Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air Fryer Meatloaf is simple to make, and this recipe has the perfect combination of flavors! Savory spices and a sweet glaze make for a tasty meatloaf recipe that’s done in less than 40 minutes!

Recipe Overview

One of the biggest complaints about cooking meatloaf is how long it takes. Using your air fryer for meatloaf cuts the cooking time in half!

Are you air frying in a Ninja Foodi? Head over to our Ninja Foodi Meatloaf Recipe to get all of our tips and tricks specific to that machine.

What you’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• Ground protein – This recipe will work with any type of ground meat you like. I’m using ground Beyond burger meat to make the meatloaf in these photos, You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or meatloaf mix as well.
• Breadcrumbs – to give this meatloaf an amazing texture and bulk, I’m using plain, unseasoned breadcrumbs in the mix.
• Ketchup – All good meatloaf recipes have ketchup in them! It’s the perfect condiment.
• Diced onion – onion adds flavor to meatloaf and also keeps the mixture moist while it cooks.
• An egg (whisked) – This add-in helps to bind all of the other ingredients together into a meatloaf shape.
• Mustard – Any type of mustard you have in your fridge works, I like Dijon.
• Liquid smoke – I always try to have this on hand. With a little bit of liquid smoke you can make your air fryer dishes taste like they were cooked outdoors on a wood fire or charcoal grill.
• Seasonings – I like Garlic powder, Salt, Smoked Paprika, and Oregano in my air fryer meatloaf.

For the Simple Glaze:

• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Brown sugar

How to Make the Meatloaf

1. Add your ground protein to a large bowl.
2. Add the breadcrumbs.
3. Fold in the onions.
4. Add all of the spices (garlic powder and paprika)
5. Pour in the fresh diced parsley.
6. Add the scrambled egg.
7. Pour in the ketchup, mustard, and liquid smoke.
8. Stir well to combine, but avoid overmixing.
9. Then form the mixture into a loaf shape.

How to Cook and Glaze the Meatloaf

1. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a lined air fryer basket.
2. Cook the meatloaf for 20 minutes at 370 degrees. Meanwhile, mix together the glaze ingredients.
3. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf and return it to the air fryer to cook for another 10-15 minutes.
4. Allow the meatloaf to rest before serving. Add more glaze if desired, then slice, serve, and ENJOY!

How to Tell When It’s Done

It can be challenging to know when meatloaf is finished due to the thickness of the loaf.

I recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer to take the guesswork out of the cooking time.

When fully cooked, Meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C when a meat thermometer is inserted into the center of the loaf. Be sure to insert the probe into the very center to get the right reading.

If your meatloaf isn’t quite done, place it back into your air fryer and cook in 2-3 minute intervals until it reaches the recommended temperature.

Let it Rest

Once it’s done, the meatloaf should rest for about 10 minutes after it’s removed from the air fryer.

It’s important not to skip this step!

Letting the meatloaf rest allows the juices to settle and distribute throughout the loaf.

It also helps make slicing the meatloaf much easier!

How to Serve

There are so many delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with meatloaf! I usually go with a potato and a veggie side dish to make a healthy and delicious meal.

Try some of these tasty side dishes made in the air fryer or using other methods:

Mashed potatoes, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, or Baked potatoes

Crispy asparagus, air fried broccoli, or a simple side salad like you see here with fresh baby spinach and tomatoes.

Potato pancakes and Crispy Brussels sprouts are two other fabulous meatloaf side dishes.

Want a different type of meatloaf? Try this Southern Meatloaf. You can cook any meatloaf recipe in the air fryer using this method!

Tips and Tricks

• Use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket. The parchment will keep the meatloaf from sticking to the air fryer basket, while still allowing that fat to drip away from your food.
• Keep an eye on the meatloaf while it cooks. I recommend checking it every so often so that you know it’s not burning or cooking too quickly on the outside.
• Have some aluminum foil handy. If you need to, you can cover the top of the meatloaf with foil to keep it from browning too quickly.
• To ensure that your meatloaf cooks evenly, keep your air fryer at a low temperature of 370 degrees F (190 degrees C). Think low and slow for the perfect air fryer meatloaf!
• Use a serrated knife when cutting your meatloaf. A serrated knife will give you more control, which ensures that the meatloaf won’t fall apart while cutting.

How to Store leftovers

Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer or your microwave.

To reheat meatloaf in the air fryer, place slices in the air fryer basket that you’ve lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 350°F/175°C for just 3-5 minutes, or until the meatloaf is heated through.

Cold slices of leftover meatloaf also make delicious sandwiches the next day!

Variations

Veggies are delicious in Meatloaf! You can bulk up your air fryer meatloaf by adding chopped veggies such as bell pepper, carrots, and mushrooms if you like.

Be sure to chop the veggies finely so that they cook evenly inside the loaf. If you chop them finely enough, you may even be able to sneak in some extra nutrition to this recipe.

You can change up the seasonings in this recipe if you like as well. Try adding Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese to give air fryer meatloaf an Italian spin.

Some shredded cheese can be added to the top of the meatloaf with the glaze for an extra special topping.

FAQs