Air Fryer Meatloaf

Why This Recipe Works

• Air fryer meatloaf is quick and easy to make (just 30 minutes!), so it's perfect for those busy weeknights.
• In the air fryer, the fat drips off into the pan, making the air fryer a healthier way to cook meatloaf.
• The meatloaf comes out juicy and tender, with a delicious crispy crust.
• The air fryer doesn't heat up your kitchen, so you can have meatloaf any time of year!
• This delicious meatloaf recipe is dairy free, and easily made gluten free too.

Ingredient Notes

Full instructions for this easy recipe can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Meatloaf

• Lean Ground Beef. You can also use any ground meat like ground turkey, ground pork, or a combination of beef and pork.
• Quick Oats You can use rolled oats instead. They will be more noticeable in texture than quick oats. You can also substitute bread crumbs in an equal amount.
• Egg Use a large egg. The egg acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
• Italian seasoning Or use thyme, sage, oregano or basil instead.
• Onion powder Onion powder works best for this air fryer version. The quick cooking time means that fresh onion won't be fully cooked.
• Mustard powder Feel free to substitute a tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard.
• Salt & Pepper

Glaze

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Brown Sugar

How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf

1. Combine all ingredients except ground beef in a large bowl.
2. Add the beef and use your hands to thoroughly combine.
3. Divide the meatloaf mixture in half and with your hands, form each half into loaf shapes.
4. Air fry!

5. Whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
6. Brush the glaze on before the final few minutes of cooking time.

Helpful Tips

• Don't overmix your meatloaf or it will be tough. The best way to mix: beat the egg first in a large mixing bowl. Then add the remaining ingredients except the ground beef, and whisk together. Finally, add the ground beef and use your hands to gently mix until everything is combined.
• Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before adding the meat. (Avocado oil is a great choice because of its high smoke point) Or use a silicone liner.
• Cooking the meatloaves directly in the air fryer basket allows the fat to drain off. However, if you prefer, you can use mini loaf pans.
• The simple glaze adds a tasty, tangy touch. You can also use your favorite barbecue sauce instead.
• Adding the glaze at the end of cooking time ensures it won't burn and the five minutes of cooking time helps the glaze to set.
• This recipe makes two mini meat loaves which works in my Gourmia 6 quart air fryer. If your air fryer is smaller you may need to cook in two batches.
• Air fryer temperatures can vary, which will affect the cook time. Check after 20 minutes using a digital meat thermometer. Cook meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°
• Allow the meatloaves to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• To make this meatloaf gluten free, use gluten free oats and gluten free Worcestershire sauce.
• Store leftover meatloaf in an air tight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Common Questions

Serving Suggestions

Serve meatloaf with side dishes like Sautéed Green Beans With Garlic & Lemon, Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots, or Irish Mashed Potatoes (Colcannon). Salads are also great, especially Classic Potato Salad , or Greek Pasta Salad.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Besides air fryer meatloaf, you can cook all kinds of delicious dinners in your air fryer! Try these:

• Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
• Air Fryer Orange Chicken
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Flank Steak