Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a hearty family meal. But have you ever tried making meatloaf in the air fryer? If not, you’re in for a real treat!
Air frying is a popular cooking method that uses hot air to cook food to crispy perfection, without the need for excess oil. The air fryer is a versatile kitchen gadget that can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, including meatloaf.
Is it Safe to Cook Meatloaf in The Air Fryer?
Yes, it is safe to cook meatloaf in the air fryer as long as it is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The air fryer uses hot air to cook the meatloaf to crispy perfection without the need for excess oil, making it a healthy and safe cooking option. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf has reached the correct temperature and is fully cooked for food safety.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can take the following steps:
Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before adding the meatloaf.
You can also line the basket with parchment paper, which will not only prevent sticking but also make cleaning up easier.
Make sure the meatloaf is not too wet or sticky. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or other dry ingredients to help bind it together.
Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the meatloaf to stick and cook unevenly. Leave some space around the meatloaf so that air can circulate and cook it evenly.
By following these tips, you can prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the air fryer basket and ensure that it cooks up perfectly.
Ingredients for Making Meatloaf in The Air Fryer
- 750 g ground beef and ground pork
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup onion grated
- ½ Tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 Beef stock cube I used knorr cubes (8g) but you can also use an OXO cube
- ½ Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 large Eggs
- Salt and black pepper
- Meatloaf glaze
- ¾ cup ketchup
- â…“ cup light brown sugar
Making Meatloaf in The Air Fryer Step by Step
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan that will fit inside your air fryer. Make sure to pack it tightly so that it holds its shape.
4. Place the loaf pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove the loaf pan from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What is the best type of meat to use for meatloaf in the air fryer?
The best type of meat to use for meatloaf in the air fryer is a combination of ground beef and ground pork. This will give the meatloaf a nice balance of flavor and moisture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but keep in mind that the meatloaf may not be as juicy. Some recipes even call for a combination of beef, pork, and veal for a more traditional meatloaf flavor. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and dietary restrictions.
Meatloaf in The Air Fryer Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of meatloaf in the air fryer will depend on the specific ingredients used in the recipe. Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional value of a serving of meatloaf made with ground beef and pork, using the recipe and ingredients provided in the previous answer:
Calories: 365
Total fat: 21g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 616mg
Total carbohydrate: 10g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 32g
Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the nutritional value can vary based on the specific ingredients and portions used. Additionally, adding side dishes or toppings like mashed potatoes or gravy can add additional calories and nutrients to the overall meal. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and to balance the meal with plenty of vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods.
Meatloaf in The Air Fryer | Meatloaf in an Air Fryer | Cooking Meatloaf in Air Fryer | Meatloaf in Air Fryer Oven
Equipment
- Air Fryer An air fryer is a countertop appliance that cooks food using hot air. It works by circulating hot air around the food, which creates a crispy exterior without the need for a lot of oil. You'll need an air fryer to cook the meatloaf in this recipe.
- Loaf Pan A loaf pan is used to shape the meatloaf and keep it in a uniform shape. Make sure to use a loaf pan that will fit inside your air fryer.
- Mixing Bowl A mixing bowl is used to combine all of the ingredients for the meatloaf.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons To ensure that you add the right amount of each ingredient, you'll need measuring cups and spoons.
- Meat Thermometer A meat thermometer is used to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure that it's fully cooked. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the center of the meatloaf to get an accurate reading.
Ingredients
- 750 Gram Ground beef and ground pork
- ¾ Cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ Cup Milk
- ½ Cup Onion grated
- ½ Tbsp Garlic minced
- ½ Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
- 2 Tbsp Yellow mustard
- 2 Piece Eggs
- Salt and black pepper
- Meatloaf glaze
- ¾ Cup Ketchup
- ½ Cup Light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan that will fit inside your air fryer. Make sure to pack it tightly so that it holds its shape.
- Place the loaf pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove the loaf pan from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
- Use a loaf pan that will fit inside your air fryer. This will help to keep the meatloaf in a uniform shape and prevent it from drying out.
- Don't overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough and dry meatloaf. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed, but don't overdo it.
- Use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to help bind the meatloaf. This will help to keep it together and prevent it from falling apart.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meatloaf.
- Add your favorite spices or seasonings to the meat mixture to customize the flavor to your liking.
