Air Fryer Meatloaf is a quick and easy way to prepare this classic comfort food with a fraction of the cooking time. This recipe uses ground turkey (or chicken, pork, beef, or a mix) to create a moist and juicy meatloaf with a perfectly crisped exterior. The meatloaf is glazed with a sweet and savory topping, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights. Plus, it cooks in half the time it takes in the oven, making it the perfect go-to dinner option!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground turkey (or chicken, pork, beef, or a combo)

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• ½ cup diced onion (white or yellow)

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (do not substitute with regular breadcrumbs)

• ¼ cup diced baby Portobello or white button mushrooms

• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp light brown sugar (packed)

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Liquid smoke (optional, to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf:
   In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, onion, panko breadcrumbs, mushrooms, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to over-mix.

3. Shape the Meatloaf:
   Divide the mixture between two mini loaf pans (about 5x3x2 inches), lining them with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spraying with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can form the meatloaf directly on the air fryer basket or tray.

4. Air Fry the Meatloaf:
   Cover the pans with foil and air fry at 400°F for 30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°F. If cooking without pans, air fry directly on the basket at 350°F to 375°F.

5. Prepare the Glaze:
   While the meatloaf is cooking, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and liquid smoke in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes over medium heat and set aside.

6. Glaze the Meatloaf:
   After 30 minutes, remove the foil, brush or spread the glaze over the meatloaf, and air fry uncovered for another 2 minutes to allow the glaze to set.

7. Rest and Serve:
   Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 369

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 31g

• Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 9g

Why Air Fryer Meatloaf Works So Well

The air fryer is perfect for meatloaf because it cooks the meat quickly and evenly, creating a perfectly crisp crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Unlike baking in a traditional oven, the air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook the meat, which helps the exterior brown nicely without drying out the interior. This quick method locks in moisture and flavor, making your meatloaf not only faster to prepare but also more flavorful and juicy. Plus, you can make this dish with a variety of meats, making it customizable based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Meatloaf Delicious

• Ground Turkey: This lean protein creates a moist meatloaf when combined with the other ingredients. You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef, or even use a mix of meats, depending on your preference. Ground turkey keeps the meatloaf on the lighter side, while still delivering a juicy and satisfying texture.

• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the meatloaf hold together and maintain its structure while keeping it moist.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are key to a light and airy meatloaf. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, they help the meatloaf stay tender and fluffy, preventing it from becoming dense.

• Mushrooms: The addition of finely diced baby Portobello or button mushrooms adds moisture to the meatloaf while contributing a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the meat.

• Dijon Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce: These ingredients provide tang and depth of flavor. The mustard adds a slight sharpness, while the Worcestershire sauce brings a rich umami note.

• Glaze: The sweet and savory glaze made with ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, vinegar, and a dash of liquid smoke creates a perfect balance of flavors and a glossy finish on the meatloaf. The glaze caramelizes slightly as it cooks, making each bite irresistible.

How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf

This recipe is incredibly simple and doesn’t require much hands-on time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Here’s how it all comes together:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature for cooking the meatloaf quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, diced onion, panko breadcrumbs, mushrooms, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to over-mix the ingredients, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. The goal is to combine everything just enough to hold the mixture together.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Divide the meat mixture into two mini loaf pans (around 5x3x2 inches), lining them with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you prefer, you can also form the meatloaf directly on the air fryer basket or tray, which allows for a crispier exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry the Meatloaf

Cover the mini loaf pans with foil and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F. If you’re cooking the meatloaf without pans, air fry directly on the basket at 350°F to 375°F, and check for doneness around the same time.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the meatloaf is cooking, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and optional liquid smoke in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.

Step 6: Glaze the Meatloaf

Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove the foil from the pans and brush or spread the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the air fryer and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Step 8: Serve

Slice the meatloaf and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air Fryer Meatloaf is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. The richness of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf and glaze.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans would add a healthy and flavorful contrast to the dish.

• Rice or Quinoa: A side of rice or quinoa would also work well to soak up the delicious glaze.

• Simple Salad: A crisp, light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the meatloaf.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Meatloaf is an easy, delicious, and time-saving twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. With minimal prep time, it cooks faster than traditional oven-baked meatloaf while still delivering the same moist, flavorful, and juicy results. The glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness and tang, while the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this meatloaf is a winner that everyone will enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and the power of the air fryer, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time!