What’s in This Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe?
Glazed in a tangy and sweet ketchup mix, this air fryer meatloaf is tasty, hearty, comforting, and a breeze to make. I serve it up with all of your favorite sides for a cozy dinner idea that everyone will love!
Ground Beef: We like 80-85% lean beef for a juicy meatloaf. Any leaner, and it may turn out dry. Breadcrumbs: Bind the meatloaf and help retain moisture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Onion: A bit of finely chopped yellow or white onion adds an earthy-sweet flavor and moisture. Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the loaf. Any kind of milk will work, including plant-based milk. Ketchup: Adds a sweet and umami flavor to both the meatloaf and the glaze. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory, umami flavor to the meatloaf. Check the ingredients carefully if you’re gluten-sensitive, as not all brands are gluten-free. Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning add flavor to the meatloaf, while garlic and onion powder add a savory element to the glaze. Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf and adds moisture. Sugar: Brown sugar adds rich sweetness to the glaze. Vinegar: A splash of red wine vinegar a touch of balancing acidity to the glaze.
Variations on Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
I prefer to make this air fryer meatloaf with beef as it has a higher fat content than chicken or turkey so it stays nice and juicy. I sometimes swap some of the beef with another ground meat like chicken or turkey. Pork would also be delicious!
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the air fryer at 320°F for 5 minutes to warm it back through.
How to Freeze
To freeze, tightly wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This is one hearty and delicious meal that is so easy to make. Serve it up with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes and a spinach salad with bacon for one tasty family meal. Use leftovers to make a delicious meatloaf sandwich with Swiss or Provolone cheese!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
This beef meatloaf takes minutes to make before it gets cooked in the air fryer. Even the clean-up is a breeze! You just need one bowl to mix everything together, and then it’s cooked right in the air fryer basket.
How to Make Meatloaf in an Air Fryer Step by Step
Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of finely chopped onion, ¼ cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 large egg together. Shape and Cook the Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape. Transfer the loaf to the air fryer. Cook at 350°F for 15 minutes. Glaze and Cook the Meatloaf: While the meatloaf is cooking, make the glaze. Combine ½ cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder in a small dish. While the meatloaf is still in the air fryer basket, spread the glaze over the meatloaf. Cook the meatloaf for another 5 minutes.
More Ground Beef Recipes To Try
Stovetop Burgers Baked Cheeseburger Sliders Goulash Stuffed Shells with Meat Swedish Meatballs Air Fryer Hamburgers Hamburger Casserole
