Air Fryer Meatloaf

Name: Air Fryer Meatloaf
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground protein (I used Beyond Meat) (You can use beef, turkey, pork, etc.); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or 1/2 cup flour) (Use gluten free if you are GF); 1/2 cup onion (diced); 1/4 c fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp oregano; 1 egg whisked; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp mustard; 1 tbsp liquid smoke; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp dijon mustard

Jun 13, 2022 by Cindy This blog generates income via ads.

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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!

slices of meatloaf topped with herbs and arranged beside a spinach and tomato salad on a white plate

AIR FRYER MEATLOAF RECIPE

Air Fryer Meatloaf is the best way to make meatloaf! This meatloaf in air fryer is the perfect combination of savory & sweet flavors.

You won't believe how easy this meatloaf recipe is. Not only is my meatloaf recipe delicious, but it's (of course) cooked in the air fryer to save you time and cleanup.

Served with broccoli and crispy potatoes, Air Fryer Meatloaf makes a meal that'll satisfy your taste buds and fill your tummy!

If you've never air fried your meatloaf before, you're in for a big surprise!

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.

three slices of meatloaf topped with chopped herbs and arranged on a round white plate

Ingredients in Air Fryer 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 meat loaf 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 Air Fryer Meatloaf glaze: A simple mixture of ketchup, dijon mustard and brown sugar makes the perfect sticky, sweet and savory topping.

If you have any questions about Air Fryer Meatloaf, the ingredients or the steps, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you ASAP!

step by step directions for making air fryer meatloaf. The

How to Make Meatloaf In Air Fryer

Add your ground protein to a large bowl.
Add the breadcrumbs.
Fold in the onions.
Next, add all of the spices (garlic powder, paprika,.
Pour in the fresh diced parsley.
Add the scrambled egg.
Pour in the ketchup, mustard, and liquid smoke.
Stir well to combine, but avoid overmixing.
Then form mixture into a loaf shape.

4 collage pictures of air fryer meatloaf in the making. Raw, adding glaze sauce with a yellow brush

TO ADD A GLAZE TO AIR FRYER MEATLOAF

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

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the full list of ingredients and instructions for making meatloaf in the air fryer, see the recipe below.

Why do you need breadcrumbs in meatloaf?

Breadcrumbs combined with the whisked egg in this easy air fryer recipe act as the perfect binder for the meat.

Without proper binding agents, your meatloaf may fall apart or turn out too tough.

Adding the breadcrumbs and egg allow for the meat to hold its shape while retaining moisture to give this meatloaf its amazing juicy flavor!

How do you know when meatloaf is ready?

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.

a glazed brown meatloaf topped with chopped herbs on a parchment lined cutting board

How long should meatloaf rest before serving?

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!

Tips for Making the best meatloaf

Use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket. Depending on the type of meat you use in this recipe, there will be some grease that cooks out. The parchment will keep the meatloaf from sticking to the air fryer basket, while still allowing that fat to drip away from your food.

You can leave the parchment paper long on two sides to make removing the meatloaf from the air fryer super easy.

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.

Don't rush the cooking time by increasing the cooking temperature! This will likely result in the outside of the meatloaf being overdone.

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.

Remember that cooking times will vary depending on your brand of air fryer and the thickness of your meatloaf.

Checking the loaf intermittently as it cooks will help to ensure that it isn't over or undercooked.

slices of meatloaf on a white plate with a spinach salad aside a cutting board with the remaining meatloaf and a knife

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER MEATLOAF

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!

What can I add to meatloaf?

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.

How to Make Paleo Meatloaf

You can easily substitute the breadcrumbs with grain free flour to make Paleo meatloaf in the air fryer. Cassava flour and almond flour are great grain-free options! Using a low carb binder can also make this meatloaf recipe fit well into a Keto diet.

If you make substitutions that I haven't mentioned, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how they worked!

What should I serve with Air Fryer meatloaf?

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!

three slices of glazed meatloaf topped with parsley and served with a spinach and tomato salad on a round white plate

More Air Fryer Dinner Recipes You'll Love!

We have so many air fryer recipes to choose from!

