Air-Fried Turkey Meatloaf: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's sure to be a family favourite. It's moist, tender, and full of flavour, with a delicious glaze or topping. Using an air fryer cuts down the cooking time by half compared to traditional baking, so you can have this meal on the table in under an hour. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef, and you can easily find it in different fat percentages. This recipe is also versatile – you can add some spice with jalapenos or siracha, or satisfy your sweet tooth by mixing in some brown sugar with the ketchup.

Choosing the right ground turkey

Lean-to-Fat Ratio:

When selecting ground turkey for meatloaf, it's important to consider the lean-to-fat ratio. While ground turkey breast with a higher lean percentage (99% or 93% lean) can be healthier, it tends to yield a drier meatloaf. For a juicier and more flavourful meatloaf, opt for ground turkey with a lower lean percentage, such as 85% or 90-92% lean. This will ensure that your meatloaf is moist and tender.

Availability and Preference:

Ground turkey is readily available in various fat percentages. The most common options are 99% lean (white meat), 93% lean, and 85% lean. If you can find it, 85% lean ground turkey is an excellent choice for meatloaf as it has a good balance of fat content, resulting in a moist and flavourful dish. However, if you cannot find 85% lean, 93% lean is a suitable alternative.

Brand and Quality:

Look for reputable brands that offer high-quality ground turkey. Check the ingredient list to ensure there are no added preservatives or fillers. Choosing a brand that sources its turkey responsibly and adheres to good animal welfare practices is always recommended.

Freshness:

Always check the expiration date and inspect the packaging for any signs of damage. Fresh ground turkey should have a bright pink colour and a fresh, pleasant aroma. Avoid packages with excessive liquid or discoloured meat, as these may indicate that the turkey is past its prime.

Quantity:

When preparing air fryer turkey meatloaf, it's crucial to use the right amount of ground turkey. Most recipes call for 1 to 2 pounds of ground turkey, depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you desire. Adjust the quantities of other ingredients accordingly to ensure a well-balanced meatloaf mixture.

By following these guidelines and selecting the right ground turkey, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering air fryer turkey meatloaf that's sure to impress!

Preparing the glaze

While the meatloaf is cooking, it's time to prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth and well combined. You can make the glaze by mixing ketchup with light brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add a little apple cider vinegar to the glaze mixture if you want a less sweet and tangier glaze.

Once the meatloaf has cooked for 20 minutes, remove the air fryer basket and brush half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes.

When the cooking is complete, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and brush with the remaining glaze. Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking the meatloaf

Now that your meatloaf mixture is ready, it's time to cook your delicious air fryer turkey meatloaf! Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Shape the Meatloaf

Take the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf. The ideal dimensions for your loaf are approximately 6 inches long, 3 to 4 inches wide, and about 2 inches tall. You can also divide the mixture into smaller portions to make mini loaves, which will reduce the cooking time.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with aluminium foil. This step is important as it catches any mess created during the cooking process. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.

Step 3: Place the Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the shaped meatloaf into the prepared air fryer basket. If you have a larger air fryer, you may need to make multiple loaves to fit. If your air fryer has trays instead of a basket, place the meatloaf on the bottom tray.

Step 4: Cook the Meatloaf

Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the meatloaf for 20 minutes. If you are cooking mini loaves, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

While the meatloaf is cooking, you can prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup with other ingredients like brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or apple cider vinegar. You can also add spices like garlic powder and onion powder to the ketchup for extra flavour.

Step 6: Glaze and Continue Cooking

After the initial 20 minutes of cooking, remove the air fryer basket and brush half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. You can also flip the meatloaf over at this point. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking at 350°F for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of your meatloaf.

Step 7: Check the Temperature

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the meatloaf; it should reach 160°F for beef and 165°F for turkey. If it hasn't reached the desired temperature, cook for another 5 minutes and check again.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps retain the juices, ensuring a moist and juicy meatloaf. Enjoy your delicious air fryer turkey meatloaf!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your air-fried turkey meatloaf. Here are some ideas:

• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, French fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy potatoes are all great options to serve with your meatloaf.
• Vegetables: Try riced cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, a salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Pasta: A light pasta salad or garlic Parmesan knots would go well with the meatloaf.
• Rice: You could serve garlic rice or a tasty roasted potato salad on the side.
• Bread: Try garlic Parmesan knots or Pandesal (Filipino rolls).
• Other sides: Meatloaf also pairs well with a side of cheese, bacon, gravy, or butter.

You can also get creative and use your leftover meatloaf to make sandwiches, stuff peppers, or make meatloaf tacos by wrapping it in a flour tortilla and adding cheese.

Storing leftovers

If you want to freeze your leftovers, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

To reheat your meatloaf, put it back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Spray the top and bottom of the meatloaf with non-stick cooking spray to help re-crisp the outside. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for about 1 minute.

Now you can enjoy your delicious air-fried turkey meatloaf again and again!

Frequently asked questions