Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air fryer meatloaf recipe

Learn how to cook meatloaf in the air fryer just like the classic dish you know and love! This dish is so easy to make and can be on the table in no time. Plus, it’s a great alternative if you are cooking small portions. There is no more need to heat up the oven or your kitchen to make meatloaf anymore

I already have an instant pot meatloaf recipe on the blog but ever since I made it in the air fryer, I haven’t looked back. The air fryer just gives meatloaf a different texture and flavor which I really love. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can definitely make this in the oven.

Related recipes: air fryer turkey meatballs and how to cook frozen turkey meatballs in air fryer.

Why you will love this air fryer meatloaf recipe

It is easy, simple, and quick to make, it is a 3-steps recipe, mix, shape, and air fry, yes, it is that easy. More importantly, the meat cooks in the air fryer half the time it would take in the oven or slow cooker (crockpot).

Budget-friendly I made this recipe using a combination of pork and beef meat and it is cheaper compared to buying ground beef. This recipe is also a great way to use up the ground beef that you may have in the freezer

This is a delicious and easy air fryer meatloaf recipe that the whole family will love, it is perfect for any day of a weeknight meal, classic comfort food at its best!

Versatile You can easily customize this recipe to your liking using any seasoning you want

Ingredients

Don’t let the exhaustive ingredient list scare you, this recipe is very simple to make.

• Ground beef and ground pork: for a juicy and flavorful meatloaf use 80/20 lean ground beef and pork.

• Breadcrumbs substitute with Panko or Italian breadcrumbs

• Worcestershire sauce

• Milk

• Onion

• Fresh garlic substitute with garlic powder

• Beef stock cube

• Italian seasoning

• Fresh parsley

• Yellow mustard

• Eggs: binds the ingredients together and helps keep the meatloaf moist

• Meatloaf glaze: ketchup and light brown sugar substitute with dark brown sugar or honey

• Salt and black pepper

How to cook meatloaf in air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350F/175C or 176F if using an instant vortex air fryer.

To a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and ketchup, mix to combine and set aside.

In a large bowl, gently mix together all of the ingredients until well combined.

Divide the meat mixture into two and shape each portion into a loaf shape. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil (optional) and carefully place shaped meatloaf in the air fryer.

Cook in the air fryer for an initial 20 minutes, spoon the ketchup mixture on the meatloaf and continue to air fry for another 6-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes on a plate before slicing and serving.

Tips

• You can use any ground meat in this recipe, I like to mix pork and beef together but you can use all beef, all pork, or turkey.

• For easy cleanup, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminum foil.

• Please, whatever you do, do not overmix the meat mixture, overmixing will result in a tough meatloaf.

• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer.

• Make mini meatloaf muffins if you have a smaller air fryer or you are cooking a small portion.

• It is important that you let the meatloaf rest before slicing so that the juices redistribute.

• Add grated parmesan cheese to the meatloaf mix if you want, about 2 Tablespoons should be fine for this recipe