If you're looking for more homestyle dinners to make in the air fryer, you should definitely try my recipe for Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops next!

If you are having trouble figuring out which one to try next, we suggest: Air Fryer Hamburgers, Air Fryer Pizza and Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Have you made this recipe? Please leave a comment AND rating below! It helps other readers!

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5 from 12 votes

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air Fryer Meatloaf is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors! Mix your favorite protein with savory spices, then add a sweet glaze for an amazing meatloaf recipe that's done in less than 40 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time35

Total Time40

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer, air fyer meatloaf, meatloaf

Servings:

Calories: 511kcal

Cindy - Air Fryer Eats

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

1 lb ground protein (I used Beyond Meat) You can use beef, turkey, pork, etc.
½ cup breadcrumbs (or ½ cup flour) Use gluten free if you are GF
½ cup onion diced
¼ c fresh parsley
½ tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
1 egg whisked
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp liquid smoke

For the glaze:

¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp dijon mustard

Instructions

Add your ground protein to a large bowl.
Add the breadcrumbs, diced onion, chopped parseley, salt,garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano.
Add the egg that you've whisked.
Pour in the ketchup, mustard, and liquid smoke and stir well to combine.
Shape the mixture into an even loaf that will fit into your air fryer basket. with room around each side.
Put the meatloaf into the air fryer basket that you've lined with parchment paper. Air fry for 20 minutes at 370°F/190°C.
While the meatloaf cooks, Mix the glaze ingredients (ketchup, mustard, brown sugar) together in a small bowl.
Remove the air fryer basket from the unit, and spread the glaze on top of the meatloaf.
Return the meatloaf back to the air fryer and cook at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes. (Your meatloaf should reach 165°F/74°C in the center before consuming. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the loaf has reached a safe temperature.)
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Video

Notes

You can add vegetables to this recipe. Nice additions are a ½ of diced carrots or ¾ c of diced bell pepper. If you enjoy mushrooms, you can also add those to your air fryer meatloaf. Just be sure that you diced them very small so they cook through.
If you are wanting to make Paleo Meatloaf, you can sub out the breadcrumbs and sub in cassava flour or almond flour.
Do not SKIP the “resting” part of this air fryer meatloaf recipe. You need to let the meatloaf sit and rest to cool down. This will help you cut into the air fryer meatloaf.
Use a serrated knife to cut your air fryer meatloaf into slices. This type of knife will help the meatloaf not break apart when cutting.
You need to check on your air fryer meatloaf every so often to make sure it isn’t crisping too fast or burning. If you feel that the top of your air fryer meatloaf is starting to burn, you can place foil on top of the meatloaf to help with that. Be careful that you secure the foil so it doesn’t fly up into the air fryer’s heating area.
Don’t try to rush this air fryer meatloaf recipe by increasing the temperature. Cooking at a lower temperature helps to keep the meatloaf moist.
Cooking times may vary a little depending on how you shape your loaf.

Pro Tip: This recipe can be made in the air fryer unit with a basket or the air fryer oven. If you are using the air fryer oven, use the middle rack and select the "Air Fry" function.

Pro Tip: Check your food as it cooks. Each air fryer runs a bit differently. Sometimes air frying is a trial and error process. Check your food as it cooks to learn your air fryer better! When cooking a new recipe or food items be sure to check your food often to help avoid over/under cooking.

Have oven recipes that you’d like to convert to an air fryer recipe? Use our Air Fryer Calculator to help you estimate cooking times and temps! Calculator here: https://airfryereats.com/air-fryer-conversion-air-fryer-calculator/

Nutrition

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Air Fryers can vary greatly. Please take the time to learn your specific air fryer. You may need to adjust times and temperatures based upon your air fryer. All though this website attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, the information should only be considered an estimate. Varying factors such as different product types, different brands, etc. can change nutritional information. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information as a double check.

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Comments

Krissy Allori

January 04, 2020 at 3:26 am

I hadn't thought to make a meatloaf in my air fryer but I'm glad you did. It was so good. I loved how crispy it made the outside.

- Cindy
  
  January 06, 2020 at 3:00 am
  
  So glad you loved the crispy outside of our air fryer meatloaf. Its my favorite part too!
  
