Air-Fried Meatloaf: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in a fraction of the time compared to cooking in an oven. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook but still want a delicious dinner. The air fryer also helps to reduce the amount of grease in the meatloaf, as the fat drips away into the pan, resulting in a tender and juicy meatloaf with a crispy exterior.

Choosing the right type of meat

Ground Beef

The classic choice for meatloaf is ground beef, and for good reason. It has a hearty flavour and holds together well during cooking. When selecting ground beef, look for a lean variety, such as 80/20 or 85/15, to minimise the amount of grease released during cooking. Leaner ground beef, such as 93%, can also be used, but be cautious as it may dry out your meatloaf.

Ground Turkey or Chicken

For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. These leaner meats will result in a lower-calorie meatloaf without sacrificing flavour. They are also great options if you're serving guests who don't eat red meat.

Ground Pork

If you're feeling adventurous, ground pork is another option to consider. It has a richer flavour than beef and can add a juicy, savoury element to your meatloaf. You could even mix ground pork with ground beef for a unique twist on the classic.

Combination of Meats

Why choose just one type of meat when you can have a combination? Mixing ground beef with ground turkey or pork can give you the best of both worlds. This blend can help strike a balance between flavour and leanness, creating a juicy and tasty meatloaf.

Ground Sausage

If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even use ground sausage meat in your meatloaf. This will add a whole new layer of flavour to your dish, with the added benefit of having your seasonings and spices already mixed in. Just be mindful of the additional grease that sausage meat may release during cooking.

When making meatloaf in your air fryer, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of meat to find the combination that suits your taste preferences. Remember to consider the leanness of the meat to avoid ending up with a dry or overly greasy meatloaf. Enjoy crafting your perfect air-fried meatloaf creation!

Preparing the glaze

While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add in BBQ sauce or balsamic vinegar instead of the traditional ketchup mixture. For an extra kick of flavour, you can add in some buffalo sauce, chilli sauce, or a dash of hot sauce.

Stir the glaze mixture until it is well combined. You can also add in an extra 2-3 tablespoons of ketchup for some extra sauce. The glaze is totally optional, and you can choose to serve the meatloaf with just ketchup or BBQ sauce, or even without any sauce at all.

Once the meatloaf is done cooking, remove the basket from the air fryer and brush the glaze on top of the entire loaf. Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

If the top of the meatloaf is darkening before it is done cooking, place a sheet of foil over the meatloaf to prevent it from burning.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for making meatloaf in an air fryer vary depending on the type and brand of air fryer, as well as the size and shape of the meatloaf. However, a few sources recommend cooking the meatloaf at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, and then adding a glaze and cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes at the same temperature. The total cooking time is approximately 35 minutes, but it is important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatloaf has reached 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others do not require it. Additionally, the type of meat used can affect the cooking time, with leaner meats generally requiring less time. It is also important not to overmix the meat and to let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure it stays moist and juicy.

Resting the meatloaf

For best results, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate or serving dish. Loosely cover it with foil to keep it warm, and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This will give the meatloaf time to settle and make it easier to slice and serve.

During this time, the meatloaf will continue to cook slightly, so it's important not to skip this step. The resting period also gives you a chance to make any last-minute adjustments to the glaze or sauce, if needed.

If you're making individual meatloaves or "meatloaf muffins," they will also need a resting period. The smaller size means they will cook faster, so adjust the resting time accordingly.

Finally, resting the meatloaf gives you a chance to clean your air fryer basket or tray, ready for the next part of your meal. Many side dishes can be cooked in the air fryer, such as potatoes, carrots, and zucchini chips, so you can have a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Storing and reheating

To reheat your meatloaf, place the slices in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for three to five minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave.

When reheating, ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches at least 165°F to ensure food safety. If you plan on freezing your meatloaf, wrap it tightly in foil or freezer paper. Before reheating, be sure to thaw the meatloaf completely.

Frequently asked questions