Ella Walter
Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. It's a convenient alternative to oven-baked meatloaf, especially during hot summer months when you don't want to turn on the oven. Air fryer meatloaf is also juicy and tender, with a shorter cooking time compared to traditional oven methods. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to make a mouth-watering air fryer meatloaf, including the ingredients, cooking process, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bread crumbs, milk, ground beef, onion, egg, thyme, salt, pepper, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, mustard, BBQ sauce |
| Temperature | 350°F-375°F |
| Timing | 15-35 minutes |
| Meatloaf size | 2-inch high, 4x6-inch loaf |
| Meat type | Beef, turkey, pork, veal |
| Meat quantity | 2-3 lbs |
| Meat temperature | 155°F-165°F |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Meatloaf container | Air fryer basket, loaf pan, pie plate |
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What You'll Learn
Meatloaf ingredients and preparation
Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy meal to make, and it takes just a few simple steps. The ingredients you will need are:
- Ground beef (or a combination of ground beef, turkey, or pork)
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Egg
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- Olive oil or cooking spray
You can also add some Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
First, mix the breadcrumbs and milk together in a medium bowl and let them sit for 5 minutes. Then, add the beef, onion, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine evenly without overmixing. Form the mixture into a loaf shape, about 2 inches high and 4x6 inches long.
Next, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place the loaf in the basket and set the air fryer to 350-370°F. Cook for 15-20 minutes, then remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread with a glaze made from ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre reads 155-165°F, about 5-10 more minutes.
Finally, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). However, some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 370°F or even 375°F, especially if you are aiming for a crispy exterior. If you are using a countertop oven-style air fryer or one built into your oven, place the rack in the middle to ensure even heat circulation.
Once the desired temperature is reached, place the meatloaf in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf. For a smaller meatloaf, cook for approximately 15 minutes at 370°F or 20 minutes at 350°F. For a larger meatloaf, you may need to cook it for about 25 minutes at 350°F. It is important to note that air fryers vary, so it is advisable to start checking the meatloaf after 15 minutes to prevent overcooking.
After the initial cooking time, you can add a glaze or topping to your meatloaf. Brush the glaze evenly over the meatloaf and return it to the air fryer for an additional 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired doneness. The meatloaf is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 165°F. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the meatloaf to check its temperature.
Finally, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the meatloaf retain its moisture and makes it easier to slice.
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Glaze ingredients and application
The glaze for your air fryer meatloaf can be made with a variety of ingredients, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some options:
Glaze Ingredients:
- Ketchup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Mustard
- Dijon mustard
You can adjust the proportions of these ingredients to suit your taste. For example, if you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add more brown sugar. If you want a tangier glaze, you can add more vinegar or mustard.
Glaze Application:
- While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing the desired ingredients in a small bowl.
- After the meatloaf has cooked for about 15-20 minutes, remove it from the air fryer.
- Brush or spoon the glaze onto the meatloaf. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to evenly coat the surface.
- Return the glazed meatloaf to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 5-15 minutes, depending on the size of your meatloaf and the desired doneness.
- To check if the meatloaf is cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the centre. For a beef meatloaf, the temperature should reach at least 155°F (68°C). For ground turkey or pork, a safe internal temperature is 165°F.
- Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Feel free to experiment with different glaze ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your air fryer model and the size of your meatloaf.
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Meatloaf removal and serving
Once the meatloaf has reached the required internal temperature, remove the basket from the air fryer and let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before transferring it to a cutting board. You can use a large spatula to get the meatloaf out of the basket easily. Letting the meatloaf rest ensures that it doesn't fall apart when sliced.
After 5 minutes, transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and slice it into 3/4" to 1" slices. You can add a little more glaze to the meatloaf before serving.
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days and reheated in the air fryer or the microwave.
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Meatloaf storage
Storing your meatloaf is simple. If you have leftovers, put them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. You can also place the leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to three months.
When reheating, make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F to ensure food safety. If you plan on freezing your leftovers, be sure to wrap the meatloaf tightly with foil or freezer paper. Before reheating, make sure to thaw the meatloaf completely.
To reheat, place the leftover slices in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. Air fryers can smoke when cooking fatty proteins, so it is recommended to put a little water under the basket or a piece or two of bread to avoid this.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer oven is 350°F.
It takes about 30-35 minutes to cook meatloaf in an air fryer oven.
The ideal internal temperature of a meatloaf cooked in an air fryer oven is 160°F.
The ingredients required to make meatloaf in an air fryer oven are breadcrumbs, milk, ground beef, onion, egg, thyme, salt, pepper, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
It is recommended to shape the meatloaf by hand or with a spatula directly into the air fryer basket, forming a loaf about 2 inches high and 4x6 inches wide.
