Cooking meatloaf in an air fryer not only ensures a juicy texture but also allows for a tangy glaze, making it an easy and efficient way to enjoy a classic dish. This method significantly cuts down the cooking time compared to an oven, transforming it into a quick yet comforting meal. Serving it with mashed potatoes complements the flavors perfectly. The key to success lies in the recipe and quality of ingredients, which I can attest to from personal experience.
How to Cook Meatloaf in an Air Fryer?
In terms of instructions, step-by-step guidance simplifies the process. The basics of the recipe involve mixing the meatloaf ingredients, shaping the loaf, applying the glaze, and then cooking it in the air fryer until it’s perfectly done. This method ensures a delightful meal that’s efficiently and deliciously prepared.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this air fryer meatloaf recipe at home:
For the meatloaf: Making meatloaf in an air fryer starts with a detailed ingredient list. For the base of your meatloaf, you’ll need bread crumbs and whole milk to add moisture, ground round for a rich flavor, finely chopped yellow onion, an egg to bind it all together, fresh thyme, and a seasoning mix of salt and pepper. These ingredients, when combined, create a delightful texture and taste that’s both hearty and satisfying.
For the glaze: The glaze adds a unique touch to the meatloaf. Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, complementing the meat perfectly. Before placing your meatloaf in the air fryer, don’t forget to spray the basket with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
Related Article: How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Fries in Air Fryer?
How Do You Air Fry Meatloaf?
Cooking meatloaf in an air fryer offers a brief overview of what to expect and how to make it.
- Mix breadcrumbs, milk, beef, onion, egg, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Shape the beef mixture into two, small meatloaves.
- Prepare and Make the glaze.
- Cook until browned, brushing evenly towards the end of the cooking time.
How Long to Air Fry Meatloaf?
To perfectly air fry a meatloaf, first preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the meatloaf inside and cook until it’s browned, which typically takes about 20 minutes. For safety and perfection, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the center of the meatloaf reaches 155 degrees F (or 68 degrees C). This ensures your meatloaf is cooked thoroughly yet remains juicy.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Meatloaf?
When deciding what to serve with Air Fryer Meatloaf, explore our collection of the Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf. This delicious assortment provides serving inspiration with top-rated recipes that complement the flavors of the meatloaf, creating a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or a bit more adventurous, this collection has something to delight everyone’s palate.
- The Best Mashed Potatoes
- Italian Peas
- Fast and Easy Creamed Spinach
How to Store Air-Fried Meatloaf?
To properly store your Air-Fried Meatloaf, ensure it’s cooled down first. Then, tightly wrap the air fryer meatloaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh and delicious for three to four days. This method maintains the meatloaf’s moisture and flavor, making it just as enjoyable when reheated.
All Recipes Community Tips and Praise
The all recipes community is buzzing with praise for how easy and quick it is to make meatloaf in an air fryer. Members love the simplicity and speed.
One member, Blondie, shared a delicious tip: adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the ingredient list for an extra flavor kick.
Corey Williams’ editorial contributions have been particularly helpful, offering insights that elevate the dish to new heights.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 pound ground round (85/15)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- cooking spray
Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
In a medium bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Add beef, onion, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly, ensuring not to overmix.
Step 2: Shaping the Meatloaf
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Shape the beef mixture into two rectangles, each measuring approximately 3- x 4 1/2-inch.
Step 3: Preparing the Glaze
For the glaze, mix ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Cooking the Meatloaf
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and line with parchment paper for easier clean up. Place the meatloaves in the preheated air fryer. Cook until browned, about 20 to 25 minutes, brushing with the ketchup mixture at 18 minutes into cooking. Ensure an instant-read thermometer reads 155 degrees F (68 degrees C) at the center of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Serving
Remove the meatloaf from the basket and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme leaves and serve. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer meatloaf!
Related Article: How to Cook Chicken Sausage in Air Fryer?
Nutrition Facts
364 Calories
19g Fat
10g Carbs
35g Protein
Why Make Meatloaf in the Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to make meatloaf transforms this classic and favorite meal into a quick and convenient option for weeknight dinner.
