Air fryer meatloaf has truly transformed my culinary world.
While traditional methods like the oven or skillet offer their own unique flavors, there's something distinctly delightful about the crispy outside and moist inside that only an air fryer can achieve.
I've tried countless meatloaf recipes in my quest for the ultimate comfort food, but this one? It stands out from the crowd. The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also introduces a texture that's unparalleled.
So, if you're eager to shake up your usual meatloaf routine, stay with me!
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 500g lean ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Cooking spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Fork
- Serving plate
Steps on How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soak up the milk.
Add the egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste (or ketchup), soy sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix well to ensure even distribution of all the ingredients. Let the mixture sit for about half an hour.
Preheat your air fryer (mine is the Instant Vortex Plus XL) to 360ºF (180ºC).
Divide the meat mixture into two portions and shape them into two meatloaves. Use a cooking spatula to place them on the bottom of your air fryer.
Air fry the meatloaves for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 70-75°C.
Once the meatloaves are ready, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature
Every air fryer is a bit unique, so don't hesitate to tweak the cooking time and temperature to achieve your desired result. Generally:
- If you find your meatloaf browning too quickly, decrease the temperature by 20°F and extend the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
- For a meatloaf that's thicker than the one described, you may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through.
Serving Recommendations
A perfectly cooked air fryer meatloaf deserves stellar accompaniments:
Mashed potatoes and buttered green beans are classic choices. Drizzle with a savory gravy or serve with a side of homemade cranberry sauce for a delightful tang.
If you prefer a lighter option, a refreshing garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette will work perfectly. The versatility of this dish opens up a world of possibilities for pairing, from roasted vegetables to garlic bread.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Make this recipe your own with these suggestions:
- Swap out beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- If you're gluten-sensitive, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats as a binder.
- For a kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or mix in some chopped jalapeños.
Leftover Storage
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Alternatively, freeze the meatloaf in individual portions for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pro Tips for Success
- Mixture Consistency: A good meatloaf mix shouldn't be too wet or too dry. If it's falling apart, add an egg. If too soggy, toss in some breadcrumbs.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the meatloaf sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist slice.
- Hands-On: Don't be afraid to mix the ingredients with your hands. It integrates them better than any spoon or spatula can.
Air Fryer Meatloaf FAQs
Your meatloaf mixture might be too wet or lacking a proper binder like eggs or breadcrumbs. Ensure you're mixing the ingredients thoroughly, and consider adding a touch more binder if it seems too loose.
This usually indicates that the cooking temperature is too high, causing the outside to cook faster than the inside. Next time, try reducing the temperature and extending the cooking time for a more even cook.
A dry meatloaf can result from overcooking or using lean meat with minimal fat content. Consider reducing the cooking time, using meat with higher fat content, or adding moist ingredients like grated vegetables or a splash of broth.
To achieve an even crust, make sure to preheat the air fryer and, if possible, occasionally rotate the meatloaf during cooking. A piece of perforated parchment paper under the meatloaf can also help with airflow and even cooking.
In wrapping up our air fryer meatloaf adventure, there's no denying that this innovative approach to an age-old classic is nothing short of a revelation. The delightful textures and nuanced flavors that come from this method are genuinely unbeatable.
Dive deeper into the world of air fryer recipes on our blog — you'll be amazed at the versatility of this device.
If you've given this meatloaf a shot, do leave a comment. Your feedback enriches our community of passionate home cooks!
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Recipe
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Fork
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 500 grams lean ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soak up the milk.
- Add the egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste (or ketchup), soy sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix well to ensure even distribution of all the ingredients. Let the mixture sit for about half an hour.
- Preheat your air fryer (mine is the Instant Vortex XL) to 360ºF (180ºC). Divide the meat mixture into two portions and shape them into two meatloaves. Use a cooking spatula to place them on the bottom of your air fryer.
- Air fry the meatloaves for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 70-75°C.
- Once the meatloaves are ready, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If you find your meatloaf browning too quickly, decrease the temperature by 20°F and extend the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
- For a meatloaf that's thicker than the one described, you may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through.
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