This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

I’ve made this air fryer meatloaf recipe so many times! It is so moist and full of flavor, and the air fryer cooks this classic comfort food in less than 30 minutes!

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Golden brown meatloaf on a white square plate with parsley garnish.

Table of Contents

Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe

Busy weeknights can be exhausting, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a delicious meal. This recipe makes an amazing meatloaf without the need for loaf pans and requires very little prep time.

This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and it easy to make. You just need ground beef, garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings!

Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

Meatloaf is always a dinner favorite and leftover meatloaf is great for next day lunch or for making meatloaf sandwiches.

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.
  • kosher salt- Enhances the overall flavor.
  • ground black pepper- Adds a light warmth to the flavor. 
Ingredients measured into bowls and spoons on a white marble table

Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients

  • 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.

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

STEP 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, and seasonings. Stir until well mixed.

Ground beef being mixed with seasonings, onions, and breadcrumbs

STEP 2: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 16-18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Meat shaped into a loaf in the air fryer basket before being cooked

STEP 3: While you cook meatloaf, mix the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.

Sauce toppings of ketchup, mustard, and Worchester sauce mixed together

STEP 4: 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.

Brushing sauce to top meatloaf in the air fryer basket.

STEP 4
Once the meatloaf is done cooking, remove basket from air fryer and brush sauce on top of the entire loaf. Return meatloaf to air fryer oven and cook again at 380 degrees F for an additional 2-3 minutes cooking time.

Here are a few of our FAVORITE recommendations.

Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer – Digital Meat Thermometer – Air Fryer All Day

Tips for Making the Best Meatloaf

  • 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.
Fork bite of meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Side Dishes to Serve with Meatloaf

If your family loves a traditional meat-and-potatoes dinner, pair this meatloaf with your favorite air fryer side dishes like roasted potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese!

This Air Fryer Meatloaf is a quick, delicious, and foolproof dinner option. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!

Want to try a unique way to make this recipe? Check out this Italian Loaf Recipe!

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

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. 

Do I need to use a piece of parchment paper or line the basket with foil?

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. 

Do I need to preheat air fryer to cook meatloaf?

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. 

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

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 GROUND BEEF AIR FRYER RECIPES

Making air fryer meatloaf is the perfect comfort food. You are going to love this recipe!

Juicy meatloaf sliced on a white plate sprinkled with parsley flakes
4.79 from 33 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Meatloaf

By Becky
Making air fryer meatloaf is an easy way to make your favorite comfort food. This meatloaf is cooked to perfection and full of flavor.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 16 minutes
Cook With Sauce: 3 minutes
Total: 29 minutes
Pin Rate Print
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

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.

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

Calories: 647kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 38g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 16g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 171mg, Sodium: 1232mg, Potassium: 726mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 291IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 151mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Becky Abbott

More About Me

You May Also Like

4.79 from 33 votes (26 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




23 Comments

  1. Terry says:

    5 stars
    Love the glaze!! Thank you for your recipe!

    Reply
    1. Jen West says:

      So glad you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  2. shell klaus says:

    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

    Reply
    1. Becky Abbott says:

      Thanks Shell! We love our Cosori air fryers!

      Reply