Air Fryer Meatloaf | The Best Air Fryer Meatloaf EVER

Are you a meatloaf enthusiast looking for a quicker, healthier, and more convenient way to enjoy this classic comfort food? Get ready for a delightful culinary experience as we show you how to make Air Fryer Meatloaf. This recipe promises perfectly cooked, flavorful meatloaf without the extended cooking times and extra fats that traditional oven-baked meatloaf often requires.

Why This Is The BEST Way To Make Meatloaf

• Quick and Convenient. The air fryer ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and to perfection in a fraction of the time compared to a standard oven.
• Healthier Option. Cooking meatloaf in an air fryer reduces the amount of fat used, as excess fat drips away during cooking.
• Family-Friendly. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, air fryer meatloaf is sure to satisfy every meat-lover's cravings.
• Customizable. You can tailor this recipe to your taste by adding your favorite seasonings, spices, or vegetables to the meat mixture.

Air Fryer Meatloaf is a quick, convenient, and healthier way to enjoy the classic comfort of meatloaf. With its customizable nature and delicious flavors, it's sure to become a family favorite. Get creative with your ingredients and toppings, and enjoy a satisfying meal in no time.

Equipment You'll Need

• Aluminum foil
• Air Fryer
• Meat Thermometer
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Make Sure You Have These Ingredients Before You Get Started

For The Meatloaf

• Ground Beef- High-quality ground beef is the star of this recipe, so choose a lean or medium-fat blend.
• Breadcrumbs- Breadcrumbs are essential for binding the meatloaf together.
• Egg- An egg acts as a binding agent, helping the meatloaf hold its shape.
• Tomato Paste- This contributes to the classic meatloaf flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Onion, Peppers, and Garlic- These aromatic ingredients provide depth and richness to the dish.
• Seasonings- A mix of seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce enhance the meatloaf's taste.

For The Glaze

• Tomato Paste- Provides the tomato base without the added sugar from ketchup.
• Stevia- Adds sweetness without a ton of extra sugar.
• Water- Helps to thin the tomato paste to make it easily spreadable.
• Dijon Mustard- Adds a tanginess to the sauce.

How To Make Air Fryer Meatloaf

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, tomato paste, finely chopped onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of seasonings. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatloaf. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in your air fryer basket. You can wrap bacon around it or add a glaze if you prefer.
3. Prepare the Glaze. In a small bowl, mix together tomato paste, Stevia, hot water, and dijon mustard. Spread this glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
4. Air Fry. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the meatloaf in the basket and cook for approximately 20-30 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your meatloaf.
5. Check for Doneness. Ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F. This indicates it's safely cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional toppings.

Tips And Tricks

Making meatloaf in an air fryer can be a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Meat. Use a mixture of ground meats for the best flavor and texture. A common combination is ground beef and ground pork or ground beef and ground turkey. The fat content in the meat is essential for flavor, so don't use overly lean meat.
• Combine Ingredients Gently. When mixing the meatloaf ingredients, do so gently. Overmixing can result in a tough texture. Use your hands or a fork to combine the ingredients until just mixed.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer. Just like with an oven, it's essential to preheat your air fryer. This ensures that your meatloaf will cook evenly and thoroughly.
• Shape the Meatloaf. Shape your meatloaf into a loaf shape that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket, leaving some space around the sides for air circulation. You can use a loaf pan or form it directly on the air fryer tray with parchment paper.

Variations

Air fryer meatloaf is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste. Here are some variations to consider when making it:

• Classic Beef Meatloaf- Start with a classic beef meatloaf using ground beef as the primary meat. Mix it with breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Top it with a ketchup-based glaze.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf- Add extra flavor by wrapping your meatloaf with bacon slices before air frying. The bacon will infuse the meatloaf with smokiness and a crispy texture.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf- For a cheesy twist, insert a layer of your favorite cheese into the center of the meatloaf. As it melts, it creates a gooey, flavorful surprise.

Can You Make This Meatloaf Recipe In The Oven?

Sure! follow the steps below to convert this tasty air fryer meatloaf recipe into an oven-friendly dish:

1. Preheat Your Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, ketchup, eggs, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Shape the Meatloaf. Place the meat mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Shape it into a loaf shape. If you prefer you can also use a loaf pan.
4. Prepare the Glaze. In a small bowl, mix together tomato paste, Stevia, hot water, and dijon mustard. Spread this glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you're using a meat thermometer, insert it into the center of the meatloaf.
6. Rest and Serve. Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Slice and serve.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air fryer meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors and provide a balanced meal. Here are some delicious sides to serve with it:

• Mashed Potatoes- Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for meatloaf. They provide a comforting and hearty element to the meal. You can also add garlic or cheese for extra flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables- Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and colorful element to your plate. The air fryer is great for roasting veggies quickly.
• Green Beans- Steamed or sautéed green beans make a nutritious side dish. You can season them with garlic, lemon, or almonds for extra flavor.
• Salad- A fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette or ranch dressing complements the richness of meatloaf. You can include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other favorite salad ingredients.

More Air Fryer Main Courses

If you love this easy meatloaf recipe made in your air fryer, you should try one of our other delicious air fryer dinner recipes!

• Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak
• Chile Rellenos
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Keto Shrimp Scampi

If you love this Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try it too!