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Home » Recipes » air fryer » Air Fryer Meatloaf

August 4, 2022

Air Fryer Meatloaf

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Air Fryer Meatloaf | Foodtastic Mom #airfryerrecipes #meatloafrecipes #airfryermeatloaf via @foodtasticmomAir Fryer Meatloaf | Foodtastic Mom #airfryerrecipes #meatloafrecipes #airfryermeatloaf via @foodtasticmomAir Fryer Meatloaf | Foodtastic Mom #airfryerrecipes #meatloafrecipes #airfryermeatloaf via @foodtasticmom

Forget baking it in the oven. Air Fryer Meatloaf is the tastiest and most tender meatloaf you can make. No stovetop cooking required.

air fryer meatloaf plated with macaroni and cheese and green beans with a side dish of applesauce and iced tea to drink
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Growing up I always loved my Mom’s meatloaf. As I recall, she didn’t actually have a recipe for it. But rather used a certain seasoning mix. Just ground beef and seasoning, baked in a loaf pan and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. The flavor was so good! But unfortunately I don’t remember the brand of seasoning she used.

Meatloaf remains one of my favorite comfort foods. But it took me a long while to find a really good, classic meatloaf recipe. As it happens, my recipe for air fryer meatloaf is as close as I’ve gotten to my memory of the meatloaf I was served growing up.

two slices of glazed air fryer meatloaf sprinkled with fresh parsley

Why meatloaf works so well in the air fryer

I have had great success cooking hamburgers and meatballs in my air fryer. I mix in a panade of milk and Panko breadcrumbs with the ground beef to keep it tender. Meatloaf is the same. A mix of milk, Panko and a little mayo (no egg required) helps to keep the lean ground beef tender. But really, the constant hot air flow of the air fryer is the key to perfectly cooked ground beef. It develops a browned, crispy crust on the outside. But the inside is unbelievably juicy and delicious. Add a sweet and tangy glaze right at the end and you have a perfect, classic meatloaf recipe!

picture of all the ingredients needed to make air fryer meatloaf

Air fryer meatloaf ingredients

  • Ground Beef – I use lean ground beef (93% lean) for this air fryer meatloaf recipe.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs – These are usually found in the baking aisle of the grocery store.
  • Milk – 1% cow’s milk is what I use in this recipe.
  • Mayonnaise – Helps to keep the lean ground beef tender and moist as it cooks.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – Adds good umami flavor to the meatloaf.
  • Onion Flakes – Saves time and adds a milder flavor instead of chopping raw onions.
  • Parsley – Use dried or this brand of lightly dried parsley.
  • Garlic Powder – One clove of fresh garlic can be substituted if you prefer.
  • Paprika – You can use either sweet or smoked paprika, I used smoked in this recipe.
  • Salt and Pepper – Use one teaspoon salt and half teaspoon black pepper to help season the beef.
  • Ketchup – Used for the meatloaf glaze at the end.
  • Lemon Juice – Helps to brighten the flavor of the glaze.
  • Brown Sugar – Adds a nice sweetness to balance all the other savory/salty flavors.

a picture collage showing the process of making the air fryer meatloaf

Instructions for how to make air fryer meatloaf

For complete, detailed instructions, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card.

Whisk together all the dry seasonings together. And whisk together the milk, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. Combine the two in a large bowl. Then add the ground beef. Mix again and form it into a loaf shape. I always form the loaf on the parchment that I’m going to put into my air fryer basket – makes for easy transfer.

Line your air fryer basket with foil. Place the parchment paper and meatloaf on top of the foil. Cook the meatloaf at 350 degrees F for 30 – 35 minutes. While it’s cooking, whisk together the ketchup, lemon juice and brown sugar for the glaze. Brush the glaze on the meatloaf and air fryer at 400 degrees for an additional 5 minutes.

The meatloaf is done when the center of the loaf has reached at least 160 degrees F.

a picture collage showing the process of air frying the meatloaf from start to finish

Pro tips

Change up your protein and try this meatloaf recipe with ground turkey, chicken or ground pork instead. Please share in the comments if you do so! I love to hear your experiences with my recipes in your own kitchens.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Anytime you cook raw meat in the air fryer, always check it with an instant read digital meat thermometer before cooking. Food safety is very important!

