Air Fryer Meatloaf: Flavorful and Quick
Introduction
Air Fryer Meatloaf is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe combines ground beef, seasonings, and a tangy glaze for a mouthwatering meatloaf that cooks up perfectly in the air fryer. It’s a great choice for busy weeknight dinners or anytime you’re craving the comforting taste of home-cooked meatloaf without the lengthy oven cooking time. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather the essential ingredients you’ll need for Air Fryer Meatloaf:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, milk, ketchup, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
2. Shape the Meatloaf
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. You can make it as long or as thick as you prefer, but ensure it’s not too thick to allow for even cooking.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a nicely browned exterior.
4. Air Fry the Meatloaf
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the shaped meatloaf into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the meatloaf at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The time may vary depending on the thickness of your meatloaf and your air fryer’s performance.
- While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze.
5. Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze.
6. Glaze the Meatloaf
- About 5-10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer.
- Brush the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking until the glaze is caramelized and the meatloaf is cooked through.
7. Rest and Serve
- Once the Air Fryer Meatloaf is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the slices with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Meatloaf is a quick and convenient way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf without the lengthy oven cooking time. The air fryer ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and gets a nice glaze on top for extra flavor.
So, preheat your air fryer, shape that meatloaf, and get ready to savor a batch of Air Fryer Meatloaf. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the flavorful and quick delight!
