If you’ve never made meatloaf in the air fryer, get ready for your life to change drastically. Seriously. This air fryer meatloaf is as good as it gets! It’s ultra-tender, extra juicy, and gets that crispy exterior that makes the air fryer worth every penny. It also takes 10 minutes to prep and cooks in half the time as regular meatloaf. It’s become as much a favorite here as these Air Fryer Meatballs and this Air Fryer Chicken Breast! No air fryer? Try this Instant Pot Meatloaf or Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes.
Ingredients for air fryer meatloaf
Ground Beef: I like to use regular ground beef rather than lean ground beef, because it keeps the meatloaf moist. Since the oil drips off the loaf in the air fryer, you don’t have to worry about it being too greasy. You can also use lean ground beef if you prefer! Breadcrumbs: I use plain dried breadcrumbs. You can use seasoned breadcrumbs, but you may want to adjust the other seasonings. Parmesan Cheese: provides moisture and salty cheesiness. Milk: soaks into the breadcrumbs to add moisture. The softened, moist breadcrumbs also act as another binder for the meatloaf. Egg: binds the ingredients together so the meatloaf can hold its shape. Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce: used to add even more moisture and sweet, salty, tangy flavors. The acidity in the Worcestershire sauce also helps break down the meat for a more tender texture. Italian Seasoning, Salt, Paprika, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder: a sweet, earthy, spicy seasoning blend that adds so much flavor to the meatloaf. Ketchup and Brown Sugar: whisked together to form a sweet meatloaf glaze to top it off.
How to make air fryer meatloaf
What meat to use for meatloaf
You can use regular or lean ground beef for this air fryer meatloaf recipe! Since this meatloaf is cooked in the air fryer, the grease drips off of the meatloaf through the holes in the air fryer basket. You get the tender, moist texture of regular ground beef without the excess grease! If you prefer, you can also use lean ground beef. It may not be quite as juicy, but it will still be delicious.
Why do you need breadcrumbs in meatloaf?
Breadcrumbs actually serve a few different purposes in meatloaf:
Add moisture. Breadcrumbs soak up the milk and absorb the juices from the beef to keep all that moisture inside the loaf. Act as a binder. The moist breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf ingredients together as it cooks. Make it lighter. Breadcrumbs work with the beef to create the structure of the meatloaf which helps create a lighter texture. If the meatloaf was just beef, it would be much more dense.
Why do you put egg in meatloaf?
Eggs help hold everything together! Without the egg, the meatloaf would be much more likely to be crumbly and fall apart.
Tips, tricks, and notes for air fried meatloaf
Don’t over-mix. Mix together the meatloaf ingredients until just combined. If you over-mix, the meatloaf may come out dry or tough. Preheat the air fryer. Be sure you take a few minutes to preheat the air fryer to 350ºF before adding the meatloaf. This ensures that it cooks evenly. Check the top. After the meatloaf has cooked for 15-20 minutes, check to make sure that the top isn’t getting too dark. If it looks too brown, cover it with foil and continue to cook. Let it rest. After the meatloaf is done cooking, make sure you let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes it easier to slice. Use a serrated knife to slice. A serrated knife makes it easier to cut into the meatloaf without it crumbling.
What to serve with meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food entree that pairs well with so many side dishes. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Roasted Potatoes Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Honey Glazed Carrots Broccoli Salad And of course a basket of Mom’s Homemade Buns!
How to store
Leftover meatloaf will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the microwave, oven, or air fryer at 350ºF until heated through. Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again. Register Now Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
