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One of my all-time favorite recipes that’s perfect for busy weeknights: Air Fryer Meatloaf. Extremely flavorful and ready in about 35 minutes!
Oh yes, we’re taking classic comfort food and giving it a modern twist. I’m talking about a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Air Fryer Meatloaf is an easy recipe that will blow you away with its juicy goodness!
Plus, using an air fryer cuts down the cooking time. Yep, you get that juicy, tasty meatloaf in a fraction of the time it usually takes in the oven! How awesome is that?
I love the air fryer these days. It’s one of those gadgets that has really changed the way I cook. Never in my dreams did I think of making a meatloaf in it though!
I was a bit skeptical when I tried this for the first time. It just doesn’t seem likely that a big ‘ole meatloaf would do well being cooked like that.
It turns out that not only is it possible, but it’s also one of the most delicious ways I’ve ever tried meatloaf!
In the end, you get a meatloaf that is so juicy on the inside and has a deliciously crispy exterior. The bread and spices blend with the meat to create a meaty experience that I won’t soon forget.
So, once again, the air fryer comes out swinging! Let’s get into this delicious recipe for Air Fryer Meatloaf. You’re going to love it!
Some of our other favorite air fryer we have on our site include: Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders, and Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe (Bone-In).
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for when you’re short on time or for when you want to make a bunch of other things to go with the meatloaf.
- Juicy and Delicious: Using lean ground beef and a tangy glaze ensures you end up with a super-tasty meatloaf. Seriously, guys, that glaze is amazing when it comes out of the air fryer. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
- Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer cooks the meatloaf evenly and locks in all the juicy flavors. It’s really amazing what a useful tool it truly is!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
For the meatloaf:
- Lean ground beef
- Milk
- Large egg
- Bread slices (torn up into small pieces)
- Onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Dry ground mustard
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
For the glaze:
- Ketchup
- BBQ sauce
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER MEATLOAF:
- No need to preheat the air fryer. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf. I just use my hands for this. Don’t overwork the meat, just mix until combined.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray. Shape the meat into a loaf shape (at an angle) in the air fryer basket. You don’t want to make the meatloaf too thick, or it won’t cook all the way through. Try to make the loaf shape as evenly as possible from end to end.
- Air fry at 350°F degrees for 15 minutes.
- While cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
- When the meatloaf has cooked for 15 minutes, brush some of the glaze on the loaf. Note: You won’t use all of the glaze. Save the leftovers for serving.
- Air fry for another 10 minutes. Meatloaf is done when an internal temperature reaches 160°F in the center; check with a meat thermometer.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes. Then slice and serve with leftover glaze.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN THIS BE MADE IN THE OVEN?
Yes, though I think it would ruin the fun, you can make it in the oven. Ha!
Just bake it at 375 degrees F for about 45-55 minutes. You’ll get a great tasting traditional meat loaf that way.
WHAT KIND OF GROUND MEAT IS THE BEST TO USE?
I recommend using lean ground beef. You could also use ground turkey if you prefer. The lean part is what’s important.
If there is too much fat in the meat, you’ll end up with a lot of grease running out of the meatloaf, and you won’t get the same delicious texture.
DO I HAVE TO ADD THE GLAZE?
The glaze adds a tangy, delicious flavor, but it’s optional. Your meatloaf will still be tasty without it. I mean, it’s a loaf of meat, right? What’s not to love?
You can serve it with a brown gravy instead if you prefer, or as is!
ANY ADDITIONS?
Oh there are lots of options here. Check these out!
- Add some finely chopped bell pepper.
- Mix in some parmesan cheese.
- Add a teaspoon of chili sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
- Put a slice of cheese on top of the meatloaf in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Mix in some minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Add a dash of paprika for taste.
- Stir in some chopped parsley for a fresh flavor.
- Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before cooking.
ANY SUBSITUTIONS?
You got it! Try a few of these on for size.
- Use oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute ground turkey or ground pork for lean ground beef.
- Use gluten-free bread if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Try barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a different tangy flavor.
- Use garlic salt instead of garlic powder.
- Substitute soy sauce for Worcestershire sauce.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Wrap leftover meatloaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for 3-4 days that way. I love meatloaf leftovers!
Freezer: Wrap the meatloaf in aluminum foil and then place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
It could be a great way to meal plan. Make 2 or 3 loaves and save them for later!
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to make sure it’s fully cooked.
- Apply the glaze in the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best results.
- Always let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- For a healthier version, try using ground turkey and non-dairy milk.
- Use a non-stick olive oil spray on the air fryer basket for easy removal.
Air Fryer Meatloaf is a game-changer, friends! It’s a delicious, classic recipe made easier and quicker thanks to the air fryer.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy. So grab your air fryer and let’s get cooking! Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious meatloaf!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this AIR FRYER MEATLOAF, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Best Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 slices white bread torn up into small pieces
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- No need to preheat the air fryer. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf. I just use my hands for this. Don’t overwork the meat, just mix until combined.1 pound lean ground beef, ¾ cup milk, 1 large egg, 3 slices white bread, ½ Tablespoon onion powder, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray. Shape the meat into a loaf shape (at an angle) in the air fryer basket. You don’t want to make the meatloaf too thick, or it won’t cook all the way through. Try to make the loaf shape as evenly as possible from end to end.
- Air fry at 350°F degrees for 15 minutes.
- While cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.⅓ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- When the meatloaf has cooked for 15 minutes, brush some of the glaze on the loaf. Note: You won’t use all of the glaze. Save the leftovers for serving.
- Air fry for another 10 minutes. Meatloaf is done when an internal temperature reaches 160°F in the center; check with a meat thermometer.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes. Then slice and serve with leftover glaze.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to make sure it’s fully cooked.
- Apply the glaze in the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best results.
- Always let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- For a healthier version, try using ground turkey and non-dairy milk.
- Use a non-stick olive oil spray on the air fryer basket for easy removal.
Nutrition
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