Air Fryer Meatloafrn

a close up shot of slices of Air Fryer Meatloaf on a plate

This delicious and hearty air fryer meatloaf is loaded with flavor and is a snap to make with your air fryer.

Table of Contents

Air Fryer Meatloaf Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE

Air fryer meatloaf is a delicious and easy meal for dinner and comes out of your air fryer flavorful, juicy, and topped with a tangy glaze. It requires minimal simple ingredients, and you can make it in under an hour in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Meatloaf Ingredients

Air Fryer Meatloaf raw ingredients that are labeled

Air fryer meatloaf tastes incredibly juicy and flavorful. The air fryer seals in the moisture of the meat while giving it a crunchy crust on the outside.

The combination of flavors from the ground beef, garlic, and herbs creates a fantastic dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

The air fryer ensures that all of the ingredients are cooked evenly and thoroughly, giving you a delicious classic meatloaf.

You’ll need:

1½ pounds of lean ground beef or meatloaf mix
2 eggs
1 cup of Italian bread crumbs
½ cup of milk
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon of ketchup
2 teaspoons of onion powder
1 teaspoon of garlic powder

For The Sauce:

½ cup of ketchup
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

Substitutions and Additions

GROUND MEAT: You can substitute the ground beef for a meatloaf mix, which is a combination of ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal.

If you use ground beef with a higher fat content, then keep in mind that your meatloaf will shrink more during cooking.

ONION: If you’re not a fan of onions or have dietary restrictions that prevent you from using them, you can substitute them with finely chopped leeks or scallions.

These alternatives provide a similar mild onion flavor without the intensity of regular onions. Just remember that leeks have a slightly milder taste than scallions, so adjust the quantity to your liking.

KETCHUP: For a twist on the classic ketchup glaze, try using barbecue sauce or a tangy sriracha ketchup.

Barbecue sauce will add a smoky, sweet flavor, while sriracha ketchup will bring a spicy kick to your air fryer meatloaf.

Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, and don’t forget to taste test as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

BROWN SUGAR: To reduce the sugar content or if you’re out of brown sugar, opt for honey or maple syrup.

Use them in equal proportions as the brown sugar called for in the recipe, and be prepared for a slightly different flavor profile.

How To Make This Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe

Just like a traditional meatloaf, you will make the meatloaf mixture as well as the glaze for this easy air fryer meatloaf recipe, and then let the air fryer do the work.

Here are our step-by-step instructions to make this hearty dish.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Make sure to check your air fryer manual for cook time guidelines for your specific model, as times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

STEP TWO: Mix all the ingredients for the meatloaf in a large mixing bowl.

PRO TIP:

While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.

Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing will make the meatloaf dry and dense.

STEP THREE: Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape that will fit into your air fryer basket. Place the loaf on a piece of foil and place it in the air fryer.

meatloaf placed into the air fryer basked

STEP FOUR: Cook for 35 minutes before adding the ketchup glaze.

PRO TIP:

You may need to cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil if you see the top of the meatloaf is getting too browned before adding the ketchup glaze.

This depends on your air fryer model and if the heating element is close to the top portion of the meatloaf.

After 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, check the meatloaf to see if the foil should be added or not.

STEP FIVE: While the meatloaf is cooking, mix together the remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.

ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce mixed together

STEP SIX: Top the meatloaf with the sauce, spreading the sauce evenly all over the top.

Continue cooking for an additional five minutes or until the glaze is set and the meatloaf has reached an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

STEP SEVEN: Let the meatloaf rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it.

How To Serve

Air fryer meatloaf makes an easy weeknight dinner and pairs best with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, classic green bean casserole, and a side Caesar salad.

To give your meal an extra boost of flavor, try adding roasted vegetables such as broccoli or our stovetop glazed carrots. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, our lemon rice makes a great accompaniment to this dish.

Our air fryer chicken breast and air fryer chicken wings are two more air fryer recipes to add to your meal plan.

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES

Lunch

Air Fryer Pizza

Hot Appetizers

Air Fry Baked Potato

Storage

MAKE AHEAD: Prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.

When you’re ready to cook, simply place it in the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions in the recipe. This allows you to enjoy a freshly cooked meatloaf without the last-minute prep work.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover homemade meatloaf in an airtight container. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days and reheated in the microwave.

IN THE FREEZER: The best air fryer meatloaf can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

REHEATING: There are a few ways to reheat your frozen or refrigerated meatloaf:

Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in the basket and air fry for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until it’s heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the meatloaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes if refrigerated or 40-50 minutes if frozen until it’s hot all the way through.
Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Slice the meatloaf into smaller portions, place them on a microwave-safe plate, and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking after each interval, until it’s heated to your liking.

a close up shot of slices of Air Fryer Meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beens

Why We Love This Recipe

QUICK AND CONVENIENT: This recipe takes the classic comfort of meatloaf and makes it incredibly quick and easy with the help of your air fryer.

CRISPY EXTERIOR, JUICY INTERIOR: The air fryer’s unique cooking method gives the meatloaf a beautifully crispy and caramelized exterior while the inside remains juicy and tender.

No matter the occasion, air fryer meatloaf is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. This recipe makes a classic comfort food that your whole family will enjoy, and using your air fryer is the easiest way to cook it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my meatloaf doesn’t turn out dry?

Dry meatloaf can be a result of overmixing. Only mix the meat until all the ingredients are combined. The other key to moist meatloaf is adding moisture at every step.

For best results, don’t skip adding any of the wet seasonings, including eggs, ketchup, mustard, or Worcestershire, in this easy recipe. They add both flavor and texture while also making the meat super juicy.

What is the best meat for this meatloaf in air fryer recipe?

Lean meat is perfect for this easy meatloaf recipe. An 80/20 meat mixture is just right, as you want a bit of fat for flavor, but you don’t want your meatloaf swimming in grease.

Can you freeze meatloaf?

You can freeze this air fryer version of meatloaf. Cool and wrap in foil and place inside a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months.

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