Air-Fried Meatloaf: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy meal that can be made in a fraction of the time compared to cooking it in an oven. It's perfect for a busy weeknight as it takes less than 35 minutes to cook. The fat drips away from the meat, making it a healthier option, and it's also easier to handle as it makes two smaller meatloaves. You can use ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken for the meat and add your favourite seasonings.

Choosing the right meat

Type of Meat

The most commonly used meat for meatloaf in an air fryer is ground beef. It is versatile and readily available. However, you can also experiment with other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. These alternatives are leaner options that can result in a lighter and healthier meatloaf without compromising on taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try ground sausage or imitation meat for a vegetarian option.

Fat Content

When selecting ground beef, it's important to consider the fat content. A ratio of 80/20 or 85/15 is ideal, as it provides a good balance between flavour and grease management. Leaner meats, such as 90/10 or 93%, can be used, but they may result in a drier meatloaf. If you opt for leaner meat, you might want to adjust the recipe by adding other ingredients to enhance moisture and flavour.

Amount of Meat

The amount of meat you need depends on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you want to make. Most recipes call for 1 to 2 pounds of ground meat. If you're cooking for a larger group, you can double the recipe, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time and form smaller loaves to ensure even cooking.

Mixing Meats

You don't have to stick to just one type of meat. Feel free to mix different ground meats to create a unique flavour profile. For example, you could combine ground beef with ground pork or ground turkey to add more depth to your meatloaf. Just ensure that the total weight of the combined meats aligns with the recipe's requirements.

Quality and Freshness

Always opt for high-quality, fresh meat from a reputable source. Look for meat with a bright colour and avoid any packages with excessive liquid or discolouration. Check the "best before" dates and try to use the meat as soon as possible after purchasing for optimal flavour and texture.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage and handling of the meat are crucial. Keep the meat refrigerated until you're ready to use it, and ensure that it is properly wrapped or stored in a container to prevent contamination and maintain freshness. Follow safe food handling practices when preparing and cooking the meat to avoid any health risks.

In summary, choosing the right meat for your air fryer meatloaf involves considering the type of meat, fat content, amount, and quality. Feel free to experiment with different options and create a meatloaf that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking!

Preparing the glaze

While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add in BBQ sauce for a tangy flavour. Mix the ingredients until well combined. You can also add in an extra 2-3 tablespoons of ketchup for extra sauce.

Once the meatloaf is done cooking, remove the basket from the air fryer and brush the glaze on top of the entire loaf. Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

If the top of the meatloaf is darkening before it is done cooking, place a sheet of foil over the meatloaf to prevent burning.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making meatloaf in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the meatloaf and the specific air fryer being used. However, here is a detailed guide on the cooking time and temperature for making meatloaf in an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but some recipes suggest a temperature of 370 or even 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it is time to cook the meatloaf. The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf and the type of air fryer you are using. For a single pound of meatloaf, the cooking time will typically range from 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are cooking a larger meatloaf, such as two pounds, the cooking time will be longer, approximately 25 to 35 minutes at the same temperature. It is important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf, which should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit when it is done cooking.

During the cooking process, you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time to ensure even cooking. If the top of the meatloaf is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminium foil. Additionally, if you are using an air fryer oven, your meatloaf may take longer to cook, so it is recommended to cook it for about 35 minutes and then add the topping to avoid burning.

After the initial cooking time, you will need to add the glaze or topping to your meatloaf. Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches the desired internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, it is important to let the meatloaf rest before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to firm up. Let the meatloaf rest in the air fryer basket, uncovered, for at least 5 minutes, but preferably 10 minutes if time allows.

In summary, the cooking time and temperature for making meatloaf in an air fryer will depend on the size of the meatloaf and the specific air fryer being used. Be sure to preheat your air fryer, adjust the temperature as needed during cooking, and use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting the meatloaf

During this time, you can prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with the meatloaf. Some suggested sides include mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, broccoli, air fryer asparagus, air fryer corn on the cob, air fryer zucchini chips, or garlic cheese bread.

Additionally, if you have an instant-read thermometer, you can use it to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it has reached the recommended temperature of 155-165°F.

Reheating and storing

Leftover meatloaf slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. You can also store it in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat, place the slices in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for three to five minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave. When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety. If you plan on freezing the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in foil or freezer paper and be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

Frequently asked questions