To reheat meatloaf in an air fryer, set it to 160°C and cook for 5-8 minutes until piping hot. This method restores crispiness while keeping the interior tender – far superior to microwaving. Whether you’re working with fridge-cold leftovers or frozen portions, your air fryer delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air revitalises meatloaf better than any other appliance. Unlike microwaves that create soggy textures or ovens that dry out edges, air frying evenly reheats while adding desirable crispness to the crust. This makes it ideal for dishes like meatloaf where texture contrasts matter. For more recipe inspiration, browse our air fryer recipe collection featuring dozens of beef classics.
Compared to traditional reheating methods, air fryers use about 30% less energy than conventional ovens. They also work brilliantly for single portions – perfect when you’re not feeding a crowd. The enclosed cooking space prevents moisture loss too, so your meatloaf stays succulent. If you’re new to air fryer cooking, our conversion chart helps adapt any recipe.
160°C (320°F) strikes the perfect balance for reheating meatloaf in an air fryer. This temperature thoroughly warms the interior without overcooking the exterior. Some models have a dedicated ‘reheat’ preset – if yours does, use it! For extra crispy edges, increase to 175°C for the final 2 minutes.
Begin by slicing your leftover meatloaf into 2cm thick portions – this ensures even heating. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, then arrange slices in a single layer with space between them. Avoid overcrowding as this leads to steaming rather than crisping. For frozen meatloaf, add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 74°C (165°F) for food safety. If reheating a whole meatloaf (rather than slices), wrap it loosely in foil and increase time to 10-12 minutes. Discover more beef-based meal solutions in our beef recipe category packed with family favourites.
Place a tablespoon of water in the air fryer drawer beneath the basket to create steam and prevent drying out. For extra flavour, brush slices with a little barbecue sauce or gravy before reheating. If your meatloaf contains cheese, cover with foil for the first half of cooking to prevent burning.
If your reheated meatloaf turns out dry, try reducing the temperature by 10°C next time. Slightly undercooked spots? Rotate the basket halfway through cooking. For stubborn sticking issues, our guide to air fryer cleaning makes maintenance effortless. Remember that thicker slices require longer cooking – adjust timings accordingly.
Uneven browning often means the air fryer basket is overloaded. Work in batches if necessary for consistent results. For meatloaf with breadcrumb toppings, place a piece of baking parchment underneath to prevent crumbs from falling through the basket. This technique works wonders for other crumbed foods too – explore our chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Always refrigerate leftover meatloaf within 2 hours of cooking, storing it in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in cling film. When reheating frozen meatloaf in your air fryer, add 2-3 minutes to the standard cooking time and check the centre is piping hot throughout.
