Introduction
As a busy home cook, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a quick meal that the whole family will love. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with crispy air fryer meatloaf bites! They’re easy to prepare and cook in no time, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious meatloaf bites:
- 1 lbs ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the meatloaf bites for 12-15 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the tops with ketchup for added flavor.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; give the meatloaf bites space to crisp up.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C).
- Consider adding different herbs or spices to customize your flavor profile.
Nutrition Breakdown
Each serving (approximately three bites) contains about 250 calories, 15g protein, 12g fat, and 20g carbohydrates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not skip the breadcrumbs as they help keep the meatloaf bites moist.
- Avoid pressing the meat too tightly; this can lead to tough bites.
- Neglecting to preheat the air fryer can result in uneven cooking.
Pro Tip for Easy Clean-up
Using parchment air fryer liners can make cleaning up a breeze! Simply place them in your fryer basket before adding the meatloaf bites to catch any drips and crumbs.
