Air Fryer Meatloaf

A quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meatloaf dinner.

Table of Contents

Nowadays, if you want to keep things simple and efficient when you cook, an air fryer is one of the best tools available. Air fryers can cook food to crispy perfection in less oil than traditional ovens, and will often cook food faster due to their compact design and shorter preheating times. They also require a lot less cleanup, making it my favorite way to cook one of my favorite dishes.

You’ll find that the meatloaf is still juicy in the middle while staying crisp on the outside, just like the traditional oven-baked dish. The preparation is identical throughout, including the glaze applied halfway through cooking to help caramelize the meatloaf’s surface.

If this meatloaf recipe doesn’t fit into your current dietary requirements, I can also recommend this low-carb paleo meatloaf or perhaps this keto meatloaf; both of which you can follow the air fryer cooking instructions in this recipe to keep things simple. Meanwhile, if you want to experiment with different flavors, I recommend this Italian meatloaf or this cheesy stuffed meatloaf.

Is Air Fryer Meatloaf Healthy?

Assuming you choose to use lean ground beef or another type of lean meat, air fryer meatloaf should be healthy for people on most diets as it’s a good source of protein. If you choose to bake the meatloaf without a dish or air fryer liner, the air fryer helps to drain off some of the excess fat, keeping this dish lower in both fat and calories. Just be aware that if too much fat accumulates in the basket, it can create a fire hazard, so be sure to check the basket periodically and empty it as needed.

More Veggies

While onions are the only vegetable in the recipe, you can always add more to your meatloaf. I know some people like to add mushrooms to this dish, and I’ve also had positive results adding carrots, celery, and zucchini, as they tend to add extra flavor and moisture. Adding extra spices and seasonings is also an option if you want to diversify the flavor profile; chili powder, for example, can give the dish a little more kick, and I’ve found that cumin, rosemary, and thyme also blend well with the other ingredients in meatloaf.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 large egg

For the glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine meatloaf ingredients.

Cook

Air fry meatloaf, add glaze, continue cooking.

Serve

Rest, slice, and serve.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Allow the leftover meatloaf to cool, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before keeping in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers should be good for up to 4 days.
You can also prepare the meatloaf in advance by forming the meat mixture into a loaf, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For even longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked meatloaf for up to 3 months.

What if the meatloaf falls apart?

If you find that the meatloaf falls apart when you make it, try adding an extra egg or additional breadcrumbs next time to help keep it together. The uncooked meatloaf should be firm but not too dense before baking, and it should hold its shape when pressed gently. If it feels too loose or crumbly, it’s likely to fall apart during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

One of my favorite side dishes for meatloaf has always been mashed potatoes. I’m also partial to any type of mac and cheese, with bacon mac and cheese being my favorite. It’s also a good idea to have a vegetable side dish with your meatloaf as there are limited vegetables in this dish; I recommend going with creamed spinach or grilled broccoli.