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.
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.
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
- Combine all ingredients except ground beef in a large bowl.
- Add the beef and use your hands to thoroughly combine.
- Divide the meatloaf mixture in half and with your hands, form each half into loaf shapes.
- Air fry!
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- 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.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Besides air fryer meatloaf, you can cook all kinds of delicious dinners in your air fryer! Try these:
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!
Recipe
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.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 242kcal
Equipment
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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Veronika
Love that the air fryer cuts the cooking time in half! I've been obsessed with mine ever since I got it. Can't wait to make this meatloaf in it this weekend!
Colleen
Hi Veronika! I know the obsession well 😊 I hope you love the meatloaf!
nancy
I love this easy meatloaf method! It was so quick and mess free
Colleen
I'm glad you love air fryer meatloaf, Nancy! We do too!
Vanessa
I never would have thought to try meatloaf in the air fryer. This was fantastic for the summer heat since it didn't heat up the house like the oven would. We made meatloaf sandwiches with it to take to the beach!
Colleen
Hi Vanessa! So glad it turned out great for you. Meatloaf sandwiches are the best!
Bernice
Your posted this recipe at the perfect time. My husband and I are really enjoying our air fryer now that we're empty nesters. I love finding these classic oven recipes converted for air fryer. So handy!
Colleen
Hi Bernice! I'm glad you are enjoying your air fryer! It really is a super handy appliance, especially with fewer to feed.
Jessica
Crispy crust, check! Who would have thought this could be so good in the air fryer? My family was very happy with this recipe. Thanks!
Colleen
I'm really happy that your family was happy with this meatloaf recipe, Jessica!
Tracy
This meatloaf was so easy to make and so good. We loved the oats in there. Another family favorite, thank you!
Colleen
I'm thrilled to hear this, Tracy!
Sean
I hadn't thought about making a meatloaf in the air fryer and it came out perfectly! This is a great recipe.
Colleen
That's great that it turned out perfectly, Sean! Thanks for letting me know!
Ann
I made this meatloaf for dinner tonight. This was also the first time I have made meatloaf in the air fryer, and it will now be the only way I make it! Turned out great!
Colleen
I'm so glad the meatloaf turned out great for you Ann! Your comment is appreciated!
Lauren Michael Harris
My kids and I love meatloaf, but my meat-loving husband won't even try it ugh. This air fryer meatloaf was the perfect size for us and soo good - will make again for sure!
Colleen
Hi Lauren, I'm glad it worked out great for you! Enjoy!
Amalia
Yummy
Colleen
Hi Amalia, yes, so yummy!
Janessa
This meatloaf is so full of flavour! I love that I can now add meatloaf to the list of things I can make in the air fryer.
Colleen
So glad you loved it, Janessa! Thanks for commenting!
Ieva
Two words - easy and delicious! We really liked the seasoning in the meatloaf and the top got really nice and crispy in the air-fryer. Lovely family recipe!
Colleen
Hi Leva. This is wonderful to hear. I'm very glad your family loved this recipe, and appreciate your comment.
Tara
I will never make meatloaf any other way! Not only is this recipe faster than what I was doing before but also tastier. Thank you!
Colleen
Your welcome, Tara! I'm super happy that the recipe worked out so well for you. Your feedback is very appreciated!
Heather
Wow! Never making meatloaf any other way again! Loved it in my air fryer and the topping was yummy!
Colleen
Hi Heather! So good to hear that you loved the air fryer meatloaf. Enjoy!
Gina Abernathy
I had no idea you could cook meatloaf in an air fryer. Meat loaf is a true comfort food that I love any day and any time.
Colleen
Hi Gina, I know you'll love making meatloaf this way!
Amy
I had no idea you could use the air fryer for making meatloaf, what a great idea!
Colleen
It works great, Amy! I hope you give it a try!