The temperature of the center of your meatloaf needs to be a minimum of 160 degrees F before it is safe to serve to your family or guests.

glazed air fryer meatloaf sliced on a plate

Can I line my air fryer basket with foil?

I test all of my recipes in my Philips XXL Air Fryer. I have never had any problems using foil in my air fryer basket. That being said, air fryers vary quite a bit from brand to brand. So please always check the manufacturer instructions to see what they say about using foil.

Suggested side dishes

  • Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Homemade Dinner Rolls
  • Party Potatoes
  • Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Corn Bread
  • Baked Beans
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Glazed Carrots

Storage directions

Place leftover meatloaf in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to one month.

How do I reheat meatloaf in the air fryer?

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Reheat refrigerated slices of cooked meatloaf at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes. Be sure to thaw frozen slices of meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Kitchen tools

  • I have used my Philips XXL Air Fryer for about three years and love it.
  • This is my favorite (and inexpensive) instant read digital meat thermometer.
  • Parchment paper that is already cut to the size of standard air fryer baskets is very convenient for recipes like this.
  • Use a small, silicone pastry brush to help brush the glaze onto the meatloaf.
  • My favorite measuring cups and tablespoons to use in my kitchen.

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fried Pork Chops
  • Air Fryer Apples
  • Shrimp Tacos in the Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Sausage
  • Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

taking a bite of air fryer meatloaf

glazed air fryer meatloaf plated and sliced
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5 from 18 votes

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Forget baking it in the oven. Air Fryer Meatloaf is the tastiest and most tender meatloaf you can make. No stovetop cooking required.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 505kcal
Author Foodtastic Mom

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp onion flakes (dried onion)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp light brown sugar

Instructions

  • Line your air fryer basket loosely with foil.
  • In a large, clean bowl, mix together the Panko bread crumbs, milk, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, onion, parsley, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper.
  • Break up the ground beef into small pieces over the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Mix with your hands or a spatula until the Panko breadcrumb mixture is well blended into the beef.
  • Form the mixture into a meatloaf shape, on the parchment paper.
  • Transfer the meatloaf on the parchment paper to the air fryer basket lined with foil.
  • Air fry at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should be at about 150 degrees F.
  • While the meatloaf is cooking in the air fryer, stir together the ketchup, lemon juice and brown sugar until blended.
  • Use a pastry brush or spoon to spread the ketchup glaze over the almost fully cooked meatloaf.
  • Air fry the meatloaf with the glaze at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
  • Check to make sure the internal temperature of the meatloaf is 160 degrees F.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 884mg | Potassium: 560mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg

Foodtastic Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program (Amazon Associate), an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Any highlighted, clickable Amazon link you see is an affiliate link that I may earn advertising fees on when you click to purchase.

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Air Fryer Meatloaf | Foodtastic Mom #airfryerrecipes #meatloafrecipes #airfryermeatloaf

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Comments

  1. ali randall says

    February 22, 2021 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    I just purchased an air fryer and have been looking for easy recipes to use it. Winter calls for meatloaf and I love that this recipe is for the air fryer. I will let you know how it turns out. Delicous I am sure!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      February 22, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      Anxious to hear what you think. You’ll just love your air fryer. I sure do!

      Reply
  2. Taylor Kiser says

    February 22, 2021 at 11:47 am

    5 stars
    Totally making this for dinner! I love finding née recipes to make in my air fryer!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      February 22, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      Hope you enjoy it as much as my family did!

      Reply
  3. Beth Sachs says

    February 22, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    My air fryer arrived last week and I’m already obsessed with it. I’m going to be trying this meatloaf out for sure!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      February 22, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      I’m definitely obsessed with my air fryer. Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. April says

    February 22, 2021 at 12:20 pm

    The glaze on the meatloaf was so yummy. I love that I can make this in my air fryer.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      February 22, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      The glaze is what really takes it over the top!

      Reply
  5. Angela says

    February 22, 2021 at 12:27 pm

    5 stars
    I can never get my meatloaf to come out moist and tender. This recipe has helps me so much. My family loved the topping so much!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      February 22, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      So happy to hear this Angela. Thank you for taking the time to rate and comment!

