Ditch the Oven, Embrace the Whirlwind: Air Fryer Meatloaf Takes Center Stage!

Meatloaf – that nostalgic comfort food, conjuring memories of homey kitchens and warm family dinners. But what if you could achieve juicy, flavorful perfection in a fraction of the time and with crispy, caramelized goodness? Enter the air fryer, your new champion for revolutionizing classic dishes.

Gone are the days of waiting for the oven to preheat and enduring long cooking times. The air fryer’s powerful, concentrated heat circulates evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked meatloaf with a moist interior and a delightfully crisp crust. Plus, it uses significantly less oil than traditional baking, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned meatloaf maestro or simply seeking a faster, easier way to enjoy this comfort food favorite, this Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe is for you. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your preferences with different flavorings, mix-ins, and glazes.

So, get ready to reimagine your meatloaf experience. Ditch the oven, embrace the air fryer, and unlock a world of flavorful, convenient, and delicious possibilities. Stay tuned, because we’ll also explore creative topping ideas and unique variations to keep your meatloaf adventures exciting! Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my other air fryer recipes for more inspiration to transform your cooking routine!

We have split the recipe into three main parts to make it much easier to navigate. The first part is an introduction to the recipe with some answers to common questions. The second and third parts are specialized for ingredients and instructions with all details that you will need. You will find a printable recipe at the end of the three sections.

About Timing

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

A few popular questions that everyone asks about Air Fryer Meatloaf

Cooking:

What temperature and time should I use? Most recipes recommend 375°F (190°C) for 25-35 minutes per pound of meatloaf. Adjust time based on size and desired doneness (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Some recipes suggest preheating, but it’s generally not essential.
Do I need to add oil? Some recipes use a small amount of oil for browning, but you can experiment without it for a lighter option.
Should I wrap the meatloaf in foil? Wrapping creates a moister interior, but can prevent browning. Skip for crispy crust, wrap loosely for juiciness.
Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Experiment with various ground meats, herbs, vegetables, and glazes to personalize your meatloaf.

Preparation & Troubleshooting:

Which ground meat is best? Lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) works well. You can also try turkey, chicken, or a combination.
My meatloaf isn’t cooking through! Increase cooking time or temperature slightly. Ensure your air fryer is preheated if using.
My meatloaf is too dry! Add more moisture with grated vegetables, milk, or eggs. Consider using a wetter glaze.
My meatloaf is burning! Reduce temperature or cooking time. Cover with foil if needed.
Can I use store-bought ingredients? Sure! Pre-chopped vegetables and pre-mixed seasonings can save time.

Bonus Tips:

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety and doneness.
Drain excess fat from the air fryer basket before adding the glaze.
Experiment with different toppings like ketchup, BBQ sauce, sriracha mayo, or fresh herbs.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive the deliciousness.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t exactly like the picture. Enjoy the process, customize to your preferences, and soon you’ll be a master of air fryer meatloaf!

ome Ingredients that you will need

MEAT We use lean ground beef (80/20), however, a combination of ground beef and ground turkey can work just as well.

VEGGIES Finely diced bell pepper, onions, parsley, and garlic add flavor.

BINDER & SEASONINGS Breadcrumbs are mixed together with milk and egg yolk, Parmesan cheese, and a handful of Italian seasoning.

The topping in this recipe contains chili sauce (which is not spicy) and ketchup and it’s my favorite part of meatloaf.

If you’ve never had chili sauce, it is like a very zesty tangy ketchup with tons of flavor. It’s amazing combined with BBQ sauce and put on burgers and ribs.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this!

Air fryer meatloaf is a super quick and easy way to put a delicious meal on the table, and it takes just a few easy steps!

Mix all of the ingredients, shape them into two equally-sized loaves (per the recipe below).
Place meatloaves in the air fryer basket & cook for about 20 minutes.
Add topping and cook an additional 15 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches 165°F.
Remove meatloaves from the air fryer & allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips for making meatloaf in the air fryer

Don’t overmix the meat, mix just until combined.
Preheat the air fryer before adding the meatloaf.
Check the meatloaf early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Add more time as needed.
Rest the meatloaf before slicing so it doesn’t fall apart.
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer or the microwave.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Print Recipe

Juicy & tender, this Air Fryer Meatloaf is easy to make and full of

Author: Natalie
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 23
Total Time: 38 minutes
Cuisine: American, British

Ingredients

▢1 pound lean ground beef
▢½ green bell pepper finely diced
▢⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
▢¼ cup onion* finely diced see note
▢2 tablespoons milk
▢2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
▢1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
▢1 clove garlic minced
▢1 egg yolk
▢½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
▢¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste

Topping

▢¼ cup tomato sauce
▢¼ cup chili sauce

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl just until combined.
Divide the mixture into 2 and shape into small meatloaves, about 5″ long by 2″ wide.
Cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes.
Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl. Add topping and cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until meatloaf reaches 165°F.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Notes For a milder onion flavor, fry the onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender. Cool completely before adding. Don’t overmix the meat, mix just until combined. Preheat the air fryer before adding the meatloaf. Air Fryers can vary so be sure to use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf and ensure it reaches 165° F. Check the meatloaf early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Add more time as needed. Rest the meatloaf before slicing so it doesn’t fall apart.

Nutrition Information