Cody Casey
Air fryer meatloaf is a tasty, quick, and easy dish to make for a busy weeknight dinner. The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F, and it should be cooked for 20 to 35 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the meatloaf. To ensure the meatloaf is cooked, a meat thermometer should be used to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Cook Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 155-160°F |
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What You'll Learn
Meatloaf cooking time in an air fryer
The cooking time for meatloaf in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used. However, on average, it takes around 25 to 35 minutes to cook meatloaf in an air fryer.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the meatloaf, as well as the specific model and settings of the air fryer being used. To ensure that the meatloaf is fully cooked, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F at its thickest point.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat of your choice (such as beef, turkey, or chicken) with breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, and seasonings like onion, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatloaf
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf, being careful not to make it too thick to ensure even cooking. Place the loaf in the air fryer basket, which has been sprayed with oil or lined with parchment paper. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the meatloaf for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish Cooking
While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare a glaze by mixing ketchup with other ingredients like lemon juice, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, or vinegar. After the initial cooking time, brush the glaze onto the meatloaf and return it to the air fryer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the cooked meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful meatloaf.
By following these steps and adjusting the timing based on your specific air fryer and the size of your meatloaf, you can ensure that your meatloaf is cooked thoroughly and safely. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried meatloaf!
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Preparing the glaze
For a traditional glaze, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and a liquid such as lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce. You can also add Dijon mustard to this mixture for extra flavor. Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf toward the end of the cooking time, and then return the meatloaf to the air fryer for a few more minutes.
If you want to change things up, you can substitute BBQ sauce or balsamic vinegar for the ketchup in the glaze. You can also add other ingredients to the glaze, such as lemon juice, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme, to give your meatloaf a unique flavor profile.
Leftover glaze can be served on the side or stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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Meatloaf temperature and doneness
The ideal temperature for cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F, regardless of the type of meat used. At this temperature, the meatloaf will be cooked in about 30 minutes.
To check if the meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meatloaf. The internal temperature should reach at least 155°F, but ideally 160°F, to be considered safe for consumption. If the meatloaf has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking and checking the temperature in 5-minute intervals to avoid overcooking.
It is important to note that air fryers vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so adjustments may be necessary. The size and shape of the meatloaf can also affect cooking time, as a thicker meatloaf may require more time to cook through completely. Therefore, it is recommended to start checking the meatloaf's temperature after 15 minutes of cooking.
Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes, but preferably 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is juicy and easier to slice.
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Resting and serving the meatloaf
Once your meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is juicy throughout when you slice it. You can also add a little more glaze to the meatloaf before serving.
The best way to check if your meatloaf is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of at least 155°F to 160°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check if your meatloaf is cooked by inserting a knife into the centre and ensuring that the juices run clear.
After your meatloaf has rested, slice it and serve it with your choice of sides. Some popular side dishes to serve with meatloaf include mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a green salad. You can also serve the leftover glaze on the side, or use it as a dipping sauce for the meatloaf slices.
If you have any leftover meatloaf, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. To reheat leftovers, simply place them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until heated through.
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Reheating and storing meatloaf
Storing leftover meatloaf is simple. Put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. Or, if you want to keep it for longer, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months.
When reheating, make sure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you plan on freezing your meatloaf, be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or freezer paper and, if you plan on reheating it, make sure to thaw the meatloaf completely before heating.
Reheating meatloaf in an air fryer is convenient and efficient. It’s a way to revive the flavours while maintaining the texture. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Take your meatloaf out of the refrigerator and place it on a microwave-safe plate or dish. If your meatloaf is in slices, you can lay them out individually for even heating. If you’re concerned about the meatloaf drying out, you can cover it loosely with aluminium foil. This helps to retain moisture during the reheating process. Reheating typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, but watch the meatloaf and check its internal temperature periodically.
You can also reheat meatloaf in the oven. This typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). To moisten dry meatloaf, drizzle a small amount of broth, tomato sauce, or gravy over the slices before reheating. Cover with aluminium foil or use a lid to trap moisture, and consider adding a pan of water to the oven to create steam and prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 25 to 35 minutes to cook meatloaf in an air fryer. The meatloaf is done when the center of the loaf has reached at least 160°F.
The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F.
First, mix the ingredients for the meatloaf in a bowl. Then, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and shape the meat into a loaf. Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup with other ingredients. After 15 minutes, brush the glaze on the loaf and air fry for another 10 minutes.
