Marianne Martinez
Air fryer turkey meatloaf is a convenient, tasty, and juicy meal that can be prepared in half the time it takes to cook in an oven. It is a great alternative to beef meatloaf and can be made with ground turkey, which is available in different fat percentages. The ideal fat percentage for a juicier meatloaf is 93% lean. The ingredients for the meatloaf typically include breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, seasonings, and sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or brown sugar. The ingredients are mixed, shaped into loaves, and cooked in the air fryer at around 350°F for about 20-30 minutes. The meatloaf is then allowed to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ground turkey
Firstly, look for ground turkey with some fat left in it. Avoid very lean ground turkey breast, as it can make your meatloaf dry. Aim for ground turkey with around 8% to 10% fat content for the juiciest results. This will ensure your meatloaf is moist and flavourful. If you cannot find ground turkey with this fat percentage, you can opt for 85% lean ground turkey, which is another good option.
Secondly, consider the colour of the meat. Ground turkey typically comes in two varieties: white meat and dark meat. White meat ground turkey is usually leaner, with 99% or 93% lean options available. Dark meat ground turkey has a higher fat content, with 85% lean being a common option. If you want a lighter option, go for the white meat variety, but if you want more flavour and moisture, dark meat is a better choice.
Lastly, when choosing ground turkey, consider the other ingredients in your meatloaf. If you are adding other moist ingredients like mushrooms, onions, or zucchini, you can opt for a leaner ground turkey as these ingredients will add moisture to your meatloaf. However, if you have a simpler recipe with fewer ingredients, choosing a ground turkey with a higher fat content will help ensure your meatloaf is juicy and tasty.
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Preparing the meatloaf mixture
To prepare the meatloaf mixture, start by sautéing half a chopped onion in olive oil over low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until translucent. If you're adding jalapenos, sauté them too. In a separate bowl, combine the ground turkey with the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, and seasonings. The breadcrumbs should be softened in milk first, and then mixed with the other ingredients. You can also add some Parmesan cheese to the mixture if you like. For the seasonings, you can use salt and pepper, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
If you want to add vegetables to the mixture, shredded zucchini is a good option as it keeps the meatloaf moist without affecting the taste. You can also add oats as a binder, which also provides protein and fiber. Once you've combined all the ingredients, divide the mixture into 2 or 4 equal portions and shape them into mini loaves.
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Shaping the meatloaf
If you are cooking in a large air fryer basket, you can shape the meatloaf mixture into one large loaf. Flatten out the meatloaf mixture, layer it with cheese, and roll it up to ensure cheese in every bite. You can also add a layer of bacon on top of the loaf. This will add a nice, crispy texture to the meatloaf. Form the meatloaf into a shape that will fit in the air fryer basket. A minimum of 7 inches wide is recommended for the basket size.
If you are using a smaller air fryer basket, it is best to divide the mixture into two or more smaller loaves. This will help the meatloaf cook faster and more evenly. You can also add a piece of foil to the bottom of the air fryer to keep the meatloaf moist.
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Cooking the meatloaf
Once the mixture is ready, it's time to shape it into a loaf. The size of your air fryer basket will determine the shape and size of your meatloaf. For a standard 7-inch wide basket, form the mixture into a loaf that is even in thickness and will fit snugly inside. If you have a smaller basket, you can divide the mixture into smaller loaves, which will reduce the cooking time.
Place the meatloaf into the air fryer basket. If desired, you can drape bacon strips over the loaf for added flavor. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the meatloaf for 20-30 minutes. For smaller loaves, 15-20 minutes should be sufficient. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the meatloaf and brush it with ketchup, glaze, or another sauce of your choice.
After the initial cooking time, check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach at least 155°F (68°C) for food safety, but you can cook it longer if you prefer a more well-done meatloaf. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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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 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This is a crucial step as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meatloaf stays moist and tender.
While the meatloaf is resting, you can prepare any side dishes to serve alongside it. Meatloaf pairs well with potatoes, especially mashed potatoes and gravy. You could also serve it with French fries, sweet potato fries, rice, or a light pasta salad. For a lower-carb option, consider riced cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, or a nice salad.
After the resting period, transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter and slice it. Drizzle any remaining topping sauce over the meatloaf slices, or serve the sauce on the side. Sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top for a fun twist.
Your air fryer turkey meatloaf is now ready to serve! Enjoy the juicy and tender meatloaf with your chosen sides. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
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Frequently asked questions
For a juicier turkey meatloaf, use ground turkey that is 93% lean. Ground turkey that is leaner will be drier.
Combine 2 tbsp of ketchup, 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp of brown sugar.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
Air fry the meatloaf for 15 minutes. Flip the loaves over, brush on the remaining glaze, and cook for another 5 minutes. The meatloaf should be cooked through after 20 minutes.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach 155°F (68°C) in the centre.
