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

Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights as it can be made in about half the time of a traditional oven recipe. This classic comfort food is versatile and can be made with ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.

The basic ingredients include ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, and seasonings, with a glaze often made from ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes at 350°F, and the ideal internal temperature for the meatloaf is 160°F.

So, if you're looking for a tasty, hassle-free meal that's ready in no time, air fryer meatloaf is a great option!

Choosing the right meat

Type of Meat:

The most common choice for meatloaf is ground beef. However, you can also use ground pork, ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination of these meats. Using a blend of meats can add more flavour and improve the texture of your meatloaf. If you decide to use ground beef, opt for a higher fat content like 80/20 or 85/15 to prevent the meatloaf from drying out during the longer cooking time. Ground pork is a good alternative if you want a juicier meatloaf, but it will have a milder flavour than beef.

Quantity:

For a typical meatloaf recipe, you will need around 1-2 pounds of meat. If you are using a combination of meats, you can mix equal parts of each type of meat to create a well-balanced blend.

Quality:

Always choose fresh, high-quality meat from a reputable source. Look for meat that is firm to the touch, has a bright colour, and smells pleasant. Avoid meat that looks dull or has an off-putting odour.

Lean-to-Fat Ratio:

The lean-to-fat ratio of the ground meat is crucial to the final texture and taste of your meatloaf. As mentioned earlier, a higher fat content is preferable to prevent dryness. However, too much fat can make your meatloaf greasy. Aim for a balance that will keep your meatloaf moist and flavourful without being overly fatty.

Preparation:

When preparing the meat for your meatloaf, make sure to handle it gently and avoid overmixing. You can use your hands or a large spoon to combine the meat with other ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.

Remember, the key to a great meatloaf is choosing the right type and quality of meat, as well as paying attention to the fat content and handling the meat with care during preparation. With the right choice of meat, you'll be well on your way to making a mouthwatering air-fried meatloaf!

Preparing the glaze

The glaze is a key component of a meatloaf, adding tons of flavour to every bite and sealing in the moisture. The glaze can be prepared while the meatloaf is cooking.

For a simple glaze, combine ketchup, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. You can also add in a little bit of apple cider vinegar or vinegar for a tangy kick. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.

If you're looking for a cheesier glaze, you can add some cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese to the centre of the loaf. Or, for a deeper, smokier flavour, mix in some liquid smoke or smoked paprika. You can even try a combination of ketchup and BBQ sauce for the glaze, or just use BBQ sauce or ketchup on their own.

Once the glaze is prepared, spread it over the meatloaf and return it to the air fryer for the final stage of cooking. The glaze will caramelise and add a wonderful flavour to the meatloaf.

You can also reserve some of the glaze to serve on the side as a dipping sauce. This is a great option if you're serving the meatloaf to kids, who will surely enjoy dipping their meatloaf slices into the extra sauce!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making meatloaf in an air fryer will depend on the type and size of your air fryer, as well as the size of your meatloaf. However, a good rule of thumb is to cook your meatloaf at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 350°F before adding the meatloaf, while others recommend against it. If your air fryer automatically preheats, you can simply adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.

Cooking the Meatloaf

Air fry the meatloaf for 15-20 minutes. Then, brush a glaze on top and air fry for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to ensure your meatloaf is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the centre of the meatloaf and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

Adjusting Cooking Time

If you are making a larger or smaller meatloaf, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you are using less than a pound of ground beef, you may need to reduce the cooking time. Similarly, if you are using more than 2 pounds of ground beef, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Preventing Overcooking

To prevent overcooking, it is recommended to check the meatloaf early and add more time as needed. You can also cover the meatloaf with aluminium foil if the top is browning too quickly.

Resting the Meatloaf

Once your meatloaf has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicy meatloaf.

Resting the meatloaf

After removing the meatloaf from the air fryer, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the meatloaf time to reabsorb its juices, resulting in a moist and tender loaf.

During the cooking process, the proteins in the meat contract and squeeze out some of the liquid. By letting the meatloaf rest, you allow the proteins to relax and reabsorb those tasty juices. If you cut into the meatloaf too soon, those juices will run out, leaving you with a dry and unappetizing meal.

To retain as much heat as possible, keep the meatloaf in the air fryer or on its pan during the resting phase. Tenting it loosely with foil will help conserve heat while still allowing for air circulation. Securing the foil tightly will create steam and soften the crispy surface.

After resting, your meatloaf is ready to be sliced and served!

Storing and reheating

Storing:

After your meatloaf has cooled down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about three to four days. If you don't plan on eating it within that time frame, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Reheating:

There are several ways to reheat your meatloaf and bring it back to its former glory. Here are some options:

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
• Line the air fryer basket with baking or parchment paper.
• Spray both sides of the meatloaf slices with oil or cooking spray.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safely reheated.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
• Place the meatloaf slices in a shallow dish and sprinkle each slice with 1 tablespoon of beef broth.
• Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place it in the centre of the oven.
• Reheat for 20-25 minutes.

Microwave:

• Place the meatloaf slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover the dish with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid.
• Reheat for 1 minute on a low setting, then check the internal temperature.
• Continue reheating in 30-second increments until the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C).

Skillet or Frying Pan:

• Place your skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil and ¼ cup of beef broth.
• Add the meatloaf slices and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
• Increase the heat to evaporate any remaining liquid and crisp up the outside of the slices.

Remember, the key to successful reheating is to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to meet food safety guidelines. Enjoy your delicious, juicy meatloaf!

Frequently asked questions