Tillie Doyle
Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf is a quick and easy way to cook a classic comfort food. It's a game-changer for weeknight dinners as it's healthier, cooks in half the time of a traditional oven, and results in a deliciously crispy exterior with a juicy and tender interior. The air fryer's small size also makes it perfect for individual servings, and the cute little format makes it ideal for date nights. The key to a moist meatloaf is liquid ingredients, and adding things like ketchup, milk, eggs, and honey dijon mustard will ensure your meatloaf is juicy and delicious.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 20-30 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Prep time | 3-5 minutes |
| Ingredients | Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, parsley, zucchini, oats, rosemary, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, bacon, BBQ sauce |
| Equipment | Air fryer, instant-read thermometer, non-stick skillet, medium bowl, loaf pan, sheet pan, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, parchment paper |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, roasted potato salad, meatloaf sandwiches, stuffed peppers, meat loaf tacos |
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What You'll Learn
How to form the meatloaf
To form the meatloaf, start by combining all the meatloaf ingredients in a medium bowl and mixing well with a fork. Be careful not to overwork the ground turkey as this can make it tough. You can add ingredients like breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, thyme, salt, pepper, zucchini, and oats to the ground turkey. You can also add minced garlic, rosemary, parsley, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour.
Once you have a well-combined mixture, it's time to shape it into a loaf. If you're using a basket-style air fryer, shape the meatloaf so that it is even in thickness and will fit in the basket. A smaller basket will yield a thicker meatloaf, which will need a longer cook time. If you're using a tray-style air fryer, form the mixture into 2 or 4 smaller loaves, depending on your preference and the size of your air fryer. Smaller loaves will cook faster.
If you want to get creative, you can try flattening out the meatloaf mixture, layering it with cheese, and then rolling it up so that there is cheese in every bite. You can also add a layer of bacon on top of the meatloaf for extra flavour.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
Air frying your turkey meatloaf is a great way to get a moist and juicy dish with a deliciously golden-brown exterior. It's also a quick and convenient method, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes to cook.
The temperature you should set your air fryer to depends on the type of meatloaf you are cooking. If you are cooking a large meatloaf, a temperature of 350°F is recommended. You should cook this for around 20 minutes, then add your sauce, cover with foil, and cook for another 10 minutes. If you are cooking smaller, individual meatloaves, the temperature remains the same, but the cooking time is reduced to 15 minutes on one side, then 5 minutes on the other after you have applied the sauce.
It's important to ensure your meatloaf is cooked through. You can check this by using an instant-read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 155°F. If the meatloaf is thicker, it will need longer in the air fryer, so you should check the temperature and cook for another 10-15 minutes if needed.
Air fryer models do vary, so it's worth bearing in mind that cooking times may differ slightly.
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Meatloaf toppings and sauces
There are many different toppings and sauces that can be used to add flavour to your turkey meatloaf. The most popular option is a combination of ketchup and BBQ sauce, with some recipes also adding brown sugar to this mixture to create a sweet and tangy glaze. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of mustard to the glaze for some extra heat.
Another option is to use a combination of Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup for a serious umami boost. Alternatively, you can use yellow mustard as the star of your sauce, with hints of honey and brown sugar to replicate the sweetness of honey mustard.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you can try a glaze made from buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, evaporated milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Or, for a spicy-sweet option, try a glaze made from pineapple preserves, brown sugar, pickled jalapenos, and apple cider vinegar.
Finally, you can keep it simple with just ketchup on top of your meatloaf, or try a traditional tomato sauce or tomato gravy.
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Resting and serving the meatloaf
Once your meatloaf is cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to ensure that the meatloaf stays moist and juicy, and it gives you a chance to finish preparing any sides or garnishes.
Let the meatloaf rest in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a serving platter or cutting board. If you're using a glaze or sauce, brush it on generously now, and sprinkle with bacon bits or parsley if desired. You can also add a squeeze of honey dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Let the meatloaf sit for another 5 minutes or so before slicing. This will give the glaze or sauce time to soak into the meatloaf, and the meatloaf will hold together better when sliced.
Finally, slice the meatloaf and serve with your choice of sides. Mashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, or roasted potato salad are all great options to serve alongside air fryer turkey meatloaf. Enjoy!
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Meatloaf sides and leftovers
Meatloaf Sides
Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your air-fried turkey meatloaf:
- Mashed potatoes
- Oven-baked fries or air-fried crispy potatoes
- Salads
- Noodles
- Vegetables such as roasted green beans, asparagus, or peas
- Homemade baked beans
- Rolls
Leftovers
If you have any leftover meatloaf, don't worry! Meatloaf leftovers are just as delicious as the first meal and can be transformed into a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for using your leftover meatloaf:
- Spaghetti: Crumble the meatloaf and mix it with your favorite tomato sauce and cooked spaghetti. Add some herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Tacos: Mix meatloaf bits with refried beans and top with classic Mexican toppings such as guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.
- Burgers: Use the leftover meatloaf as a patty or a topping for your burger.
- Fried rice: Toss leftover meatloaf with rice, eggs, and your favorite veggies in a pan.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Add some leftover meatloaf to a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and savory combo.
- Pizza topping: Chunks of meatloaf can be added to your pizza for a delicious twist.
- Quiche: Meatloaf goes well with cheese and eggs, so why not use it to make a quiche?
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking turkey meatloaf in an air fryer takes about 30 minutes, which is half the time it takes to bake in an oven.
The air fryer should be set to 350°F.
You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. The ground turkey needs to reach 165°F.
