Air Fryer Meatloaf: The Perfect Timing Guide

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy meal to make for the family on busy weeknights. It is also a great option for those who don't want to turn their oven on during the summer. The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F for around 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of the meatloaf and the type of air fryer being used. The ideal internal temperature for the meatloaf is 160°F.

How to make meatloaf in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make an air fryer meatloaf that serves four:

• Ground beef (lean, preferably 93%)
• Milk
• Large egg
• Bread, torn into small pieces
• Onion powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Dry ground mustard
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• BBQ sauce
• Ketchup

Method

• Combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf in a large bowl. Use your clean hands to mix until combined, but don't overwork the meat.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
• Shape the meat into a loaf in the air fryer basket. Make sure the loaf isn't too thick, so it cooks evenly all the way through.
• Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
• After the initial 15 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze onto the loaf.
• Air fry at 350°F for another 10 minutes. The meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving with the leftover glaze.

Tips

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease.
• Don't be concerned if the mixture seems wet; this is why the meatloaf stays moist.
• If your air fryer starts smoking, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket to disperse the grease.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.

How long to cook meatloaf in an air fryer

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to put a delicious meal on the table. The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf, the type of air fryer you have, and the desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend cooking the meatloaf for around 25 to 35 minutes in the air fryer, but it's important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 155-165°F.

Pre-Cooking Steps:

Before cooking your meatloaf in the air fryer, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer to 350°F. You'll also want to prepare your meatloaf mixture by combining ground meat (beef, turkey, or a combination) with breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, and various seasonings. Form the mixture into a loaf shape, and if desired, create a glaze by mixing ketchup, BBQ sauce, or other ingredients.

During Cooking:

Once your air fryer is preheated and your meatloaf is shaped, it's time to start cooking. Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket and cook for around 15 minutes. Then, brush the glaze onto the meatloaf and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf and the temperature of your air fryer, so it's important to monitor the meatloaf closely to avoid overcooking.

Post-Cooking:

After cooking, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your meatloaf is juicy and flavorful. Then, slice and serve the meatloaf with your desired sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted broccoli.

Tips for Success:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf.
• Don't overmix the meat, just mix until the ingredients are combined.
• Rest the meatloaf before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, as air fryer models may vary.
• For easier cleanup, use parchment paper in the air fryer basket.

How to store leftover meatloaf

Storing leftover meatloaf is simple. If you plan on eating it within the next few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to four days.

If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze leftover meatloaf. Wrap it tightly with foil or freezer paper and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When reheating, make sure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°Fahrenheit to ensure food safety. Be sure to thaw the meatloaf completely before heating.

What to Make with Leftover Meatloaf

Leftover meatloaf doesn't have to go to waste. It can be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, such as:

• Sandwiches
• Sliders
• Spaghetti
• Chilli
• Shepherd's Pie
• Tacos
• Empanadas
• Grilled cheese
• Casseroles
• Stroganoff
• Mac and cheese
• Bruschetta

What temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for a busy weeknight.

The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. This is true no matter what type of meat you are using, whether it be beef, turkey, pork, or veal. At this temperature, your meatloaf will be cooked in just 30 minutes.

However, air fryers do vary, so it is recommended to start checking the meatloaf after 15 minutes. You can do this by sticking a meat thermometer into the middle of the loaf. You are looking for an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

Once the meatloaf has reached the correct temperature, let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is nice and juicy throughout when you slice it.

Tips for Cooking Meatloaf in an Air Fryer

• Make a smaller meatloaf. Most recipes are designed for a larger portion of meat, but this will be too much for the air fryer. A large meatloaf will also burn on the outside before cooking all the way through.
• You can cook two smaller meatloaves side by side if your air fryer is large enough, but make sure there is space between them and around each one so the air can circulate properly.
• You do not need to line the basket with foil. This is sometimes recommended to prevent juices from dropping down into the bottom of the air fryer and to stop the meatloaf from sticking. However, not lining the basket allows the fat to drip away from the loaf, which is a good thing. Using a silicone spatula to lift the meatloaf will also prevent it from sticking.
• Don't cook the meatloaf at too high a temperature. It will burn! Keep the temperature at 370°F for the duration of the cooking time.
• Rest the meatloaf for at least 5 minutes, ideally 10, after it has finished cooking. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to firm up, making it easier to slice.
• Use a thermometer to check that the meatloaf is cooked through. You want it to reach 160°F in the middle to ensure it is safe to eat.
• Mix all the ingredients except the meat first. This will ensure that all the ingredients are properly dispersed without overmixing the meat, which would make it tough.

How to reheat meatloaf in an air fryer

If you have leftover meatloaf, you can reheat it in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to get your meatloaf warmed through while maintaining its crispy texture. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Meatloaf

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Take your leftover meatloaf out of the refrigerator. It's best to use meatloaf that has been stored in an airtight container and consumed within 3-4 days.
• If your meatloaf is frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Step 2: Reheat the Meatloaf

• Place the meatloaf slices or the whole meatloaf into the air fryer basket. You can line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• Set the timer for 3 to 5 minutes for slices or 5-10 minutes for a whole meatloaf.
• If you're reheating a whole meatloaf, you can brush some glaze on top before placing it in the air fryer to keep it moist and add extra flavour.

Step 3: Check the Temperature

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach at least 160°F to ensure it's thoroughly reheated.
• If the meatloaf hasn't reached the desired temperature, return it to the air fryer and cook in 1-minute intervals until it's done.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

• Once the meatloaf reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy meatloaf.
• Slice the meatloaf if needed and serve it with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese.

Reheating meatloaf in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. It helps maintain the crispy texture and flavour of the original dish while warming it through. So, the next time you have leftover meatloaf, give this method a try!

Frequently asked questions