Picture the aroma of savory meatloaf filling your kitchen, a comforting scent that wraps around you like a warm blanket.
This air fryer meatloaf isn’t only incredibly easy to make but also delivers a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
As the ingredients meld and transform in the air fryer, a deliciously tender and flavorful loaf emerges.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 spatula
- 1 meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the air fryer meatloaf, here’s a suggested timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, start combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well with a spatula.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the loaf pan.
- Spread the ketchup evenly on top of the meatloaf.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- Place the loaf pan into the preheated air fryer basket.
- Cook for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
- If the temperature isn’t reached, continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking periodically.
- Resting (10 minutes)
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Final Touch and Serving (5 minutes)
- Garnish the meatloaf with chopped parsley.
- Slice and serve the meatloaf to your guests.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix the ingredients until well combined using a spatula.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the loaf pan.
Spread ketchup evenly on top of the meatloaf.
Place the loaf pan in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 30 minutes, then check the internal temperature.
If not yet at 160°F (71°C), cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
- Steamed Green Beans: Adds a fresh and healthy touch to the meal with a splash of vibrant color.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, they provide a delightful contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra ketchup or juices from the meatloaf.
- Garden Salad: A revitalizing side that balances out the richness of the meatloaf.
Storage
To store air fryer meatloaf, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers.
Freezing
To freeze air fryer meatloaf, allow it to cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Label with the date.
Reheating
To reheat air fryer meatloaf, slice it into servings.
Place slices in the air fryer. Heat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Air fryers offer a convenient and efficient way to prepare a classic dish like meatloaf.
By using an air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly cooked meatloaf with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal preparation time.
This method not only saves time but also guarantees an even cook throughout the meatloaf.
The use of breadcrumbs and milk helps keep the meatloaf tender, while the Worcestershire sauce and spices add depth of flavor.
The ketchup glaze on top caramelizes beautifully, adding a touch of sweetness.
Be sure to allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing, as this helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this air fryer meatloaf recipe is a great addition to your culinary repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Make certain you maintain the same ingredient ratios for ideal texture. Turkey’s leaner, so monitor the internal temperature closely, aiming for 165°F for safety. Adjust seasonings to enhance flavor.
How Can I Make the Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour. Confirm all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free. Maintain the balance of flavors while achieving a moist, tender texture.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
You can replace Worcestershire sauce with a mix of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for depth and tang. Add a dash of hot sauce for heat. This blend retains the umami while enhancing your meatloaf’s flavor profile.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf Mixture?
You can definitely add vegetables to the mixture. Finely chop bell peppers, carrots, or celery for added flavor and texture. Make certain they’re evenly distributed within the meat mixture for consistent cooking and enhanced taste.
How Do I Prevent the Meatloaf From Drying Out?
Guarantee moisture retention by incorporating milk and a beaten egg; they’re essential binding agents. Avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature regularly. Cover with foil during cooking’s last minutes if browning too quickly, preserving tenderness.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan compatible with air fryer size
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined using a spatula.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the loaf pan.
- Spread ketchup evenly on top of the meatloaf.
- Place the loaf pan in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 30 minutes, then check the internal temperature.
- If not yet at 160°F (71°C), cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
