Air Fryer Meatloaf: The Perfect Timing

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook meatloaf, reducing the cooking time by half while preserving the traditional flavours. While the cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, the size of the meatloaf, and the type of meat used, the ideal temperature for cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should be at least 160°F.

How long do you cook meatloaf in the air fryer?

Meatloaf ingredients and prep

Meatloaf is a classic dish that's easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight. The ingredients you'll need for a delicious, juicy meatloaf in an air fryer are:

• Ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 ratio for the best flavor and consistency without too much grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Breadcrumbs: Soften the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing with the other ingredients.
• Milk: Whole milk or canned milk is typically used, but you can also use skim milk.
• Egg: This helps bind the ingredients together.
• Onion: Pre-cooking the onions can mellow their flavor, while adding them raw will give a stronger onion taste.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Tomato-based topping: Ketchup is a classic choice, but you can also use a combination of ketchup and chili sauce or BBQ sauce for a zesty kick.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds a savory tang to the meatloaf.
• Garlic: Fresh or powdered garlic enhances the savory flavor.

Optional ingredients include mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and cheese. You can also add heat with chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

To prepare the meatloaf, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, using your hands to mix until combined without overworking the meat. Form the mixture into a loaf shape, being careful not to make it too thick, as it may not cook evenly. Place the loaf in the air fryer basket, preferably lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Spray the loaf with oil to ensure it releases easily after cooking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. This is true regardless of the type of meat you use. At this temperature, your meatloaf will be cooked in about 30 minutes. However, it is important to note that air fryers vary, so you should start checking the meatloaf after 15 minutes.

If you are using an air fryer oven, your meatloaf may take longer to cook. In this case, cook it for about 35 minutes and then add the topping to avoid burning.

To ensure your meatloaf is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the middle of the loaf. It is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check by inserting a knife into the centre of the meatloaf. If the knife comes out clean, your meatloaf is likely done.

It is recommended to let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavourful meatloaf.

If you are making a larger meatloaf, it may take longer to cook. It is important to ensure that the meatloaf is not too thick, as it may not cook evenly. In this case, you may need to cook it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.

Some recipes suggest cooking the meatloaf at 325°F for 20 minutes, then adding a topping and cooking for an additional 7 minutes. This may result in a slightly longer cooking time but can add flavour to your meatloaf.

Glaze ingredients and application

To make a glaze for your meatloaf, you can mix together ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and BBQ sauce. You can also add in barbecue sauce, grape jelly, chili sauce, or marinara sauce to create different flavours. For a sweet and smoky glaze, you can add liquid smoke to the mixture.

The glaze should be brushed on the meatloaf towards the end of the cooking time. It is recommended to start checking the meatloaf after 15 minutes of cooking and brushing the glaze on after 18 minutes. You can then place the meatloaf back in the air fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 155-165°F (68-74°C).

If you want a thicker glaze, you can brush on a layer of glaze every 3-5 minutes until the desired temperature is reached. You can also reserve some of the glaze to serve on the side or spoon it on top of the meatloaf after it has been cooked and sliced.

The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of your meatloaf, as well as the make and model of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook the meatloaf at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 20-30 minutes, but you may need to adjust the time and temperature based on your specific air fryer and the size of your meatloaf.

Meatloaf size and shape

The size and shape of your meatloaf are important factors to consider when cooking it in an air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to make smaller meatloaves rather than one large loaf. This is because a large meatloaf may burn on the outside before the inside is fully cooked. Smaller meatloaves will also cook more evenly. For this reason, it is best to use around 1 pound of ground beef for your meatloaf, rather than the 2 pounds that are commonly used in oven-baked recipes.

If your air fryer is large enough, you can cook two 1-pound meatloaves side by side, ensuring they have at least 1 inch of space between them. Alternatively, you can cook two 3- x 4 1/2-inch rectangles. If you only have a small air fryer, you may need to cook each meatloaf individually.

When shaping your meatloaf, it is important to ensure that it is not too thick, or it won't cook through properly. Try to make the loaf shape as even as possible from end to end. Shape the meatloaf at an angle in the air fryer basket, and consider using a piece of parchment paper underneath to help with cleanup.

Meatloaf doneness and serving

Meatloaf cooked in an air fryer will be ready in about 30 minutes, though some recipes suggest cooking for 35 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf and the type of air fryer you are using. If you are cooking a larger meatloaf, it may take longer to cook through to the middle and you may need to cook it for longer.

The best way to check if your meatloaf is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F when the meatloaf is done. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can start checking your meatloaf after 15 minutes of cooking. It should be nicely browned after about 20 minutes.

Once your meatloaf has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the meatloaf is juicy throughout when you slice it. You can then slice and serve the meatloaf with your chosen sides. Some recipes suggest serving it with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat, cook in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions