Emilie Meyer
Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy meal that can be made in a fraction of the time compared to cooking in an oven. The air fryer's ability to cook meat without drying it out makes it perfect for a juicy and tender meatloaf. This guide will take you through the simple steps of preparing, cooking, and serving a delicious air fryer meatloaf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, thyme, salt, pepper, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cooking spray, olive oil |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 155-165°F |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Meatloaf ingredients and alternatives
Meatloaf is a very versatile dish, and you can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary requirements. The most common meat used for a meatloaf cooked in an air fryer is ground beef, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. If you opt for beef, it is recommended to use 80-85% lean beef for a juicy meatloaf. Any leaner, and it may become dry.
You will need to bind your meatloaf mixture together, and the most common binder is breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use torn-up pieces of bread in the mixture, and to catch any grease that drips off during cooking. If you don't want to use bread, an alternative binder is egg yolk.
You can add a variety of vegetables to your meatloaf, including onion, bell pepper, parsley, and garlic. Onion adds an earthy-sweet flavor and moisture to the loaf. Finely chop or dice the vegetables and add them to the meat mixture. You can also add some heat to your meatloaf with chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Milk is often added to a meatloaf mixture to provide moisture and richness. Any kind of milk will work, including plant-based milk. You can also add cheese to your meatloaf, such as shredded Parmesan or a core of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack in the center of the loaf.
For seasoning, you can add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dry ground mustard, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, or liquid smoke for a deep, smoky flavor.
Finally, you can add a glaze to your meatloaf. The most common glaze is made from ketchup, but you can also add brown sugar, BBQ sauce, vinegar, balsamic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce.
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Preparing the glaze
Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined, and set the glaze aside until the meatloaf has cooked for 15 minutes. Then, brush the glaze onto the meatloaf and place it back in the air fryer for the remaining cooking time.
If you prefer a different type of glaze, you can use BBQ sauce or balsamic vinegar instead of ketchup. You can also add some Dijon mustard to the glaze for a tangy kick. For a cheesy twist, add some cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese to the centre of the loaf.
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Shaping the meatloaf
You can also make two smaller meatloaves, which will be easier to handle and will give you more of the crispy edges. To do this, form the mixture into two equally-sized loaves, about 5 inches long by 2 inches wide.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking temperature for meatloaf in an air fryer is typically 350°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 375°F.
The cooking time will depend on the weight of the meatloaf and the type of meat used. For example, a 2-pound meatloaf made with ground beef will take about 35 minutes to cook at 350°F. On the other hand, a meatloaf made with ground turkey or chicken may take less time to cook, as these meats have a lower fat content.
It's important to note that air fryers can vary, so it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. The meatloaf is done when the thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 155°F (68°C) to 160°F. If you prefer your meatloaf well-done, you can cook it until the thermometer reads 165°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meatloaf is juicy and tender when sliced.
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Resting and serving
Once your meatloaf has reached an internal temperature of 160°F, it's time to take it out of the air fryer and let it rest. Place it on a cutting board or serving platter and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your meatloaf will be nice and juicy when you slice into it.
While the meatloaf is resting, you can prepare any side dishes you plan to serve with it. Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, but you can also serve it with a spinach salad, roasted vegetables, or any other sides your family enjoys.
After the resting time is up, use a sharp knife to slice the meatloaf into serving-sized portions. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the slices or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or thyme over the slices for added flavor and a pop of color.
Finally, transfer the sliced meatloaf to plates and serve it to your hungry family or guests! Enjoy the juicy, tender, and flavorful meal that you've created with the convenience of your air fryer. Don't forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook meatloaf in an air fryer is 350°F. This is true regardless of the type of meat you are using.
It takes about 30 minutes to cook meatloaf in an air fryer. However, cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model.
The best way to check if the meatloaf is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 155°F to 165°F.
