Easy Homemade Air Fryer Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a fantastic comfort food. Traditional meatloaf recipes have large amounts of fat and calories.

You can now enjoy a healthier version of meatloaf without sacrificing taste or texture.

Another advantage of cooking meatloaf in an air fryer is that it helps retain moisture, unlike conventional ovens that can sometimes dry out the meatloaf.

Using The Best Ingredients For Air Fryer Meatloaf

Creating the best meatloaf starts with high-quality ingredients.

Choose lean minced beef (5% fat or less) for a healthier option or a combination of low-fat minced/ground beef and pork for added flavour.

Try using chicken or turkey mince for another low-fat choice.

Don’t forget to use as many fresh ingredients as possible.

Feel free to add vegetables like finely chopped peppers, or carrots and experiment with seasonings and herbs.

Ingredients

This recipe will make a 1lb meatloaf suitable for 4 servings.

• 1/2 tsp garlic granules
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 2 tsp parsley fresh or dried
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 medium egg beaten
• 454g lean minced/ground beef
• 25g breadcrumbs

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How To Prepare Air Fryer Meatloaf

Gently mix the minced beef, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg and breadcrumbs together, making sure not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough texture.

Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into a loaf form. Use your hands to mould or place in a suitable tin for your air fryer.

In a separate bowl, mix the mustard and tomato ketchup. Set aside.

Preheat your air fryer to 190C/380F.

Once preheated, line the basket if you are not using a tin.

Carefully place the meatloaf in the basket.

Air Fryer Meatloaf Cook Time and Temperature

Cook at 190C/380F for 25 minutes.

Cook for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes glaze the meatloaf with the mustard and tomato ketchup mixture.

Cook for a further 10 minutes.

How To Check Your Meatloaf Is Cooked

To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, it’s essential to check its internal temperature.

Use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature at the centre of the meatloaf.

The FSA recommends that ground meat should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Once the correct temperature is reached, carefully remove the meatloaf from the basket.

Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting the meatloaf helps it to retain its juices.

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Serving Suggestions and Variations

Meatloaf is delicious with creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables or a fresh garden salad.

If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different toppings and glazes.

a) Barbecue Glazed Meatloaf: Brush the meatloaf with your favourite barbecue sauce before cooking it in the air fryer. The tangy and slightly sweet glaze adds a lovely twist.

b) Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf: Create a cheesy surprise by adding a layer of cheese in the middle of the meatloaf mixture. As it cooks, the cheese will melt, creating a gooey delicious centre.

c) Mediterranean-inspired Meatloaf: Try adding some Mediterranean flavours like chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried herbs like basil and oregano.

For individual servings or a fun twist, you can create mini meatloaf muffins using a muffin tin.

This allows everyone to have their portion, and they cook faster due to their smaller size.

Air Fryer Meatloaf Glazes

Bored with the same old glaze, why not try these alternatives:

Tangy BBQ Glaze

Mix 3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, 3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup, 2-3 light brown sugar and season with salt and pepper.

Maple And Mustard Glaze

Blend these ingredients:

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp maple syrup

If you don’t have any apple cider vinegar substitute with 3 tablespoons of Coca-cola!

Brown Sugar Glaze

Mix 12 tablespoons of brown sugar,12 tablespoons of tomato ketchup and 1 tsp of salt.

Let the glaze sit for a few minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve.

How To Store and Freeze Meatloaf

There’s no need to let any go to waste!

You can keep any leftover meatloaf in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freeze the meatloaf in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to six months!

How To Reheat Air Fryer Meatloaf

Remove from the refrigerator and place in the basket at 200C/400F for 6-8 minutes.

Frozen meatloaf needs to be defrosted before reheating. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat at 200C/400F for 6-8 minutes or until piping hot.

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Meatloaf

To ensure your meatloaf turns out delicious every time, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing can result in a dense texture. Mix until all the ingredients are combined, but be gentle to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Consider brushing the meatloaf with sauce or a light oil coating before air frying. This helps add flavour and moisture and gives the meatloaf a crispy brown crust.
3. Try wrapping the meatloaf with some streaky bacon before placing it in the air fryer. The bacon adds an extra layer of richness and keeps the meatloaf juicy during cooking.
4. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes so that the juices redistribute for a moist and tasty meatloaf. The resting period also makes it easier to slice without crumbling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen minced / ground meat for air fryer meatloaf?

It is recommended to thaw the ground meat completely before using it for meatloaf. Thawing ensures even cooking and prevents any food safety concerns. Plan ahead and allow the ground meat to thaw in the refrigerator before preparing your meatloaf mixture.

How long does it take to cook a meatloaf in an air fryer?

The cooking time varies depending on the size and thickness of the meatloaf, as well as the wattage of your air fryer. On average, a standard-sized meatloaf may take approximately 25-30 minutes at 190°C/380°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches the internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Using a traditional oven instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy delicious meatloaf by using a traditional oven. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, place the meatloaf in a baking dish or loaf pan, and bake according to your recipe’s instructions.

Making gluten-free meatloaf in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free meatloaf. Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free too.

Preparing the meatloaf mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time. Mix the ingredients, shape the meatloaf, and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This can be a great convenient option for busy days or when you want to save time with meal preparation.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Enjoy this healthy meatloaf .Try alternative glazes for a different taste.

Serving Size

4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Wait Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Notes

Use alternative minced/ground meat if you prefer.
Glaze the meatloaf to give it a delicious crust.
Nutritional Values are approximate.

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp garlic granules
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 2 tsp parsley fresh or dried
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 medium egg beaten
• 454g lean minced/ground beef
• 25g breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Gently mix the minced beef, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg and breadcrumbs together, making sure not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough texture.
2. Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into a loaf form. Use your hands or a tin suitable for your air fryer.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the mustard and tomato ketchup. Set aside.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 190C/375F.
5. Once preheated, line the air fryer basket if you are not using a tin.
6. Carefully place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket.
7. Air fry at 190C/375F for 25 minutes.
8. After 25 minutes glaze the meatloaf with the mustard and tomato ketchup mixture.
9. Air fry for a further 10 minutes.
10. Use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature at the centre of the meatloaf.
11. When cooked the internal temperature will read 160°F (71°C).
12. After removing the meatloaf from the air fryer, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting the meatloaf helps it to retain its juices.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Serves:

Amount Per Serving: 4
Calories		220 cals per serving
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g		10.8%
	Saturated Fat 3g	15%
	Trans Fat
Cholesterol 111mg		37%
Sodium 580mg		24.2%
Total Carbohydrate 10g		3.3%
	Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
	Sugars 3g
Protein 27g

Vitamin A 141iu		Vitamin C 4mcg
Calcium 40mg		Iron 4mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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