Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer meatloaf recipe is a game changer for anyone looking to enjoy a classic meal with a modern twist. The air fryer cooks the meatloaf quickly, producing a crisp, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The homemade sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard adds the perfect finishing touch to the dish. Whether you're short on time or just want to try something new, this recipe delivers great flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup diced onion

• ¼ cup milk

• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 cup ketchup

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground mustard

Directions

1. Place eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and milk in a large bowl and stir to combine.

2. Mix in the ground beef, diced onion, chopped parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning.

3. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or foil. Place the meat mixture into the prepared pan and shape it into a loaf.

4. Carefully lift the loaf with the parchment paper and place it in the air fryer basket.

5. Set the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 15 minutes. Check the top of the meatloaf, and if it begins to brown and crust, place a small piece of foil over it.

6. Continue cooking at 370°F for another 15 minutes.

7. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard to make the sauce.

8. After 30 minutes of cooking, spread half of the sauce over the meatloaf.

9. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Add extra sauce as needed and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Meatloaf: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of ground beef for a vegetarian version.

• Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf: Add a layer of shredded cheese in the center of the meat mixture before forming the loaf for a cheesy surprise inside.

• Spicy Meatloaf: Mix in some chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko to make the recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place slices of meatloaf in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave or oven.

FAQs

1. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook it.

2. Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 165°F (74°C) for it to be fully cooked.

4. Can I cook this meatloaf in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Can I freeze air fryer meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

6. Can I use a different sauce for the topping?

Absolutely! You can use barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, or any other sauce of your choice.

7. How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook the meatloaf and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain its juiciness.

8. Can I make this recipe in a different air fryer model?

Yes, the recipe can be made in any air fryer, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand and model. Keep an eye on the meatloaf as it cooks.

9. What should I serve with this meatloaf?

This air fryer meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

10. Can I make this meatloaf without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or a mixture of milk and cornstarch for a binding agent.

Conclusion

This air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without the wait. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the simple ingredients make it a great choice for families. With a tasty homemade sauce that’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this meatloaf will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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This air fryer meatloaf is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic, hearty meal. With a sweet and tangy homemade sauce and a perfectly cooked exterior, it’s a modern twist on a comforting favorite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef

2 eggs

½ cup diced onion

¼ cup milk

¾ cup panko bread crumbs

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup ketchup

½ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground mustard

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Instructions

1. Place eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and milk in a large bowl and stir to combine.
2. Mix in the ground beef, diced onion, chopped parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning.
3. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or foil. Place the meat mixture into the prepared pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. Carefully lift the loaf with the parchment paper and place it in the air fryer basket.
5. Set the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 15 minutes. Check the top of the meatloaf, and if it begins to brown and crust, place a small piece of foil over it.
6. Continue cooking at 370°F for another 15 minutes.
7. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard to make the sauce.
8. After 30 minutes of cooking, spread half of the sauce over the meatloaf.
9. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Add extra sauce as needed and serve.

Notes

• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for ground beef.
• For a cheesy surprise, add shredded cheese in the center of the meat mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this meatloaf.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If freezing, wrap the cooked meatloaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 6 servings)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 90mg