Anita

January 04, 2020 at 4:13 am

I didn't know you can make such a wonderful meatloaf in an air fryer. That glaze is so good. 🙂

Laura

January 04, 2020 at 7:08 am

What a nice recipe, I didn't know you could make meatloaf in the air fryer. I do like to add vegetables in my meatloaf, I do like the crunchy bites of carrots. Never add a glace, I will try it next time. It adds a nice colour

- Cindy
  
  January 06, 2020 at 2:47 am
  
  Oh, I loved carrots
  in the air fryer too. The glaze to this meatloaf is so good. It makes the top so crunchy but with a sweetness. Come back and let me know how you enjoyed it!
  
Sadia Malik

January 04, 2020 at 7:16 am

Interesting, this meatloaf looks good and amazing that it is done in an airfryer.

- Cindy
  
  January 06, 2020 at 2:51 am
  
  Thanks Sadia for checking out our air fryer meatloaf!
  
Danielle

January 04, 2020 at 7:39 am

Now that I have gone through your post, I realize that I haven't made a meatloaf in such a long time. Really excited to give your recipe a try!

- Cindy
  
  January 04, 2020 at 7:30 pm
  
  Thanks Danielle, I hope that you enjoy this air fryer meatloaf!
  
Marcia Mayo

June 08, 2020 at 11:20 pm

I don't always make my meat loaf the same each time. But after trying your glaze, it's always on there.

- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:21 pm
  
  That glaze is just so yummy, isn't it? I love it too! Who knew air fryer meatloaf could be so tasty!?
  
Chris Smith

June 10, 2020 at 7:28 pm

Now that I have gone through your post, I realize that I haven’t made a meatloaf in such a long time. Really excited to give your recipe a try

- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 7:34 pm
  
  Do come back and let us know how you liked it! YUM!
  
betty

June 10, 2020 at 7:41 pm

THAnks so much for the recipe

- Cindy
  
  June 10, 2020 at 11:27 pm
  
  Hello Betty! You are very welcome! Glad you are such a fan of the site. I know you've made so many of our recipes! Thanks for being a big supporter!
  
Marlene

June 30, 2020 at 1:19 am

Yes, I recently am new to air fryers, and made this meatloaf the other day. The only ingredient I left out was the liquid smoke, as I didn't have any. This turned out to be the best meat loaf ever. It turned out so moist. Unlike the oven, where it can dry out. I will always be making the air fryer way now. The sauce was a big plus too !

- Cindy
  
  July 02, 2020 at 12:22 am
  
  Yay Marlene! Thank you SO much for coming back and letting me know how it turned out. I am SO glad it was delicious and the sauce was a hit too!
  
Karine

July 06, 2020 at 6:39 pm

I've made this several times after seeing it in your facebook group. I tried breaking it up into to pans but I actually like molding it into one loaf and using parchment around it. The glaze of this is the star piece!

- Cindy
  
  July 06, 2020 at 6:47 pm
  
  So glad that its a repeat recipe for you! Yes, I agree that glaze is the star for sure!
  
Erica

July 31, 2020 at 2:25 am

Found you on youtube, the glaze on this is the best I've ever had!

- Cindy
  
  July 31, 2020 at 2:43 am
  
  Hello Erica and welcome from Youtube! Thanks for checking us out there and venturing over the the website! So glad you love the glaze, we do too!
  
Barby

February 05, 2022 at 10:19 pm

Weighed ground beef to be accurate. Cooked for 18 minutes, placed glaze on meat loaf and baked for additional 8 minutes. Removed from air fryer and let sit for 5 minutes. Very easy and recommend this recipe.

- Cindy
  
  February 08, 2022 at 5:48 pm
  
  Hello! Thank you so much for coming back and letting us know how it turned out! Thank you for letting us know that you weighed it, the amount of time you used. Appreciate it!
  
Tracy Hill

June 22, 2022 at 9:37 am

I just love how this meatloaf came together! Really easy to make, and even easier to eat! HAHA
My family loved it too, so it's definitely one for the "make again" list.
Thank you

Air Fryer Meatloaf