- Baked in half the time compared to an oven recipe.
- Fat drips away into the pan, allowing the meat to cook more healthily.
- Make 2 smaller meatloaves for easier handling and crispier edges.
- Cleanup is a breeze with the Cosori 5.8QT XL – just a quick rinse or pop in the dishwasher.
Tips for Air Fryer Meatloaf
Make it Smaller!
For meatloaf recipes in an air fryer, opting for smaller sizes is key. Using two pounds of ground beef may be too much for your air fryer to handle, as it needs room to cook evenly. A large meatloaf may get darkened on the outside before being cooked through. Try making 1 pound meatloafs, placing two of them side by side in the air fryer. This allows enough space between the loaves for air to circulate properly.
Related Article: How to Cook Chicken Kebabs in Air Fryer?
Line the Basket with Foil, if you want to.
You might have read online that lining the basket with foil when cooking air fryer meatloaf is beneficial, and there are two reasons for this. First, it catches any juices that drop to the bottom and prevents them from sticking, easing both removing the meatloaf and cleanup. However, I’ve found that not lining the basket allows the fat to drip away from the loaf, which can be a good thing. Using a silicon spatula or lifter to get under the meatloaf can be effective if there’s minor sticking.
Don’t Try to Cook it too fast
While it’s tempting to speed up cooking in an air fryer with high heat, be warned that your meatloaf can easily burn. Bumping up the heat during initial cooking may lead to a burnt exterior. Keep the temperature around 370 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of cooking, especially when applying the glaze, to avoid darkening. My taste-testers have always appreciated the delicious, crisp texture of the loaf cooked at this temperature.
Rest the Loaf
After cooking, it’s crucial to rest your meatloaf. Leave it on the counter, uncovered, right out of the air fryer basket for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the loaf to firm up. Resting time makes it much easier to transfer the loaf to a cutting board and slice it neatly.
Use a Thermometer
To ensure perfect doneness, always use a thermometer. An instant-read thermometer is ideal to test for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F in the middle to be considered safe to eat. This is a foolproof way to avoid undercooked or overcooked meatloaf.
Mix Everything but the Meat First.
A key technique in making meatloaf is to Mix all ingredients before adding the ground meat. This prevents overmixing, which can make the meat tough. Start by mixing your wet ingredients, seasonings, and breadcrumbs. Once these are evenly dispersed, gently toss in the ground meat. This ensures the wetness and flavor are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture, leading to a perfectly moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Related Article: How to Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer?
Conclusion
Mastering the art of cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is a culinary adventure worth exploring. This modern twist on a classic dish not only saves time but also enhances flavor and texture, making it an ideal choice for any meal, especially busy weeknights. The precision of temperature control, combined with the right mix of ingredients and a touch of personal flair, such as the optional use of foil for lining or making smaller loaves, elevates this comfort food to a new level. The comprehensive guide provided here, from preparation to serving tips, ensures that your air fryer meatloaf will be a mouthwatering success. Embrace this innovative cooking method and enjoy a healthier, tastier, and more efficient way to satisfy your meatloaf cravings.
FAQs on Cooking Meatloaf in an Air Fryer
What temp time should meatloaf be cooked at?
For the Best Meatloaf, use a 3-step approach: bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to cook it inside. Then, increase the heat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for the last 15 minutes to give the outside a tasty crust.
Can I cook meat in air fryer?
Yes, it's safe to cook raw meat in an air fryer, provided it's defrosted and seasoned. While monitored, the air fryer cooks fully cooked foods like chicken tenders or fries from frozen. It's recommended for thoroughly and even cooking, resulting in a tasty final product.
When cooking meatloaf should it be covered?
To cook meatloaf, you can do it either covered or uncovered. If you're concerned about burning, cover it with foil for the first 45 minutes, then uncover for the final 15 minutes to let the top brown.
Is meatloaf done at 180 degrees?
Meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use a thermometer to check at the center. An oven-safe thermometer can be placed in the meatloaf while it's in the oven.