      Reply
  6. Andrea says

    March 26, 2021 at 11:17 am

    5 stars
    This Air Fryer recipe is so perfect for me. The meatloaf sounds fabulous and I love that I don’t have to make the whole house hot by using the oven.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 26, 2021 at 7:09 pm

      This is a great point! Air fryers are great any time of year, but in the summer they keep your kitchen cooler.

      Reply
  7. Jen says

    March 26, 2021 at 11:31 am

    5 stars
    Yes!! I’ve been looking forward to trying out my air fryer for something besides fries and nuggets, haha! Now I can have this comfort food without needing to heat up my house with using the oven. Perfect!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 26, 2021 at 7:09 pm

      Meatloaf is comfort food for sure. I know you’re going to love it.

      Reply
  8. Rachna says

    March 26, 2021 at 11:57 am

    5 stars
    This recipe seems perfect for making moist meatloaf. I love air fryer a lot for how truly good these recipes turn out.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 26, 2021 at 7:08 pm

      Yes! The air fryer really seals in all the juices.

      Reply
  9. Aimee Mars says

    March 26, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never thought to do meatloaf in the air fryer before! This is genius and I LOVE meatloaf so this is definitely happening soon in my kitchen.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 26, 2021 at 7:08 pm

      Glad to hear this. Enjoy!

      Reply
  10. Dannii says

    March 26, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    I am always looking for new ways to use my air fryer and this looks delicious.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 26, 2021 at 7:08 pm

      It is definitely delicious. I think it’s way better than meatloaf I bake in my oven.

      Reply
  11. Michaela says

    August 04, 2022 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    What a fabulous meatloaf recipe and I love that it’s made in the air fryer. Great for a busy weeknight meal.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 08, 2022 at 9:52 pm

      This is definitely a great recipe for busy weeknights.

      Reply
  12. Luci Petlack says

    August 04, 2022 at 5:08 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for the reheating instructions; I’ve always wondered about reheating in the air fryer!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 06, 2022 at 10:56 am

      You’re welcome! The air fryer can do it all!

      Reply
  13. justin says

    August 04, 2022 at 5:36 pm

    Love the crisp on the outside made this way. Kids thought it was a real winner too.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 06, 2022 at 10:56 am

      I always love hearing when one of my recipes is kid-approved!

      Reply
  14. Anjali says

    August 04, 2022 at 5:44 pm

    5 stars
    I had no idea you could make meatloaf in an air fryer! This looks hearty and delicious!!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 08, 2022 at 9:51 pm

      Yes, my air fryer never ceases to amaze me. Enjoy!

      Reply
  15. Mirlene says

    August 04, 2022 at 5:59 pm

    5 stars
    Meatloaf is one of our favorites for dinner. This turned out perfect with the ketchup glaze! So delicious!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 06, 2022 at 10:55 am

      Thanks Mirlene. So glad you enjoyed the meatloaf!

      Reply
  16. Tayler says

    August 23, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    This is my new go to meatloaf recipe! So easy and I love using my air fryer!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 24, 2022 at 1:36 pm

      Great, thank you so much Tayler!

      Reply
  17. Dana says

    August 23, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    I love meatloaf SO much. Such a classic home-cooked meal. This modernized air fryer version is awesome. Quick, tasty, and just another reason why I’m so glad I bought that thing, haha.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 30, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Agree! I couldn’t live without my air fryer now. So glad you enjoyed the meatloaf!

      Reply
  18. Kelley says

    August 23, 2022 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    Cooking meatloaf in the air fryer was so easy!! Thank you for sharing this idea.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 30, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      You’re welcome!

      Reply
  19. Sara Welch says

    August 23, 2022 at 1:58 pm

    5 stars
    Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Turned out perfectly flavorful and juicy; easily, a new favorite air fryer recipe!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 24, 2022 at 1:36 pm

      Happy this meatloaf made an appearance on your dinner table! Thank you for taking the time to rate and review!

      Reply
  20. Dannii says

    August 23, 2022 at 2:01 pm

    5 stars
    I am always looking for new ways to use my air fryer and this was delicious. Perfectly cooked

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      August 30, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you so much Dannii!

      Reply

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My name is Jill and I share simple and delicious, family-friendly recipes. I want you to feel super in YOUR kitchen!

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