Marianne Martinez
Cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, comforting meal. This method of cooking meatloaf is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without the long cooking time. Air fryer meatloaf is also a great option if you're short on time but still want to create a dish that's full of flavour. The air fryer cooks the meatloaf quickly and gives it a tasty crust.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the meatloaf mixture
Next, add the ground beef, onion, egg, and seasonings to the bowl. Combine the ingredients well, but be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the meat. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until it is evenly distributed. The key is to ensure that all the ingredients are properly incorporated without overworking the meat.
At this point, you can adjust the mixture to your taste preferences. If you like a more savory meatloaf, you can add more thyme, pepper, or other seasonings. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of seasonings or adjust their proportions to your liking. You can also add other ingredients like chopped vegetables or cheese to enhance the flavor and texture.
Once you are satisfied with the mixture, it's time to shape it into a loaf. Use your hands to form the mixture into a rectangular shape that will fit nicely into your air fryer basket. Keep in mind that air fryers can vary in size, so you may need to adjust the shape and size of your meatloaf accordingly. It is recommended to make a smaller meatloaf in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and browning.
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Shaping and cooking the meatloaf
Next, place the shaped meatloaf into the preheated air fryer basket. Some recipes recommend lining the basket with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. However, others suggest that not lining the basket allows the fat to drip away from the meatloaf. If you do use foil or parchment paper, spray it with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
Now, it's time to cook the meatloaf. Most recipes recommend cooking it at 350°F–380°F (175°C–193°C) for 16–25 minutes. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the size and power of your air fryer, so it's important to monitor the meatloaf to ensure it doesn't burn.
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf juicier and easier to slice.
To check if your meatloaf is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 155°F–160°F (68°C–71°C) at its thickest point. This temperature range ensures that the meatloaf is safe to eat and not overcooked.
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Making the glaze
To make the glaze for your meatloaf, you will need ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir these ingredients together in a small bowl and set the glaze aside. You can also add Dijon mustard to the glaze if you wish.
Some recipes suggest brushing the glaze onto the meatloaf toward the end of the cooking time, and then returning the basket to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes. You can also add a little more glaze before serving the meatloaf.
If you want to make a larger batch of glaze, you can use the glaze as a dipping sauce for the meatloaf. This is a great option if you are serving the meatloaf to kids, as they tend to enjoy the extra sauce.
The glaze will give your meatloaf a tangy, juicy flavor that pairs well with mashed potatoes or vegetables such as asparagus, corn on the cob, zucchini chips, or carrots.
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Resting the meatloaf
To check if the meatloaf is cooked, an instant-read thermometer can be used to test the internal temperature. The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C) to 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the loaf. This is the safe temperature for ground beef. If the meatloaf has not reached this temperature, it can be placed back in the air fryer and cooked for a few more minutes.
The resting time also allows for the glaze to cool and set, adding to the flavour and texture of the meatloaf. The glaze, made from a combination of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, gives the meatloaf a tangy and sweet flavour. By allowing the meatloaf to rest, the glaze has time to settle and creates a sticky and delicious coating.
Overall, resting the meatloaf is a crucial step in the cooking process. It allows the meatloaf to firm up, the juices to redistribute, and the glaze to cool and set. This results in a meatloaf that is easier to slice, more flavourful, and with a better texture.
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Storing leftovers
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover meatloaf, simply place a slice in the air fryer and heat it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for three to five minutes. This will ensure your meatloaf is warm and crispy, just like when it was freshly cooked.
If you're not planning to eat the leftovers within three to four days, you can also freeze them. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat frozen leftovers, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the same reheating instructions as above, heating them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through.
Now you can enjoy your delicious air fryer meatloaf again and again!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cook a meatloaf in an air fryer.
Set the air fryer to 350°F to 380°F. However, some sources recommend keeping the temperature at 370°F for the entire duration of cooking.
You will need about 1 pound of ground beef for making meatloaf in an air fryer. Using more than 2 pounds of meat will require you to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
You can line the basket with foil or spray it with cooking spray or oil to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
