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This Air Fryer Meatloaf is one of those go to dinners that’s easy to prep, full of flavor, and comes out juicy every time. It’s the perfect weeknight recipe when you want something hearty without turning on the oven.
“I think this was the best meat loaf I ever made. I think the glaze was the best part. Delicious. Thank you for the recipe.“
-Lisa
This classic meatloaf recipe gets a modern twist in the air fryer. It cooks up faster, gets a caramelized glaze on top, and stays super moist inside. Never have dry meatloaf again, just simple ingredients and big flavor!
Pair this meatloaf with easy air fryer sides like Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, or Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts for a complete meal that’s both quick and satisfying. If want to make a side while this is air frying, try these Easy Roasted Potatoes or this simple Beet and Kale Salad.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
- ground beef- For less grease, use lean ground meat, or ground turkey.
- breadcrumbs- Regular or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs help bind the meat during cooking.
- egg- Helps bind ingredients, while keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- milk- Adds moisture to the meat, giving it tenderness.
- yellow onion, chopped- Adds flavor and texture.
- garlic clove, minced- Or substitute with garlic powder.
For the Glaze:
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce- Enhances the depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup ketchup- Or substitute with tomato sauce.
- 1 tablespoon mustard- Adds a tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar- Balances out the acidity.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Types of Meat- Swap ground beef with sausage, poultry, or even seafood.
- Sauces- Try buffalo sauce, chili sauce, or a dash of hot sauce for a unique spicy glaze.
- Cheesy Meatloaf- Top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy addition to dinner.
- Lean Meatloaf- Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a healthier version.
- Seasonings- Add onion powder, extra garlic, or an extra ½ cup of ketchup for more flavor.
- Vegetables- Mix in mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture.
Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It talks about what you can make, how to use it, and more.
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, and seasonings. Stir until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 16-18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- While the meatloaf is air frying, mix the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Once the meatloaf is done, remove the basket from the air fryer and brush the glaze over the top of the loaf. Return basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Cover with foil: If the top darkens too quickly, place a sheet of foil over the meatloaf. Be sure to tuck the foil under so it doesn’t catch in the fan.
- Let it rest: Allow meatloaf to sit for 3-5 minutes before slicing for juicier results.
- Extra sauce: Add 2-3 extra tablespoons of ketchup to the glaze for a saucier finish.
- Mini Meatloaves: Shape the mixture into mini loaves for faster cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If using less than 1 pound or more than 2 pounds of meat, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.
If your family loves a traditional meat-and-potatoes dinner, pair this meatloaf with your favorite Air Fryer Side Dishes like Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes, Air Fryer Green Beans, or Aor Fryer Mac and Cheese!
FAQ’S
In order to make sure the meatloaf has reached the perfect temperature, use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, which is the safe temperature for ground beef.
I have used air fryer parchment paper in the air fryer for cooking meatloaf. This helps with clean up, but also to prevents any pieces of the meatloaf from sticking. Alternatively, you can also line the basket with foil, or spray with non stick cooking spray.
I did not preheat my air fryer when I made this amazing meatloaf. If your air fryer automatically preheats, you can just adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
Wrap slices in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place a slice in the air fryer and air fry at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for 3-5 minutes.
More Easy Air Fryer Dinners
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Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Meatloaf Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, and seasonings. Stir together until the ingredients are well mixed and onion and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ground beef.
- Shape the meatloaf into a loaf and place on top of a piece of air fryer parchment paper or small pan or tray. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 16-18 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire Sauce. Stir together until well combined.
- Once the meatloaf is done cooking, open basket, and brush sauce on top. Return basket to air fryer and air fry at 380 degrees F for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Video
Notes
- If top of meatloaf is darkening before it is done cooking, place a sheet of foil over meatloaf to prevent the top burning.
- Let the meatloaf rest in it’s juices for 3-5 minutes after cooking.
- Depending on how thick the loaf is, the cooking time may need to be adjusted by a few minutes.
- Add an additional 2-3 tablespoons ketchup to the tangy glaze for extra sauce.
- For easy servings or meal prep, shape into mini meat loaves. Air frying time will be lower for smaller loaves.
- If using less than a pound of ground beef or more than 2 pounds of ground beef, cooking times may need to be adjusted, so using an instant-read thermometer to check it’s internal temperature, will confirm doneness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Very easy to make.
I think so too! Glad you enjoyed it.
Love the glaze!! Thank you for your recipe!
So glad you loved it! ๐
I always thought air fryers were for frozen food but I gave in and bought the same one my son and daughter-in-law have. I searched air fryer recipes and came across your page, the air fryer I purchased is the smart cosori pro II 5.8 quart air fryer so you can imagine how stoked I was that you use the same!!! Thank you
Thanks Shell! We love our Cosori air fryers!