Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
A meatloaf in the oven takes over an hour and often dries at the edges. Meatloaf in an air fryer cooks in about 35 minutes, with a sticky glaze and a tender middle, as long as the loaf is small enough for the basket. This recipe makes a 500 g loaf for four, with times for mini loaves and a bigger machine.
- Temperature
- 170°C
- Total time
- 1hr
- Prep
- 15min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 75°C
- Per serving
- 340kcal
Why the air fryer works for meatloaf
Cooking a meatloaf in an air fryer is quicker than the oven, because the small cooking space heats up fast and the hot air moves right around the tin. The outside of the loaf and the glaze caramelise nicely, and it takes about half the time of the oven version.
There is one limit: size. Meatloaf in an air fryer works best with a 500 g loaf in a small tin that leaves a gap around the sides, so the air can circulate. A larger loaf will brown on top before the middle is done, so for 1 kg or more, use the oven.
How to make meatloaf in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix Stir the breadcrumbs and milk together in a bowl and leave for . Add the mince, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper and mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Shape Press the mixture into a 450 g loaf tin or a foil tin that fits your basket with a little room around it. Smooth the top.
- Cook Heat the air fryer to 170 °C. Place the tin in the basket and cook for .
- Glaze Stir the ketchup, sugar and vinegar together and spread over the top. Cook for a further , until the glaze is sticky.
- Check Minced meat must be cooked right through, so insert a meat thermometer into the centre. It should read 75 °C, with no pink meat and clear juices.
- Rest Leave the loaf in the tin for , then lift it out and cut into thick slices.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Meatloaf | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Meatloaf, 500 gGlaze for the last 10 min | 170 °C | 35 min |
| Mini meatloaves (muffin tin) | 180 °C | 15–18 min |
| Meatloaf pattiesTurn halfway | 180 °C | 12–14 min |
| Larger loaf, 750 gNeeds a large air fryer | 160 °C | 45–50 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 75 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
You may also like: How to convert oven recipes to the air fryer
Tips
- Use a tin that fits. A 450 g loaf tin or a small foil tin should sit flat in the basket with at least 1 cm to spare on each side.
- Do not skip the resting time. Ten minutes makes the difference between clean slices and a crumbly loaf.
- Check the temperature. A meat thermometer in the thickest part is the only reliable way to know the middle is done.
Serving
Slice the meatloaf thickly and serve with creamy mash, carrots and green beans, or with chips for a more relaxed dinner. Cold slices make a good sandwich with pickle. If you want a similar mince recipe, try meatballs.
Storing and reheating
Leftover meatloaf keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge, covered. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 160 °C for 5–6 minutes, until steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre). Wrapped slices can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Bacon-wrapped: Lay 4 rashers of streaky bacon over the top before glazing for a salty crust.
- Hidden vegetables: Add 1 grated carrot and 1 grated courgette to the mixture, and squeeze out the water from the courgette first.
- Spicy: Replace the mustard with 1 tsp hot sauce and add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the mince.
Troubleshooting
- The meatloaf is dry
- The mince was too lean or the loaf overcooked. Use mince with 10–15% fat, do not overmix, and take it out at 75 °C.
- The top burns before the middle is cooked
- Cover the tin loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes and add the glaze only for the last 10.
- The loaf falls apart when sliced
- Rest it for 10 minutes so it firms up, and use a sharp knife with a gentle sawing motion.
Frequently asked questions
How long to cook meatloaf in an air fryer?
A 500 g loaf takes about 35 minutes at 170 °C. Mini meatloaves shaped in a muffin tin take 15–18 minutes at 180 °C.
What temperature should meatloaf be?
The Food Standards Agency says minced meat must be cooked until steaming hot all the way through. A thermometer reading of 75 °C in the centre is a safe figure.
Meatloaf in air fryer vs oven – which is better?
The air fryer is faster, as it needs no long preheat, and it crisps the glaze. The oven suits larger loaves of 1 kg or more that will not fit the basket.
Can you cook meatloaf without a tin?
Yes. Shape a free-standing loaf, place it on a sheet of baking paper in the basket and cook for the same time, but it will spread a little and lose some juice.
Do you need to add oil?
No. The mince and the egg keep the loaf moist, so you only need a little oil if the tin is not non-stick.
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