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

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy meal to make for the family on busy weeknights. It is a tasty and juicy meal that can be made in a fraction of the time compared to cooking a meatloaf in the oven. The air fryer also makes clean-up a breeze as the fat drips away from the meat into the pan.

The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should be at least 160°F.

Meatloaf can be made with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. The key to keeping the meatloaf moist is to not overcook it and to use an alarm thermometer to ensure it is cooked perfectly.

What ingredients do you need?

Making meatloaf in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty dinner. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Meatloaf Mixture:

• Ground beef – opt for lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease. You can also use ground chicken or turkey.
• Bread – torn into small pieces, this helps retain moisture.
• Onion – use onion powder or fresh, finely chopped onions.
• Egg – acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
• Milk – this may seem like a lot, but it is essential to the recipe.
• Seasonings – use onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add dry ground mustard, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavour.
• Worcestershire sauce – adds a nice background flavour to the meatloaf.

Glaze:

• Ketchup
• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce

You can also add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or use BBQ sauce or balsamic vinegar as an alternative glaze.

How do you cook it?

Ingredients

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the meatloaf itself, you will need ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, meatloaf seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. For the glaze, you will need ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and garlic for extra flavor.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, meatloaf seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined, but be careful not to overmix the meat. You can use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients.

Forming the Meatloaf

Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. You can make one large meatloaf or form the mixture into two smaller loaves. Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket, preferably lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the meatloaf after cooking.

Cooking the Meatloaf

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the basket in the air fryer and set the timer for about 15 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.

Glazing the Meatloaf

After the initial cooking time, remove the basket from the air fryer and brush the glaze evenly over the meatloaf. Return the basket to the air fryer and set the timer for an additional 10-15 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting and Serving

Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. You can add more of the glaze on top of the meatloaf before serving, if desired.

Tips

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it is fully cooked.
• If the top of the meatloaf starts to brown too early, cover it with aluminum foil.
• Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy, but be careful not to use meat that is too lean, as it may dry out.
• You can reheat any leftovers in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

How long does it take?

The cooking time for meatloaf in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the size of the meatloaf. However, on average, it takes around 30 to 35 minutes to cook a meatloaf in an air fryer.

Some recipes suggest cooking the meatloaf for 25 minutes, then adding a glaze and cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This two-stage cooking process ensures the meatloaf is cooked through and has a tasty, crispy exterior.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary, so it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the meat has reached the correct internal temperature. For beef, this should be at least 155°F, and for all meats, at least 160°F.

To ensure the meatloaf is juicy and cooked evenly, it's also suggested to let the meat rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, so the meat is nice and moist when sliced.

What temperature should the air fryer be?

The optimal temperature for cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is around 350°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 370°F or even 375°F.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary, so it's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 155°F to 160°F.

Additionally, it's suggested to rest the meatloaf for about 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy meatloaf.

What should you serve with it?

There are several side dishes that go well with meatloaf cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with meatloaf. They complement the rich flavours of the meatloaf and provide a smooth texture that contrasts with the meatloaf's hearty bite.
• Roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and bell peppers add a burst of colour to the plate. The caramelized edges of the roasted veggies bring out their natural sweetness, which goes well with the savoury notes of the meatloaf.
• Garlic-infused green beans offer a palate-cleansing element that balances the heartiness of the meatloaf.
• A crisp Caesar salad can also be a nice pairing. The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons contrast with the dense meatloaf.
• Macaroni and cheese is another classic side dish that goes well with meatloaf. The cheesy goodness complements the comforting qualities of the meatloaf.
• Baked beans are sweet, smoky, and savoury, making them a perfect pairing with meatloaf.
• For a healthier option, serve steamed vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
• Rice pilaf is a good option, especially when served with steamed veggies.

Frequently asked questions