Air Fryer Meatloaf

This delicious and easy air fryer meatloaf recipe is perfect for a quick and hearty meal on busy weeknights.

If you are looking for a delicious, family-friendly meal that can be prepped quickly and effortlessly, air fryer meatloaf might just be your answer!

Not only does this classic comfort food come together in a fraction of the time traditional oven baking requires, but when cooked with an air fryer its deliciousness is kicked up a notch with the perfect crispy coating on the outside. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly.

It’s no wonder why so many home cooks love to make this dish – join us as we dive into how to cook mouthwatering meatloaf in an air fryer!

Why Make Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

• It’s ready in half the time.
• The fat drips into the pan so the meatloaf doesn’t get greasy.
• Moist and flavourful
• Easy clean up
• Can be made ahead of time
• Amazing barbecue glaze
• Freezes well!

Can you Bake it in the Oven Instead?

Yes, you can bake your meatloaf in the oven instead!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet or loaf pan with foil. Bake for approximately 30 minutes then cover with the glaze and bake for a further 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why is my Meatloaf Pink Inside?

Meatloaf made with onion will always be pinkish in the middle because there is a reaction between the naturally occurring nitrates in the onion and the ground beef. This reaction is harmless, and the meatloaf will be safe to eat.

If you’d like to avoid this pink coloration, try substituting onion powder for fresh onions in your recipes.

As long as your meatloaf reaches the correct internal temperature, it’s safe to eat regardless of colour.

The best way to know if your meatloaf is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit before the meatloaf is considered safe to eat.

About the Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air Fryer – If you plan to cook beef roasts, whole chickens etc… you want to look for a 6 to 8 quart air fryer or larger. I have the Cosori 5.8QT XL and love it.

Digital Meat Thermometer – A meat thermometer is the only accurate way to cook your meatloaf perfectly!

Cutting Board with Grooves – A large cutting board with grooves is the perfect place to rest your meatloves and then slice it.

Carving Knife – A good carving knife will help you slice your meatloaves easily.

Carving Fork – A carving fork helps to steady your meatloaf while slicing it.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of sides. Popular options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Macaroni and cheese
• Steamed broccoli or cabbage
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Salads
• Coleslaw
• Green beans sautéed in garlic and butter

Tips for Making the BEST Air Fryer Meatloaf

• Don’t overwork the meatloaf mixture, over mixing it can cause the loaf to become too dense.
• Let your beef and other ingredients come to room temperature for even cooking. 30 minutes on the counter should be enough. You can use cold ingredients but it may take longer to cook through.
• Don’t skip pre-heating the air fryer, pre-heating helps the meatloaf cook through evenly.
• Let it rest, you will be able to slice it cleaner without the slices crumbling.
• Do not line the air fryer basket. We want the fat to drip to the pan below and we want good air circulation. .
• Do not glaze the meatloaf until directed or it will burn.
• I have the Cosori 5.8QT Max XL air fryer, if yours is considerably smaller you may need to divide your meat mixture into 4 smaller loaves and air fry them in batches.
• Do not overcook the meatloaf: when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, it is done.
• Every air fryer is different, so your meatloaf may take more or less time. The time listed in the recipe is exact for my air fryer and two approximately 1 pound loaves. Use it as a guideline, and take note for the next time you make air fryer meatloaf!

How to Store Leftover Meatloaf

If you have leftover meatloaf, store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking and use them up within three to four days for maximum freshness and safety.

To keep the meatloaf moist, add a little beef broth or water to the container before sealing. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also reheat leftover meatloaf on the stovetop or in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leftover meatloaf can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed above.

About the Ingredients for the Meatloaves

Ground beef – You want to use lean ground beef, medium also works well here since the fat drips away. Avoid extra lean though as it will make a dry, less flavourful meatloaf.

Oats – You can use either quick oats, instant oats or old fashioned oats. If you prefer, you can use breadcrumbs instead but I think the oats give the loaf a better texture.

Onion – Adds flavour. You may sautee your onions ahead of time but this step is really unnecessary unless you want a milder flavour.

Milk – Adds moisture to the meatloaf. You can substitute with any stock or broth, water, or an unsweetened non-dairy milk substitute.

Seasoning – Fresh parsley, salt, pepper, garlic and thyme. You can omit the parsley or use dried parsley if you like, and use Italian seasoning instead of the thyme. Ground thyme or dried thyme leaves work well. Use fresh thyme instead if you like.

Eggs – Adding eggs to the meatloaf helps to firm it up.

Worcestershire sauce – Adds a kick of flavour and tang.

About the Ingredients for the Meatloaf Glaze

Ketchup – Use your favourite brand of ketchup. You can substitute with half ketchup and half chili sauce here if you like.

Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is best but you can use white vinegar too.

Sugar – Either light or brown sugar. White sugar won’t add as much depth to the sauce, but if you must you will need to add a small amount of molasses.

Seasonings – A combination of smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt and pepper.

Looking for More Air Fryer Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite air fryer meals!

This air fryer falafel recipe is an easy and healthy way to make falafel that are crispy on the outside and deliciously soft on the inside.

Looking for a delicious and easy corned beef recipe? Our air fryer corned beef recipe is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any other day!

Cook a perfect prime rib roast in your air fryer each and every time. Juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection with a tasty horseradish crust!

How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf

Yields: 8 Servings | Prep time: 15 Minutes | Cook time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 3/4 cup quick oats
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the topping:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix all the meatloaf ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.

Divide the mixture in half and shape each into even sized small meatloaves.

Cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile combine the topping ingredients together in a small bowl.

Cover the meatloaves with the topping and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the meatloaves reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.