Meatloaf Perfection: Nuwave Air Fryer Style

Making meatloaf in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender meatloaf in less time than it would take in an oven. This guide will show you how to make meatloaf in a Nuwave air fryer, ensuring a mouthwatering dish every time.

Meatloaf ingredients and prep

The ingredients you will need for your meatloaf will vary depending on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. However, here is a general guide to the ingredients and preparation methods commonly used when making meatloaf in a Nuwave air fryer.

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

• Ground beef – You can also use ground turkey, pork, veal, or lamb.
• Breadcrumbs – Fresh or dry. You can also use panko, Italian, gluten-free, or quick-cooking oats.
• Eggs – These help to bind the meatloaf together.
• Milk – For moisture.
• Onion – Diced or finely chopped.
• Garlic – Minced or finely chopped.
• Worcestershire sauce – For depth of flavor.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, dried herbs, spices, or grated Parmesan cheese.

For the glaze:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard – Spicy, ground, or Dijon.
• Apple cider vinegar
• Cooking spray

Prep

• Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
• Form the meat mixture into a loaf of even thickness (about 2 inches thick). A rectangular shape works best for even cooking.
• Create a 'cradle' for the meatloaf by forming a piece of foil into a rectangle larger than the loaf with the edges curled up. Place it into the air fryer, ensuring it does not cover the basket entirely to allow air to flow through. Spray the foil with non-stick spray.
• Place the meatloaf on the foil.
• Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes.
• While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
• After 25 minutes, slather the meatloaf with the glaze and air fry for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Air fryer settings

The air fryer is a great way to cook meatloaf, as it significantly reduces the cooking time compared to a conventional oven. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350ºF and 390ºF.

The size of your air fryer will determine the size of your meatloaf. If you are using a smaller air fryer, it is recommended to not use more than 1lb of ground beef.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatloaf and the wattage of your air fryer. For a 1lb meatloaf, cook for around 25-30 minutes. For a 2lb meatloaf, this could be up to 45 minutes.

It is important to keep an eye on your meatloaf while it is cooking, as air fryers can vary. If the meat starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.

To check if your meatloaf is cooked, use a calibrated quick-read thermometer. The ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 155ºF–165ºF.

Cooking time and temperature

When it comes to cooking time and temperature for making meatloaf in a Nuwave air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of your air fryer and the amount of meat you plan to use will impact the cooking time. For example, if you're using a smaller air fryer, it's recommended to use no more than 1 lb of ground beef. The shape of your meatloaf also matters – a flat, rectangular shape will ensure even cooking.

In terms of temperature, most sources recommend cooking your meatloaf at around 350-390°F. However, one source suggests preheating your Nuwave oven to 350°F for a 6-inch meatloaf or 375°F for a 9-inch meatloaf.

As for cooking time, a 1 lb meatloaf will typically take around 25-30 minutes to cook, while a 2 lb meatloaf may take up to 45 minutes. However, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your meatloaf as it cooks.

To ensure your meatloaf is cooked through, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-165°F. If your meatloaf is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.

Glaze ingredients and prep

The glaze is a key component of a meatloaf, giving it a tangy, sweet, or savoury taste. Here are some glaze options for your meatloaf cooked in a Nuwave air fryer:

Option 1:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Ground mustard

Option 2:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Spicy mustard

Option 3:

• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Light brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

Prep

Mix the ingredients for your chosen glaze in a small bowl and set aside. After cooking the meatloaf for 30 minutes, spread half of the sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving suggestions

• Mashed potatoes
• Creamed spinach
• Broccoli
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Garlic mushrooms
• Parmesan potatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Baked potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Gravy
• Salad
• Green beans
• Hash browns
• Mac and cheese
• Grilled cheese
• Tuna steak
• Turkey tenderloin
• Rice

Frequently asked questions