This Air Fryer Meatloaf is a juicy and tasty twist on a classic dish! Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and topped with a yummy glaze, it cooks faster and stays so tender.
I love how easy this meatloaf is to make in the air fryer—it’s ready in no time! Plus, the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Who knew meatloaf could be this fun? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy meatloaf. If you prefer leaner meat, try ground turkey or chicken, but remember they’ll be a bit drier. Adding some extra moisture, like additional milk, helps.
Bread Crumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work great, but you can swap in oatmeal or crushed crackers if you need a gluten-free option. For added flavor, consider using seasoned breadcrumbs!
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring a lot of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, dried onion flakes or garlic powder can substitute, though they’re not as rich in taste.
Ketchup: If you aren’t a ketchup fan, barbecue sauce makes a tasty alternative for the glaze. You could even mix some hot sauce with ketchup for a spicy kick!
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but you can skip it or replace it with other herbs, like basil or chives, depending on your taste.
How Can I Ensure My Meatloaf is Tender?
Keeping your meatloaf tender involves a couple of key steps. First, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make it dense.
- Use a light hand when forming the loaf—don’t pack it too tightly.
- Adding moisture from the milk and egg helps keep it juicy. Consider adding some grated vegetables like zucchini for even more moisture!
Finally, give it a rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and delicious. Enjoy your wonderful meatloaf!
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup ketchup (plus 2-3 tbsp for topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Air Fryer Meatloaf takes about 35-40 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and shaping the loaf, then about 25 minutes cooking and resting. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This step ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and comes out perfectly tender.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, gather all your ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, ½ cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix everything gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Once everything is mixed, shape the mixture into a loaf. Aim for a size of about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide so it fits well in your air fryer. Remember, the goal is to create a loaf that cooks evenly!
4. Place in the Air Fryer:
Carefully place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket. If you’d like, line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
5. Cook the Meatloaf:
Cook your meatloaf for 25 minutes at 360°F. This will help it develop a lovely crust and cook through without drying out.
6. Add the Glaze:
When the initial cooking time is up, carefully open the air fryer. Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze adds flavor and a nice finish.
7. Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze looks set.
8. Rest and Serve:
Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is important for letting the juices redistribute, making each slice juicy! Slice it up, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
9. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Pair your delicious Air Fryer Meatloaf with your favorite sides, and enjoy a hearty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may need a bit more moisture; consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk to prevent it from being dry.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just make sure the substitute isn’t too dry, as it needs to help bind the meat together.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave it until warmed thoroughly.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf?
Yes, adding grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and add moisture. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them in to keep the meatloaf from becoming soggy!
