Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe is a quick dish using 2 pounds of ground beef or turkey. The meatloaf is topped with a sweet and savory glaze. Drizzle with gravy if you wish!
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This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.
Making meatloaf in an air fryer can’t get any easier! If you are looking for easy air fryer ground beef recipes, you came to the right place. You can even make mini meatloaves using this recipe.
I’m no stranger to making meatloaf. This dish is a replica of my low carb recipe, but prepared with breadcrumbs as opposed to almond flour.
How to Cook and Make Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
The key to good meatloaf lies in the seasoning and what you use to bind it. It will need to be properly bound to prevent it from falling apart.
- Saute onions and garlic with butter in a skillet.
- Add garlic, onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, Italian Seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper to a large bowl with ground beef.
- Break down the beef and combine the ingredients.
- Mold the meat into a loaf.
- Add the beef to the air fryer and air fry.
- Cool before serving.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Ultimately, you want to cook the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. Timing will vary. Mine was ready around 45 minutes.
Air Fryer Temperature
I like to use 370 degrees.
Meatloaf Glaze
I like to glaze the meatloaf with a combo that is both sweet and savory. I use a little brown sweetener, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning.
How to Slice It
Always let the meatloaf rest and cool completely before slicing. It will fall apart if you don’t. Use a serrated knife to slice into the loaf. This will also prevent your slices from falling apart.
Pair with These Side Dishes
Cauliflower Mash
Zucchini Au Gratin
Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Purple Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Asparagus
Southern Baked Beans
How to Reheat Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
I like to line the basket with air fryer parchment paper first. I reheat the meatloaf on 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Ground turkey can be used in this recipe if desired. The cook time will remain the same.
- Lean ground beef can be used in this recipe if desired. If you use lean ground beef there will be a lot less fat to drain from the meatloaf.
- Add a little heat by adding a little hot sauce or Sriracha!
- You can use Italian Breadcrumbs and omit the Italian Seasoning.
- Be sure to test the internal temperature of the meatloaf. I like to test 2 different areas to be sure it is cooked through.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days.
If you want to make a low carb or keto version, check out my Keto Low-Carb Meatloaf here.
Serve this with my Keto Low-Carb Brown Gravy.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Steak
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Air Fryer Ribs
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Sausage
Air Fryer Crab Legs
Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 pounds ground beef I use grass fed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika I like to use Smoked Paprika.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meatloaf Glaze
- 3/4 cup ketchup I use Primal Kitchen unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons brown sweetener Use Discount Code: STAYSNATCHED for savings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add the butter and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the ground beef to a large bowl with all of the ingredients including the cooked onions. (excluding the glaze ingredients).
- Beak down the meat and combine the ingredients. You can also use your hands. Ensure the meat is coated in all of the seasonings and ingredients, but don't overwork the meat. If you overwork the meat the meatloaf is more likely to fall apart after air frying.
- Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Add the meat mixture to the pan. Shape the meat in the pan, pay close attention to the edges, and smooth with a silicone spatula or spoon. A 9×5 pan won't fit in my 5.8 quart air fryer, but it will fit in my air fryer oven. If using an air fryer, use the loaf pan to mold the meatloaf, and then remove it from the pan by pulling up on the parchment paper and place it on the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 35 minutes on 370 degrees.
- While the meatloaf bakes in the air fryer, combine all of the ingredients for the glaze in a medium bowl. Stir well to combine.
- After 35 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. You can choose to drain any excess fat. I didn't drain any because the parchment paper works well at soaking it up. Spread the glaze over the top. The mixture will create a thick layer on top.
- Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes (timing will vary based on temperature). Use a meat thermometer to test the inside of the loaf and ensure it has reached an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Examine the edges of the meatloaf to ensure the edges are fully cooked.
- Allow the meatloaf to cool and rest for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. I allow mine to rest for about 20 minutes. The meat will need to rest before you slice into it.
- Use a serrated bread knife to slice the meatloaf, this will prevent it from falling apart as you slice it.
Video
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used in this recipe if desired. The cook time will remain the same.
- Lean ground beef can be used in this recipe if desired. If you use lean ground beef there will be a lot less fat to drain from the meatloaf.
- Add a little heat by adding a little hot sauce or Sriracha!
- You can use Italian Breadcrumbs and omit the Italian Seasoning.
- Be sure to test the internal temperature of the meatloaf. I like to test 2 different areas to be sure it is cooked through.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days.
Regina
Friday 22nd of December 2023
When you buy a 1/2 cow you get a lot of ground beef and this recipe is so tasty that it’s on repeat at my house. Thanks Brandi
staysnatched
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
haha! Love that. You're welcome.
Jim
Sunday 22nd of January 2023
Made the air fryer meatloaf; HUGE hit! I may never make meatloaf the traditional way ever again! Thank you so much!
staysnatched
Sunday 22nd of January 2023
I'm so glad you like it better!
Jim
Thursday 19th of January 2023
We have tried several of your recipes and they are one and all fantastic! So now, when I look for a new recipe of any sort, yours is the first website I search. We thank you from the very center of our hearts! P.S. Next will be the air fryer meatloaf. Looks terrific!
staysnatched
Sunday 22nd of January 2023
I hope you enjoy it!
Regina
Wednesday 2nd of November 2022
This is my go to recipe for ground beef. We bought 1/2 a cow this year and have soooo much ground beef. This recipe is perfect every single time. Brandi included every detail needed to make delicious meatloaf every time. This is the best
staysnatched
Thursday 3rd of November 2022
Wonderful! So glad to hear it!
Elise
Tuesday 30th of August 2022
To say my kids loved this meatloaf is an understatement. I have never made meatloaf but I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I did. My girls were asking for more! They especially loved the glaze. I actually made mine in the slow cooker and it came out perfect.
Monday 3rd of October 2022
@Elise, how long did you cook it for in the slow cooker? High or low setting? Btw my name is Elise too!
staysnatched
Tuesday 30th of August 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed it!