Air Fryer Meatloaf: The Perfect Timing Guide

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy meal to make for a busy weeknight. It is also a healthier option as the fat drips away from the meat and into the pan. The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F for 20-30 minutes. However, air fryers vary so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatloaf has reached 155-165°F.

Meatloaf in the air fryer: temperature and timing

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to cook a tasty, tender, and juicy meatloaf. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner as it can be cooked in about half the time compared to an oven recipe.

Temperature

The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F (175°C). This is true no matter the type of meat you're using, be it beef, turkey, pork, or veal.

Timing

Cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf and the model of your air fryer. As a general rule, a meatloaf should be cooked in the air fryer for around 20-30 minutes at 350°F. However, it's important to check that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches at least 155-165°F. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes, but you should start checking after 15 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Resting

Once the desired internal temperature has been reached, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf nice and juicy throughout.

Tips

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer before adding the meatloaf.
• To check if your meatloaf is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the centre of the meatloaf and ensure it reaches the required internal temperature.
• To prevent the glaze from burning, wait until the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to add it.
• For easier cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with foil to catch any drippings. However, this is not necessary as the fat will drip away from the meatloaf.
• To prevent the meatloaf from falling apart when slicing, let it rest for the recommended time before serving.

How to make the glaze

Ingredients

You will need:

• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Light brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cooking spray

Optional Ingredients:

• BBQ sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Sriracha
• Mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Instructions

• Stir the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl.
• Add in any of the optional ingredients to taste.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf during the final few minutes of cooking.
• Save any leftover glaze for serving.

What to serve with air-fried meatloaf

Air-fried meatloaf is best served with a side of vegetables and a comforting carb option. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried meatloaf:

Vegetable Sides:

• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Air fryer zucchini chips
• Air fryer carrots
• Broccoli

Carb Sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Mac and cheese
• Tater tots
• Garlic cheese bread

And don't forget the glaze! A good meatloaf glaze can be made from a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also serve extra glaze on the side as a dipping sauce.

Storing and reheating meatloaf

Now, for reheating, the air fryer is an excellent option. It is a quick and easy way to reheat meatloaf without drying it out. Here are the steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 175°C).
• Place the meatloaf slices in the air fryer basket.
• If desired, add cheese or ketchup on top of the meatloaf for extra moisture.
• Reheat for around 8 minutes. For thicker slices, you may need to increase the time.
• Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with a meat thermometer. Ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Some additional tips for reheating meatloaf:

• If you have a large amount of meatloaf, you may need to reheat it in batches.
• Avoid reheating at high temperatures, as this will dry out the meatloaf.
• If your meatloaf is drying out, add moisture by basting it with broth, butter, sauce, or gravy.
• Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute.

Meatloaf sandwich ideas

Bread

For your sandwich, you'll want to use white, moist, and square bread. Sourdough is a good option as its oval shape matches the meatloaf, making for a tidier sandwich. Other options include English muffin bread, French bread, ciabatta, thick-sliced sourdough, Italian bread, or a good thick-sliced white bread. You could also use hamburger buns, pretzel buns, or ciabatta rolls.

Meatloaf

It's best to use leftover meatloaf for your sandwich, but if you're making it fresh, be sure to let it rest before slicing. The ideal meatloaf should be perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection. You can use ground turkey or beef, and it should be enriched with eggs, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.

Toppings and Condiments

You'll want to add some toppings and condiments to your sandwich to cut through the richness of the meatloaf. Options include:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Horseradish
• Salt and pepper
• Lettuce (bibb or romaine)
• Quick-pickled red onions
• Bread and butter pickles
• Thinly sliced red onions
• Greek yoghurt
• Cheese (provolone, cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, Havarti, or Pepper Jack)
• Sauce (fry sauce, Yum Yum Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Chick-Fil-A Sauce, or Buffalo Sauce)
• Pickles
• Grilled onions
• Mushrooms
• Bacon
• Jalapenos
• Crispy onion straws

Sides

To make your meatloaf sandwich into a meal, serve it with some sides. Options include:

• Salad (arugula salad, healthy potato salad)
• Fries (homemade, sweet potato, air fryer French fries, or parsnip fries)
• Chips (crispy air fryer potato chips)
• Roasted vegetables (brown butter roasted carrots, lemon Parmesan asparagus, roasted green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic)
• Mashed potato pancakes
• Fruit salad (creamy grape salad)
• Pasta salad

Tips

• Meatloaf sandwiches can be enjoyed hot or cold, but if you have the time, toasting the sandwich in a pan is recommended.
• If you're making the meatloaf specifically for sandwiches, make two so you have enough leftovers!
• If you're serving the sandwich to kids, use thinner slices of meatloaf.
• Pan-frying the meatloaf will give it a nice crust.

Frequently asked questions