Delicious Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
With a medley of zesty seasonings, condiments, and Panko breadcrumbs, this air fryer meatloaf recipe is destined to captivate your taste buds. It’s a mouthwatering delight that will win the hearts of your entire family. Cooking it in the air fryer ensures that your meatloaf emerges exquisitely moist, tender, and impeccably cooked.
Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
The process of making meatloaf in the air fryer elevates this traditional dish to new heights, yielding remarkable results. The delightful fusion of flavors conjures the nostalgia of “comfort food” while surpassing your fondest memories. Meatloaf, a cherished staple at dinner tables for generations, embodies a juicy, flavor-packed, and satisfying meal. Its variations abound, shaped by different recipes and family preferences.
This astonishingly delectable air fryer meatloaf is rich flavors, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s both timeless and innovative.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Meatloaf
Ground Beef: 2 pounds of ground beef (I prefer 85% lean).
Eggs: 2 large eggs, serving as both a binder and a source of richness.
White Onion: 1 small white or yellow onion, finely diced.
Milk: ¼ cup of whole milk for optimal flavor and consistency.
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, known for their superior texture and ability to enhance the loaf’s structure.
Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons of this savory-sweet sauce, elevating the meatloaf’s taste.
Ketchup: 1 cup of ketchup, divided into two ½-cup portions, adding a homemade touch with its tangy flavor.
Garlic: 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, working in harmony with the onion to infuse every bite with delightful aromas and flavor.
Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning (you can easily make your own).
Ground Mustard: 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, offering a pleasant surprise to your meal.
Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon of each, the timeless duo that enhances the flavor of everything.
Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (regular or sweet paprika also works well).
How To Prepare Air Fryer Meatloaf
Instructions for preparing and cooking Air Fryer Meatloaf:
Preheat your air fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5). Ensure it reaches the desired temperature to ensure accurate cooking times.
Prepare the aluminum foil: Take a sheet of aluminum foil slightly larger than your meatloaf. Lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray. This will allow you to fold up the edges, creating a “tray” for your meatloaf.
Preparing the Meatloaf:
- Measure Out ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients – 2 pounds (907.18 grams) of ground beef, 2 large eggs, 1 small diced onion, ¼ cup (59 milliliters) of milk, 1 cup (60 grams) of Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons (29.5 milliliters) of Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup (117.5 grams) of ketchup, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon (5 grams) of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of ground mustard, 1 teaspoon (6 grams) each of salt and pepper, and ½ teaspoon (1 gram) of smoked paprika. Remember to set aside ½ cup of ketchup for later use in step 5.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: Thoroughly combine all the ingredients in the mixing bowl. You can use your clean hands to ensure the mixture is well incorporated.
- Form Your Meatloaf: Create an even rectangular shape for your meatloaf, approximately 2-3 inches thick. Place the meatloaf on the prepared aluminum foil with the edges turned up to form a tray-like shape.
- Transfer And Cook: Put the meatloaf into the air fryer and cook it at 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5) for 30 minutes.
- Apply ketchup topping: Open the air fryer and evenly spread the reserved ½ cup (117.5 grams) of ketchup over the entire top of the meatloaf.
- Finish cooking the meatloaf: Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5). The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160-165°F (71-74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil and cook for a few more minutes until it’s done.
- Drain and serve: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the air fryer. You can tilt the air fryer basket to drain any excess fat and liquid. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving plate and slicing. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Meatloaf
When serving Air Fryer Meatloaf, consider pairing it with these side dishes:
- Creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Air fryer carrots (or microwave carrots if your air fryer is in use)
Tips and Recipe Guidelines
- Ensure thorough mixing of ingredients with the ground meat to create a consistent flavor throughout. Take your time to prevent any clumps, like a lump of minced garlic in the middle.
- Maintain an even shape when forming your meatloaf to ensure uniform cooking. An uneven shape may result in uneven cooking or burning.
- Aim for a medium-well-done cook on your meatloaf to prevent a runny center or slices that lose their shape.
Storing and Reheating
You can store your meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but it’s best consumed within 1-2 days. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic cling film.
Freezing Air Fryer Meatloaf
For longer storage, freeze your cooked meatloaf for up to 3-4 months. Store the cooled meatloaf in a freezer container or wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer storage bag.
Slicing it before freezing and individually wrapping each slice in plastic wrap makes thawing and reheating more convenient. You can also freeze the raw meatloaf by shaping it, wrapping it as instructed, and fully defrost it in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating, whether raw or cooked.
Reheating Air Fryer Meatloaf
You can reheat meatloaf in the microwave, air fryer, or oven. The preferred method is using the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C). The timing will vary depending on the portion being reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Lean Ground Beef to Make Meatloaf?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that it might result in a drier meatloaf. For the best results, use 85% lean ground beef. If you want to reduce meat content, you can experiment by using half ground turkey or chicken with half the amount of beef.
Should I Freeze Meatloaf Raw or Fully Cooked?
It’s recommended to freeze your meatloaf raw if possible. Cooking it only once preserves the texture and moisture, enhancing the appeal of this classic American dinner.
Do I Need to Flip Meatloaf in the Air Fryer?
No, there’s no need to flip your meatloaf. Air fryers distribute hot air evenly, ensuring your meatloaf turns out perfectly without requiring any adjustments.
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Air Fryer Meatloaf
Ingredients
- ▢2 lbs lean ground beef 85% lean ground beef
- ▢2 large eggs
- ▢1 small white onion or yellow onion
- ▢¼ cup whole milk
- ▢1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ▢2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ▢1 cup ketchup divided into 2 ½ cup portions
- ▢1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ▢1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ▢1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ▢1 teaspoon each salt & pepper
- ▢½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5). Ensure it reaches the desired temperature to ensure accurate cooking times.
- Prepare the aluminum foil: Take a sheet of aluminum foil slightly larger than your meatloaf. Lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray. This will allow you to fold up the edges, creating a "tray" for your meatloaf.
- Measure Out ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients - 2 pounds (907.18 grams) of ground beef, 2 large eggs, 1 small diced onion, ¼ cup (59 milliliters) of milk, 1 cup (60 grams) of Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons (29.5 milliliters) of Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup (117.5 grams) of ketchup, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon (5 grams) of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of ground mustard, 1 teaspoon (6 grams) each of salt and pepper, and ½ teaspoon (1 gram) of smoked paprika. Remember to set aside ½ cup of ketchup for later use in step 5.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: Thoroughly combine all the ingredients in the mixing bowl. You can use your clean hands to ensure the mixture is well incorporated.
- Form Your Meatloaf: Create an even rectangular shape for your meatloaf, approximately 2-3 inches thick. Place the meatloaf on the prepared aluminum foil with the edges turned up to form a tray-like shape.
- Transfer And Cook: Put the meatloaf into the air fryer and cook it at 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5) for 30 minutes.
- Apply ketchup topping: Open the air fryer and evenly spread the reserved ½ cup (117.5 grams) of ketchup over the entire top of the meatloaf.
- Finish cooking the meatloaf: Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5). The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160-165°F (71-74°C). If it hasn't reached this temperature, cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil and cook for a few more minutes until it's done.
- Drain and serve: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the air fryer. You can tilt the air fryer basket to drain any excess fat and liquid. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving plate and slicing. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
