Meatloaf in Air Fryer
This quick and easy Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe is perfect for hectic weeknight dinners when you need something delicious on the table in just 35 minutes!
Made with basic everyday ingredients, it provides maximum flavor without any fuss, making it the perfect comfort food that the whole family will love.
Meatloaf is a popular comfort food consisting of mixing ground beef, eggs, onions, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, and spices.
Traditionally, it’s shaped into a loaf and baked until the top is crispy and brown, and the inside is fully cooked.
Air-frying meatloaf makes the edges even crispier due to the air circulation in the fryer basket, while maintaining a juicy interior.
Moreover, it cooks in half the time compared to using a traditional oven.
Please continue scrolling down to find the recipe card below, which contains the complete list of ingredients with measurements, detailed recipe instructions, additional notes, and nutritional information.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef – It is the mainingredient for meatloaf, and the fat content is crucial for its texture and flavor. Aim for minced meat with around 30% fat for a soft and tasty meatloaf. If you opt for lean mince, consider adding some fat or oil to the mixture. You can also use ground turkey, pork, or a blend of your favorite meats.
- Onions – Grated onions contribute to the flavor and moisture of the meatloaf. You can substitute it with shallots if desired.
- Egg – It serves as a binder, bringing together the meat, breadcrumbs, spices, and herbs. Typically, one egg is sufficient for up to a kilo of meat.
- Breadcrumbs – They absorb the meat’s juices during cooking, helping to retain moisture inside the meatloaf while providing a soft texture.
- Milk – You can use semi-skimmed or full-fat. It helps tenderizing the meat, resulting in a softer meatloaf.
- Worcestershire sauce – it offers a distinctive mix of tangy, savory, sweet, and salty flavors, along with an umami richness from the anchovies.
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf?
Important Note
Before you start cooking, note that times may differ among air fryers. I develop my recipes using a Cosori 6.8 air fryer. If you’re using a different air fryer, view my recipes as a general guide and tweak the cooking time—add a bit more or cook slightly less as needed.
Making meatloaf from scratch in an air fryer is a straightforward process.
To achieve the best results, you need to follow a few simple steps:
Mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley in a large bowl.
Avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape the mixture into a loaf that comfortably fits inside your air fryer.
Cover the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then, transfer the meatloaf carefully in the basket.
Air fry for about 20-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
As the meatloaf cooks, blend the ketchup, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl to prepare the glaze.
After 15 minutes of cooking, brush the meatloaf with the glaze, then continue cooking until it’s fully done.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for five minutes after cooking to preserve its juices, then slice and serve with additional glaze on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The air fryer operates by circulating hot air all around the food, ensuring even cooking and achieving a crispy texture.
- You can customize this recipe according to your taste preferences or dietary requirements, such as using different types of ground meat or adding a variety of spices and herbs.
- Air fryers typically cook food faster than conventional ovens, which is convenient for busy evenings or when you need to prepare a quick and satisfying meal.
- This air fryer meatloaf recipe combines ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices to create a comforting and flavorful dish.
- Using an air fryer enhances the flavors and textures, resulting in an exceptionally delicious meal.
Expert Tips From the Chef
- When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated without overmixing.
- For a soft and delicious meatloaf, the ideal mince should contain 30% fat. If you prefer lean mince, add some fat or oil to the mixture.
- Ensure your meatloaf is evenly thick all over to cook evenly. Avoid making the middle thicker than the ends.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Periodically check your meatloaf as air fryers can vary in cooking times. If the meatloaf starts browning too early, cover it loosely with tin foil to avoid burning.
- After cooking, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, keeping it moist and flavorful.
What Goes Well with Air Fryer Meatloaf?
Pomme Puree – Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf.
Other side dishes that go well with meatloaf are Mini Tater Tots in Air Fryer, Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Breaded Crispy Air Fryer Okra, Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries, Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer, and a bowl of refreshing Beetroot and Feta Salad.
Storage and Reheating
Let the meatloaf cool to room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Wrap the leftover meatloaf in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Store the wrapped meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until thoroughly warmed.
If frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Certainly! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better a day or two after preparation.
The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the meatloaf, but generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
Regular cleaning is essential as the residue from previous cooking can burn and cause smoke. Ensure to clean the basket, pan, and interior after each use.
Additionally, when cooking fatty foods, consider adding a little water to the drawer underneath the basket or placing a piece of bread there. This can help catch fat and reduce smoke.
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Please give us a five-star rating and leave a comment below.
I hope you enjoy the process of preparing this delicious Meatloaf in Air Fryer just as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
Bon appétit!
Meatloaf in Air Fryer
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 750 g ground beef
- 20 g breadcrumbs
- 1 small egg
- 1 large onion (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup semi-skimmed or full-fat milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatloafs tender.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf that comfortably fits inside your air fryer.
- Cover the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then, transfer the meatloaf carefully in the basket.
- Air fry for about 20-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
- As the meatloaf cooks, blend the ketchup, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl to prepare the glaze.
- After 15 minutes of cooking, brush the meatloaf with the glaze, then continue cooking until it's fully done.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for five minutes after cooking to preserve its juices, then slice and serve with additional glaze on the side.
Notes
- When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated without over mixing.
- For a soft and delicious meatloaf, the ideal mince should contain 30% fat. If you prefer lean mince, add some fat or oil to the mixture.
- Ensure your meatloaf is evenly thick all over to cook evenly. Avoid making the middle thicker than the ends.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Periodically check your meatloaf as air fryers can vary in cooking times. If the meatloaf starts browning too early, cover it loosely with tin foil to avoid burning.
- After cooking, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, keeping it moist and flavorful.
