Who says comfort food has to take hours? This air fryer meatloaf recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love in a fraction of the time. With a tender, juicy center and a beautifully caramelized glaze, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that crispy exterior without drying out the meatloaf.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Foil or parchment paper (optional, for lining)
- Silicone brush
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. - Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. - Shape the meatloaf:
Shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. If needed, line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper and place the meatloaf on top. - Cook the meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. - Make the glaze:
While the meatloaf cooks, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth. - Glaze and finish cooking:
After 15 minutes, carefully brush the meatloaf with the glaze. Return it to the air fryer and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). - Rest and serve:
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides.
Tips
- Customize the flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick.
- Use ground turkey: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Don’t skip resting: Letting the meatloaf rest ensures it stays juicy and easier to slice.
This air fryer meatloaf is the perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet comforting enough to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today for a new take on a classic dish!
Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
This juicy, flavorful air fryer meatloaf is quick to make and delivers a perfect, crispy crust. A classic comfort food made even easier and healthier!
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Foil or parchment paper (optional, for lining)
- Silicone brush
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- For the meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- For the glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the meatloaf:
- Shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. If needed, line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper and place the meatloaf on top.
- Cook the meatloaf:
- Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes.
- Make the glaze:
- While the meatloaf cooks, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and finish cooking:
- After 15 minutes, carefully brush the meatloaf with the glaze. Return it to the air fryer and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides.
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