Air fryer meatloaf

This air fryer meatloaf nails the faster and breezier weeknight vibe. Inside's moist, outside's got a caramel crunch thanks to that swirling hot air. Classic family favorite, just easier and lighter.

When I whipped up this meatloaf in my air fryer for the first time, my family couldn't believe how fast it cooked and how good it tasted. It's our go-to comfort dinner now when we want something cozy without the long wait.

Tasty Ingredients List

• For the loaf
• Breadcrumbs: three-fourths cup, helps keep it juicy by soaking up those yummy juices
• Ground beef: 680 grams, grab one with about 15% fat so it stays nice and moist
• Grated onion: half a cup, brings mild sweetness and moisture right into the mix
• Egg: one large, does the binding—holds everything together as it cooks
• Worcestershire sauce: one tablespoon, pops that rich savory kick
• Garlic powder: half a teaspoon, boosts the flavor but doesn't take over
• Salt: one teaspoon, just ties it all together
• Black pepper: half a teaspoon, gives a little background warmth
• For the glaze
• Ketchup: quarter cup, sweet-tart base for your tangy top layer
• Brown sugar: one tablespoon, makes the glaze rich and caramelized
• Worcestershire sauce: two teaspoons, adds more savory depth to the glaze

Step-by-Step Directions

Rest and serve:

Let your meatloaf hang out for 10 minutes before you slice it. This keeps it juicy and sets it up for easy serving. Cut into slices and dish up while it's hot.

Check if it's done:

Stick a meat thermometer in the middle. You want it to hit 74°C to be sure it's safe and cooked through. If it needs it, give it 5 more minutes in the air fryer.

Final cook:

Pop the basket back in and air fry for another 10 minutes. The glaze will turn thick and golden on top.

Add the glaze:

After that first round of cooking, pause the air fryer, pull out the basket, and brush the top with your glaze. Go generous—this'll make that awesome sticky crust.

Mix up the glaze:

While the loaf is cooking, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire together in a small bowl until it's all smooth and glossy. Should be nice and pourable, ready to go on top.

Start the cook:

Gently put your loaf into the preheated air fryer basket at 177°C. This temp keeps it juicy and still gives a good crust. Cook for 15 minutes, letting it just start to set up.

Shape the loaf:

Take your mixture, form it into a rectangle about 2 inches thick. Don't let the middle get too puffy or the ends too thin—try to keep it even so it cooks all the way through.

Mix the base:

Toss breadcrumbs, ground beef, grated onion, egg, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Use your hands to mix but don't overdo it—you want everything just blended so it stays soft.

I learned that using grated onion instead of chopping it really changes up this meatloaf. The onion melts right into the meat so you get extra flavor and moisture. Even my daughter—who always spots onion bits—loves this one and asks for seconds.

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Leftovers & Storage Tips

Keep your meatloaf in a sealed container in the fridge—it stays great for 3 to 4 days. To warm it up, air fry leftovers at 150°C for 3 to 4 minutes so it stays tender. Want to freeze? Wrap individual slices in foil, pop in a freezer bag, and they'll last up to 3 months.

Swaps & Add-Ins

To make it even lighter, swap half the beef for ground turkey. Want more veg? Grate in some carrots, zucchini, or bell pepper for a bigger nutrition hit and more moisture. If you're craving Italian flavors, throw in a quarter cup of grated parmesan and a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs.

Serving Ideas

This meatloaf goes so well with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green veggies like green beans or asparagus. For a lighter plate, serve with a chilled quinoa salad bursting with colorful veggies. Leftovers make killer sandwiches—try melting cheddar between two toasted slices of rustic bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep my meatloaf juicy while cooking?

To keep it moist, mix the ingredients thoroughly to lock in moisture and monitor the internal temperature during cooking. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing too.

→ Can I swap out some ingredients?

Absolutely! Substitute breadcrumbs with oats or tweak the seasonings to your taste. Ground turkey can also replace ground beef.

→ Is the glaze optional?

You can skip the glaze, but it enhances the flavor. You might want to try barbecue sauce or a simple tomato reduction instead.

→ Can I bake this in an oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the meatloaf on a tray for around 45 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches the proper level.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.