Making air fryer meatloaf is an easy way to make your favorite comfort food, cooked to perfection. This homemade meatloaf is full of flavor, done in less than thirty minutes!
Busy weeknights with a little time, shouldn't mean you don't get a delicious meal. This recipe makes an amazing meatloaf without loaf pans, and has very little prep time.
All you need are ground beef, garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper and your favorite seasonings. This classic meatloaf recipe makes and incredibly juicy dinner, with crispy edges and crust that everyone will love!
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WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE
Classic meatloaf has always been one of favorite family dinners. Even the picky eaters in our family love this classic comfort food. This air fryer meatloaf is an absolute breeze to make.
You can also use ground turkey and ground pork to make meatloaf. But this delicious classic meatloaf recipe is made with lean ground beef, and is the perfect weeknight dinner, that will be a family favorite.
If you love easy dinner recipes, you can also try this Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf or Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
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.
MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS
- pound ground beef-for less grease, use lean ground meat
- bread crumbs- you can use regular bread crumbs, or Italian bread crumbs
- egg
- milk
- yellow onion-chopped-I use one medium onion
- garlic clove-minced, or garlic powder
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
MEATLOAF GLAZE INGREDIENTS
- ketchup- or tomato sauce
- mustard
- brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
In a large bowl, combine the one pound lean 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.
STEP 2
Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place meatloaf in air fryer. Air fry meatloaf at 380 degrees F for 16-18 minutes cook time, until internal temperature of meatloaf is 160 degrees F.
STEP 3
While the meatloaf cooks, in a medium bowl, combine the glaze ingredients of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire Sauce. Stir together until well combined.
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.
I make this air fryer meatloaf recipe in a Cosori Air Fryer. Not all air fryers have the same wattages, so you many need to add 1-2 minutes extra time if using a smaller air fryer.
VARIATIONS
- Traditionally, this popular recipe is made with ground beef. You can substitute other meats like ground sausage, poultry, seafood, or pork. For a vegetarian version of meatloaf, use ground imitation meat.
- For an extra kick of flavor, use buffalo sauce, chili sauce, or a dash of hot sauce for the glaze.
- Top with shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for a different taste and crisp exterior.
- Use lean meat like ground chicken, ground turkey or ground pork for leaner meatloaf.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add onion powder, an extra teaspoon garlic powder, or an extra ½ cup ketchup to to the meat mixture.
- To make a complete meal with veggies, mix meatloaf mixture with small white button mushrooms, or chopped bell pepper before cooking.
Here are a few of our FAVORITE recommendations.
Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer - Digital Meat Thermometer - Air Fryer All Day
SUBSTITUTION FOR BREAD CRUMBS
I use plain bread crumbs, but you can easily substitute breadcrumbs with Progresso Italian seasoning breadcrumbs or panko bread crumbs. You can also do a mixture of panko bread crumbs and traditional bread crumbs.
EXPERT TIPS
- 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.
STORING AND REHEATING
Save extra meatloaf slices for a future meal. Wrap in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. A slice of leftover meatloaf in between bread makes a delicious sandwich!
To reheat meatloaf, place slices of meatloaf in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes until the meat is heated.
SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH MEATLOAF
If your family loves an old fashioned meat and potatoes dinner, these air fryer side dishes are perfect with this meatloaf!
Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We've put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.
FAQ's
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 use 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. 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 may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
MORE GROUND BEEF AIR FRYER RECIPES
Making air fryer meatloaf is the perfect comfort food. You are going to love this recipe!
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ⅔ cup milk
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Meatloaf Sauce
- ½ 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
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
©AirFryingFoodie 2023
msSally
Looks yummy! Think I'll have to try this.
Caryn Goff
Can you use regular parchment paper?
Hi Caryn,
I have used regular parchment paper, but then poked holes in it to keep the air flow moving.
Janice Layfield
I have two air fryers that I haven't used because I didn't know how to use them, one is like a toaster oven the other one is a big one. I just recently found your website and you make it look so easy. Love your recipes! Thanks!
Thank you! So glad you found us!
Su
Love a great taste of the meat loaf thank you for your sharing ..help ????
T
In my experience making this in the air fryer it probably took about 20 min longer than the recommended time I wrapped the entire meatloaf in foil about half way through because it started to cook on the outside a bit too fast, I re-coated with the ketchup sauce a couple times and ended up with a very nice crunchy crust. Overall it was one of my favorite meatloaf recipes!
Arley Running
had to triple the time in my airfryer to reach 160 degrees internal temp... Have a Phillips airfryer and my first thought after looking at the recipe time was, it doesnt seem possible. In my case, it was not.
We definitely try and make a point in all of the recipes to let you know we use a Cosori air fryer, so if you are using a different air fryer, you will definitely need to adjust the cook time as all air fryers cook a little differently. In your case, now you know you should use extra time to ensure foods are cooked through. 🙂
Alex
Looks great, however 16 minutes cooking time is not fully accurate. You need to double this to attain 160 internal temperature especially if meat was maintained and taken from the refrigerator. Thank you for the recipe.
So this was correct in our air fryer, it could be the brand of air fryer you using. They all cook a little differently!
Kathy
Can I use a silicone basket to cook my meatloaf in?
Absolutely. I shaped mine and placed it directly in the basket. You may need to add a minute or two to the cook time if using silicone basket.
Lisa C.
I think this was the best meat loaf I ever made. I tweaked the
recipe just a tad and added a meatloaf seasoning packet (if using one, don’t add the salt to the meat) I think the glaze was the best part. And I added fried onions that you can get in a can to the top of the glaze for the last few minutes in the oven. Delicious. Thank you for the recipe.
Thank you! So glad you liked it! And fried onions are my favorite! I may have to try that!
Michelle Plaisance
Hi, I just found your recipe for the air fryer meatloaf. Can I use a loaf pan in the air fryer? We have the nuwave XL air fryer.
You can use the pan. I am guessing it will take a bit longer to cook the bottom of the meatloaf. I just shaped mine into a loaf, and then put it in the air fryer that way.
shell klaus
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!
Terry
Love the glaze!! Thank you for your recipe!
So glad you loved it! 🙂