasty, crispy texture on the outside of the meatloaf.

There are several glaze options you can try, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some common ingredients used in meatloaf glazes:

• Brown sugar: This adds a sweet and tangy flavour to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup: Ketchup is a classic meatloaf glaze ingredient that pairs well with the other flavours.
• Mustard: This adds a tangy kick to the meatloaf. You can use spicy mustard or Dijon mustard, depending on your preference.
• Worcestershire sauce: This sauce enhances the savoury flavour of the meatloaf.
• Apple cider vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy twist to the glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of ketchup
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
• After your meatloaf has cooked for about 15 minutes, remove it from the air fryer and spread the glaze evenly on top.
• Place the meatloaf back in the air fryer and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients, such as barbecue sauce or honey, to create a unique glaze that suits your taste.

Meatloaf serving suggestions

Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to elevate your meal. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried meatloaf:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. The creamy texture and flavour of mashed potatoes complement the rich, hearty flavours of the meatloaf. You can even sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and butter on top.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is another classic side dish that goes well with meatloaf. The comforting, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with the meatloaf, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and green beans can add a burst of colour and flavour to your plate. The caramelized edges of roasted veggies bring out their natural sweetness, which pairs nicely with the savoury notes of the meatloaf.

Garlic-Infused Green Beans

Garlic-infused green beans offer a tasty and healthy contrast to the hearty meatloaf. The tender-crisp beans with a hint of garlic provide a palate-cleansing element to balance the richness of the meatloaf.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad can also be a nice, light pairing with meatloaf. The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the dense meatloaf.

Corn on the Cob

Oven-roasted corn on the cob is always a welcome addition to any dinner menu, regardless of the season. It adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch to your meal.

These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and serve your air-fried meatloaf with your favourite sides!

Meatloaf storage

Meatloaf is a dish that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness and flavour. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your meatloaf:

Storing Uncooked Meatloaf:

If you have prepared the meatloaf mixture but do not plan on cooking it right away, it is important to store it properly. Cover the uncooked meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to cook and consume the meatloaf within a day or two.

Storing Cooked Meatloaf:

Allow the cooked meatloaf to cool completely before storing it. This is important to prevent moisture pockets from forming, which can encourage mould growth. Once the meatloaf has cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store the meatloaf in the refrigerator, ideally on the bottom shelf, where it is coldest. Consume the meatloaf within three to four days for optimal freshness and flavour.

Freezing Meatloaf:

If you wish to store your meatloaf for longer than a few days, freezing is a great option. To freeze an uncooked meatloaf, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it is well sealed. Then, place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight freezer bag. It is important to note that raw meatloaf can be safely frozen for up to six months, but if the meat used was previously frozen, refreezing may not be safe. For a cooked meatloaf, allow it to cool completely, then wrap and seal it as mentioned above. Place the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating Meatloaf:

To reheat a frozen meatloaf, it is best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking it as directed by your recipe. If you are short on time, you can bake the frozen meatloaf at the same temperature as your recipe, but increase the cooking time by 50% to 100%. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for beef and 165°F for poultry.

Additionally, you can reheat slices of cooked meatloaf in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes, or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

Using Leftover Meatloaf:

Leftover meatloaf can be used in a variety of ways. You can warm it up and serve it as sandwiches or crumble it into ground beef dishes like chilli or casseroles. It can also be added to a sauce and served over pasta or rice. Get creative and enjoy your meatloaf!

Frequently asked questions