Name: Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or mix of beef & pork); 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers); 1/2 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/3 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

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This Air Fryer Meatloaf is a revelation for anyone who has ever craved classic comfort food but dreaded the hour-long wait. Tender, juicy, and topped with a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze, this version is ready in half the time, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re prepping for a weekday dinner or just want a quick nostalgia fix, Air Fryer Meatloaf is the savory shortcut you’ve been looking for without sacrificing an ounce of flavor!

Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy about these ingredients—each one has a purpose, contributing to the delightful flavor, moist texture, and signature color of your Air Fryer Meatloaf. It’s a short grocery list but each item packs a punch in taste and comfort.

Ground Beef (or mix of beef & pork): Choose 80/20 for juiciness—adding pork makes it even more flavorful and rich.
Breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers): These soak up the moisture and bind everything together for a tender bite.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs so your meatloaf is never dry or dense.
Onion (finely diced): Adds sweet savoriness throughout every slice; chop extra-fine for best texture.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the loaf with warming, aromatic depth.
Eggs (beaten): Keep the loaf cohesive for perfect slices that hold together.
Ketchup: Classic meatloaf flavor that’s both sweet and tangy—don’t skip this!
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of umami and a hint of old-school diner magic.
Salt: Essential for bringing all those comforting flavors to life.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Dried Parsley: For freshness and a pop of green throughout the loaf.
Smoked Paprika: Offers a smoky backbone and gorgeous color.
Ketchup (for glaze): Sweet, bright, and glossy—perfect topping on every slice.
Brown Sugar (for glaze): Melts in the air fryer, caramelizing for a sticky sweet finish.
Dijon Mustard (optional, for glaze): Adds subtle tang and complexity—totally worth it!

How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf

Step 1: Gather & Prep

Before anything else, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) so it’s ready to go. Dice the onion, mince your garlic, and measure out all your ingredients—prepping ahead makes mixing a breeze and ensures nothing important gets left behind.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, add your ground beef (and pork, if using), breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and smoked paprika. Using clean hands or a sturdy spatula, gently combine everything until just mixed. Resist the urge to overmix—this is the secret to a fork-tender Air Fryer Meatloaf.

Step 3: Shape and Place

Form your mixture into a loaf shape, roughly 7×4 inches, making sure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Place the loaf on parchment paper or a lightly greased surface to prevent sticking—parchment also makes cleanup extra easy.

Step 4: First Air Fry Session

Transfer the loaf into your preheated air fryer basket and set the timer for 25 minutes at 380°F. The blasting heat will seal in the juices and start building those crave-worthy crispy edges on your Air Fryer Meatloaf.

Step 5: Mix and Apply the Glaze

While the meatloaf cooks, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze in a small bowl. After the timer goes off, carefully spread this luscious glaze in an even layer over the top of your meatloaf for that sticky, caramelized signature finish.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Return the glazed loaf to the air fryer for another 8–10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°F (71°C). The glaze will bubble up and turn glossy—watch for that irresistible shine!

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Let your Air Fryer Meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This brief pause helps lock in the juices, making for easier slicing and an ultra-tender result. Now, all that’s left is to dig in!

How to Serve Air Fryer Meatloaf

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving to brighten up each slice. A light scattering of flaky sea salt or a dash of smoked paprika works beautifully for both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Traditional mashed potatoes are always a hit with Air Fryer Meatloaf, but don’t forget roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even classic mac and cheese for a crowd-pleasing spread. Their comforting flavors round out the meal for a well-balanced dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Sliced thick and stacked on buttery toast for a meatloaf sandwich, or arranged as mini-loaves for a party platter, this Air Fryer Meatloaf is as adaptable as it is delicious. Petite slices on toothpicks with a dab of extra glaze make for a surprising (and delicious) appetizer at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap cooled, leftover Air Fryer Meatloaf tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slices stay tender and flavorful, making quick lunches or next-day dinners a breeze.

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, freeze baked or unbaked meatloaf by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep happily in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual slices in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. The air fryer crisps the edges again while keeping the inside moist—an excellent way to relive that just-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Meatloaf with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for beef or pork if you’d like a lighter option. Be mindful that poultry cooks a bit faster and can dry out, so watch the internal temperature closely and don’t overcook.

My air fryer is small. Can I make two smaller loaves instead?

Yes, making two mini loaves is a great strategy for smaller air fryers. Not only does this cut down the cooking time a bit, but you’ll also get more crispy edges—which most meatloaf fans can’t resist!

Is it possible to make Air Fryer Meatloaf gluten-free?

Definitely—just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free!

What’s the best way to check doneness without overcooking?

An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here. Stick it into the center of the meatloaf; once it hits 160°F (71°C), you’re good to go. Avoid slicing too early, as resting is crucial for juices to redistribute.

Can I prep Air Fryer Meatloaf in advance?

Yes! Shape the loaf and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before air frying. Or, freeze the unbaked loaf for up to 3 months. Thaw before using, then follow the regular cooking instructions for a make-ahead win.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something soul soothing about a slab of Air Fryer Meatloaf on your plate—especially when you know it’s this fast and fuss-free to make. Give this recipe a try and watch it turn into a new family classic in your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!