Air fryer meatloaf is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic comfort food without the need for an oven. Here’s a recipe and some notes to help you make a tasty air fryer meatloaf:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also use a mixture of beef and pork or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, diced bell pepper, diced celery, diced carrot, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
- Shape the mixture into a loaf shape. You can place it on a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil to make it easier to transfer to the air fryer basket.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Air Fry the Meatloaf:
- Place the meatloaf into the preheated air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf.
- Let it Rest:
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Serve:
- Slice the air fryer meatloaf and serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Notes:
- You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. Add chopped herbs, spices, or other seasonings to the meat mixture for additional flavor.
- Make sure your air fryer is preheated for best results. Preheating helps with even cooking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your meatloaf. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Feel free to experiment with different glazes for the meatloaf. Some people like to top it with extra ketchup or a glaze made from a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
- You can also wrap the meatloaf in bacon strips before air frying for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer meatloaf!
1. Add Vegetables: You can incorporate more vegetables into your meatloaf for added flavor and nutrition. Grated zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work well. Just make sure to remove excess moisture from the veggies to avoid a soggy meatloaf.
2. Cheese: Consider adding grated cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist. Cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella can be great choices.
3. Topping Variations: Instead of the traditional ketchup topping, try different sauces or glazes. Barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, or a mixture of brown sugar and mustard can add a unique flavor to your meatloaf.
4. Mini Meatloaves: Make individual mini meatloaves instead of one large loaf. This can reduce cooking time and make serving easier.
5. Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings and herbs like paprika, oregano, rosemary, or chili powder to customize the flavor to your liking.
6. Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature. Cooking times can vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it’s essential to monitor your meatloaf’s progress.
7. Temperature Control: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
8. Resting Period: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.
9. Side Dishes: Serve your air fryer meatloaf with a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
10. Leftovers: Meatloaf makes great leftovers. You can use it in sandwiches, crumble it into pasta sauce, or chop it up for a hearty salad to enjoy the next day.
11. Cleanup: Cleanup is usually easy with an air fryer, but you can line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil for even easier cleanup.
Air fryer meatloaf is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
