Forget baking it in the oven. Air Fryer Meatloaf is the tastiest and most tender meatloaf you can make. No stovetop cooking required.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Air Fryer Meatloaf
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
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ali randall says
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!
foodtasticmom says
Anxious to hear what you think. You’ll just love your air fryer. I sure do!
Taylor Kiser says
Totally making this for dinner! I love finding née recipes to make in my air fryer!
foodtasticmom says
Hope you enjoy it as much as my family did!
Beth Sachs says
My air fryer arrived last week and I’m already obsessed with it. I’m going to be trying this meatloaf out for sure!
foodtasticmom says
I’m definitely obsessed with my air fryer. Enjoy!
April says
The glaze on the meatloaf was so yummy. I love that I can make this in my air fryer.
foodtasticmom says
The glaze is what really takes it over the top!
Angela says
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!
foodtasticmom says
So happy to hear this Angela. Thank you for taking the time to rate and comment!
Andrea says
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.
foodtasticmom says
This is a great point! Air fryers are great any time of year, but in the summer they keep your kitchen cooler.
Jen says
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!
foodtasticmom says
Meatloaf is comfort food for sure. I know you’re going to love it.
Rachna says
This recipe seems perfect for making moist meatloaf. I love air fryer a lot for how truly good these recipes turn out.
foodtasticmom says
Yes! The air fryer really seals in all the juices.
Aimee Mars says
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.
foodtasticmom says
Glad to hear this. Enjoy!
Dannii says
I am always looking for new ways to use my air fryer and this looks delicious.
foodtasticmom says
It is definitely delicious. I think it’s way better than meatloaf I bake in my oven.
Michaela says
What a fabulous meatloaf recipe and I love that it’s made in the air fryer. Great for a busy weeknight meal.
foodtasticmom says
This is definitely a great recipe for busy weeknights.
Luci Petlack says
Thanks for the reheating instructions; I’ve always wondered about reheating in the air fryer!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome! The air fryer can do it all!
justin says
Love the crisp on the outside made this way. Kids thought it was a real winner too.
foodtasticmom says
I always love hearing when one of my recipes is kid-approved!
Anjali says
I had no idea you could make meatloaf in an air fryer! This looks hearty and delicious!!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, my air fryer never ceases to amaze me. Enjoy!
Mirlene says
Meatloaf is one of our favorites for dinner. This turned out perfect with the ketchup glaze! So delicious!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks Mirlene. So glad you enjoyed the meatloaf!
Tayler says
This is my new go to meatloaf recipe! So easy and I love using my air fryer!
foodtasticmom says
Great, thank you so much Tayler!
Dana says
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.
foodtasticmom says
Agree! I couldn’t live without my air fryer now. So glad you enjoyed the meatloaf!
Kelley says
Cooking meatloaf in the air fryer was so easy!! Thank you for sharing this idea.
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Turned out perfectly flavorful and juicy; easily, a new favorite air fryer recipe!
foodtasticmom says
Happy this meatloaf made an appearance on your dinner table! Thank you for taking the time to rate and review!
Dannii says
I am always looking for new ways to use my air fryer and this was delicious. Perfectly cooked
foodtasticmom says
Thank you so much Dannii!