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Home » Recipes » Main Dish Recipes

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Published: Jul 29, 2022 by Colleen 44 Comments

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Did you know you can cook meatloaf in the air fryer? You can, and should, because this delicious classic meatloaf recipe comes out juicy, with a nice crispy crust, in just half the time as the regular oven method.

A sliced glazed air fryer meatloaf on a white plate next to two silver forks.

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food and a delicious meal that the whole family loves. Why not make it the easy way, using the air fryer? Not only does it take less time, but it's healthier too, because the fat drips into the pan. The meatloaf doesn't cook in the fat.

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate.

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
The ingredients to make this recipe on a wooden board.
Meatloaf ingredients

Glaze

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Brown Sugar
The ingredients to make the meatloaf glaze.
Glaze ingredients

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!

The first four steps for making this recipe.
steps1-4
  1. Whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. 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

Can I use foil or parchment paper in the air fryer?

You can use aluminum foil or parchment but I don't recommend it for this recipe, because either of those will block the air flow.

Can you freeze meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze the meatloaves after they are cooked. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap before storing in a zip lock bag or freezer container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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.

A silver fork cutting into a slice of meatloaf on a white plate.

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

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important! Thank you for visiting The Food Blog!

Sliced air fryer meatloaf on a white plate with a fork taking a piece of one slice.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

This easy Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe cooks in half the time as using the oven. It's a delicious recipe the whole family will love.
5 from 39 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: North American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 242kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup quick oats gluten-free if needed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce gluten-free if needed
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Glaze

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, beat the egg with a fork
  • Add oats, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the ground beef and use your hands to combine the ingredients.
  • Divide the meat mixture in half. Form each half into an equally sized loaf shape, about 7" by 4"
  • Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 380
  • Place the meatloaves in the air fryer basket, spaced so they aren't touching
  • Cook 25 minutes
  • While the meatloaf is cooking, combine the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Brush glaze over the outside of both meatloaves & cook a further 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 1003mg | Potassium: 569mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 4mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marisa

    August 16, 2022 at 6:08 am

    This looks absolutely succulent and you're really tempting me to get an air fryer as I've been on the fence on this for a while. I want a slice now!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      August 17, 2022 at 8:51 am

      Hi Marisa! I was on the fence for a while, too. Finally got an air fryer as a gift and wow do we ever love it! Air fryer meatloaf is just one of the many reasons. 😋

      Reply
  2. Terri

    August 10, 2022 at 12:23 pm

    I had no idea I could make meat loaf in the air fryer- this is life altering! On the rotation for this week😊

    Reply
    • Colleen

      August 12, 2022 at 2:03 pm

      Enjoy Terri!

      Reply
  3. Chenée

    August 07, 2022 at 1:36 pm

    I love meatloaf and I'm so excited to have found this way to make it in the air fryer! Especially since I also make meatloaf with oats and love the texture that brings it!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      August 08, 2022 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Chenee, I'm so glad you found this recipe, too. Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady

    August 07, 2022 at 7:59 am

    Making meatloaf in the air fryer is brilliant. It won't heat up the kitchen as much as the oven, which is wonderful during this heat wave. I can not wait to try cooking my meatloaf in my air fryer this week!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      August 07, 2022 at 9:22 am

      I would love to hear how it turns out for you, Cindy.

      Reply
  5. Jacqueline Debono

    August 07, 2022 at 1:55 am

    I make meatloaf a couple of times a month but have never thought to make it in the airfryer. Such a good idea. We'll be trying your recipe next time meatloaf is on our menu!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      August 07, 2022 at 9:22 am

      You'll love how easy it is, Jacqueline!

      Reply
  6. Cathleen

    August 06, 2022 at 6:27 am

    Why have I never thought of making meatloaf in the air fryer before?? This is pure genius! Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Colleen

      August 07, 2022 at 9:21 am

      You're welcome, Cathleen! Enjoy!

      Reply
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