Air Fryer Meatloaf

4.6
(62)

This juicy air fryer meatloaf with a tangy glaze is easy to make in a fraction of the time compared to cooking a meatloaf in the oven. Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

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looking down at two air fryer meatloafs
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4

This air fryer meatloaf recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. 

looking at two slices of meatloaf, resting on mashed potatoes and a side of green beans

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

How to Cook Meatloaf In an Air Fryer 

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Air Fryer Meatloaf Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this air fryer meatloaf recipe at home: 

  • For the meatloaf: bread crumbs, whole milk, ground round, yellow onion, egg, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and pepper
  • For the glaze: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cooking spray

How Do You Air Fry Meatloaf? 

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this air fryer meatloaf: 

  1. Soften breadcrumbs in milk, then mix with beef, onion, egg, and seasonings in a bowl. 
  2. Form the beef mixture into two small meatloaves.
  3. Make the glaze.
  4. Cook until browned, brushing evenly with glaze toward the end of cooking time.

Cook’s Note

Air fryers vary, so start checking the meatloaf after 15 minutes.

How Long to Air Fry Meatloaf

In an air fryer preheated to 350 degrees F, the meatloaf should be perfectly browned after about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 155 degrees F (68 degrees C).

What to Serve With Air Fryer Meatloaf

Explore our collection of Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf for delicious serving inspiration. Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find: 

How to Store Air-Fried Meatloaf

Tightly wrap your air fryer meatloaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil (or place it in an airtight container). Store meatloaf in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Easy, quick, and good,” according to one Allrecipes community member.

“It was delicious,” raves Blondie. “I will be making this one again. The only other ingredient I added was one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Meatloaf:

  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs

  • 1/4 cup whole milk

  • 1 pound ground round (85/15)

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Glaze:

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

  • ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon light brown sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • cooking spray

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

    ingredients gathered to make air fryer meatloaf

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. To make the meatloaf: Stir breadcrumbs and milk together in a medium bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Add beef, onion, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir to combine evenly without overmixing.

    ingredients combined in a bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Meanwhile, form beef mixture into 2 (3- x 4 1/2-inch) rectangles. 

    beef mixture formed into two rectangles

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. To make the glaze: Stir ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl and set aside. 

    glaze ingredients combined

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Spray air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easier clean up. Add meatloaves to basket and spray generously with cooking spray. Roast in the preheated air fryer until nicely browned, about 20 to 25 minutes, brushing evenly with ketchup mixture after 18 minutes of cooking. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 155 degrees F (68 degrees C).

    meatloafs brushed with glaze

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Remove meatloaf from basket; let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme leaves and serve. Enjoy!

    air fryer meatloafs garnished with thyme

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

From the Editor

This recipe was tested in our test kitchen in November 2023 and updated to make 2 smaller meatloaves, remove sliced mushrooms on top, and include a glaze. Plus, the air fryer temperature was reduced to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

90 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

364 Calories
19g Fat
10g Carbs
35g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 364
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 25%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 149mg 50%
Sodium 530mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 35g 70%
Vitamin C 2mg 3%
Calcium 72mg 6%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 578mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.