Air-Fried Meatloaf: A Quick, Crispy, And Tasty Treat

how do you make brown meatloaf in a air fryer

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens for cooking meatloaf, as they can produce a delicious, juicy, and flavourful meatloaf in a fraction of the time. This guide will teach you how to make a tasty, brown meatloaf in an air fryer.

Characteristics	Values
Meat	Ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage
Other ingredients	Breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, cheese, basil, thyme, jalapenos, red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, smoked paprika
Temperature	350-400°F
Cook time	15-45 minutes
Rest time	5-10 minutes

Meatloaf ingredients and prep

The ingredients you will need for your meatloaf will depend on your personal preference and the recipe you are following. However, the standard ingredients for a meatloaf are ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. You can also add vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and carrots to your meatloaf for extra flavor and moisture.

Ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Breadcrumbs or crackers
Eggs
Milk
Seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and carrots (optional)

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, follow these steps to prepare your meatloaf:

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the meat, as it can make it tough.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf. You can place the loaf directly in the air fryer basket or on a piece of foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Cook the meatloaf in your air fryer at a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-45 minutes, depending on the size of your loaf.
While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare a glaze or topping by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
After the recommended cooking time, spread the glaze over the meatloaf and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Your juicy and flavorful air fryer meatloaf is now ready to be enjoyed!

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Air fryer settings

Temperature Settings

When cooking meatloaf in an air fryer, the ideal temperature setting is between 350°F and 390°F. Most recipes recommend a temperature of around 350°F to ensure even cooking and browning. However, some air fryers may require higher temperatures, such as 370°F or 380°F, for optimal results. It is important to refer to your specific air fryer's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Timing and Doneness

The cooking time for meatloaf in an air fryer will depend on the size of your meatloaf and the power of your air fryer. For a 1-pound meatloaf, cook for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. If you are cooking a larger, 2-pound meatloaf, increase the cooking time to about 40 to 45 minutes. However, it is crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your meatloaf. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F to 165°F in the thickest part of the loaf to ensure it is fully cooked.

Preheating

Preheating your air fryer is generally not necessary for cooking meatloaf. Since you will be shaping the meatloaf directly in the air fryer basket, preheating may increase the risk of burning yourself. However, if your air fryer automatically preheats, you can simply adjust the cooking time by a few minutes to compensate.

Accessories and Placement

When placing the meatloaf in the air fryer, you have a few options for accessories. You can place the meatloaf directly in the air fryer basket, or you can use a grill tray or a piece of parchment paper to line the basket for easier cleanup. If using parchment paper, consider using perforated parchment paper to ensure proper air circulation. Additionally, forming the meatloaf at an angle in the basket can help with even cooking.

Preventing Over-Browning

Keep an eye on your meatloaf during the cooking process. If you notice that the top is browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of aluminium foil until it's time to add the glaze. This will help prevent over-browning and ensure your meatloaf cooks evenly.

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Glaze ingredients and prep

The glaze is what gives your meatloaf its tangy, savoury flavour and helps it develop a tasty crust. Here are the ingredients you'll need:

Ketchup
Brown sugar
Mustard
Worcestershire sauce

Some recipes also include apple cider vinegar in the glaze.

To make the glaze, simply combine the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well mixed. You can prepare the glaze while the meatloaf is cooking and brush it on for the last 5–10 minutes of cooking time.

Feel free to adjust the glaze ingredients to your taste and experiment with different sauces and seasonings. You can also add some extra kick with buffalo sauce, chilli sauce, or a dash of hot sauce.

If you have any leftover glaze, it makes a great dipping sauce for the meatloaf!

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Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for making brown meatloaf in an air fryer vary depending on the weight of the meatloaf and the type of air fryer being used.

For a 1-pound meatloaf, cook for about 25-30 minutes at 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. For a 2-pound meatloaf, increase the cooking time to about 45 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers vary in terms of their preheating requirements and cooking temperatures. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while others recommend cooking at higher temperatures of 370-390 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure the meatloaf is cooked through, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, it is suggested to cover the meatloaf with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly during cooking. This will prevent it from burning.

When making a glaze for the meatloaf, it is typically added towards the end of the cooking process and cooked for an additional 5-10 minutes.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the loaf and the type of air fryer being used.