Air Fryer Mini Italian Meatloaves Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the meatloaves, providing a rich and hearty base.

Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatloaf together and adds texture.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor to the meatloaf mixture.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the meatloaf.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that tops the meatloaves, adding moisture and flavor.

When mixing the ground beef with the breadcrumbs and other ingredients, use your hands to gently combine everything. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough texture. To ensure even cooking, make sure the mini meatloaves are uniform in size and shape. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, lightly coat them with a bit of olive oil or water.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Oatmeal can be used as a binder and adds a slightly different texture but still holds the meatloaf together well.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons of water can act as a binding agent similar to an egg.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs that can provide a comparable flavor profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more robust garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of moisture.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato paste and water mixture: A mixture of tomato paste and water can mimic the consistency and flavor of marinara sauce.

• To keep your mini meatloaves fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cooled meatloaves in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
• For longer storage, wrap each meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat thawed meatloaves in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes or until warmed through.
• For a quick meal, you can reheat directly from frozen. Place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover mini meatloaves in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Optionally, you can add a bit more marinara sauce on top before reheating for extra moisture and flavor.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the mini meatloaves on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the mini meatloaves in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Optionally, add a bit more marinara sauce on top during the last 2 minutes of reheating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the mini meatloaves in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even reheating.
  5. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet if needed to prevent drying out.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the mini meatloaves in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 1 hour.
  4. Remove from the bag and optionally sear in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for a crispy exterior.

• Air fryer: This is the main cooking appliance used to cook the mini meatloaves, ensuring they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is needed to combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf mixture.

• Measuring cups: These are used to measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: These are essential for measuring the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together thoroughly.

• Knife: Needed to divide the meat mixture into equal portions.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to shape the mini meatloaves.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the mini meatloaves into the air fryer basket and removing them once cooked.

• Plate: Used to let the mini meatloaves rest before serving.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices in advance and store in the fridge.

Use a cookie scoop: Portion the meat mixture quickly and evenly with a cookie scoop.

Line the basket: Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to reduce cleanup time.

Preheat the air fryer: Ensure the air fryer is preheated to save cooking time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra mini meatloaves for future meals.

Quick marinara: Use store-bought marinara sauce to save time on preparation.