Why Make This Recipe
Air fryer meatloaf is a quick and tasty dish that brings comfort food to your table with ease. Using an air fryer adds a nice crispness to the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending all evening in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fun twist on a classic recipe that the whole family will love!
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Cooking spray
Directions:
Gather all ingredients. Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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.
Meanwhile, form the beef mixture into 2 (3- x 4 1/2-inch) rectangles.
To make the glaze: Stir ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl and set aside.
Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Add meatloaves to the basket and spray generously with cooking spray. Roast in the preheated air fryer until nicely browned, about 20 to 25 minutes, brushing evenly with the 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).
Remove the meatloaf from the basket; let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme leaves and serve. Enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Meatloaf
Serve air fryer meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also slice it and make sandwiches for lunch the next day. Don’t forget to add extra ketchup or your favorite sauce on the side for dipping!
How to Store Air Fryer Meatloaf
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices of meatloaf, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf.
Temperature Check: Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your meatloaf is cooked through to a safe temperature.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor, such as garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Variation
You can try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Also, incorporating diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the mixture can add more nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary.What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a binding agent instead of breadcrumbs.Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread crumbs or oat flour to keep the meatloaf gluten-free. Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free, or find a suitable alternative.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Miscellaneous
- Cooking spray For greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, stir breadcrumbs and milk together and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, onion, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir to combine evenly without overmixing.
- Form the beef mixture into 2 (3- x 4 1/2-inch) rectangles.
Glazing and Cooking
- In a small bowl, stir ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce together and set aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Add meatloaves to the basket and spray generously with cooking spray.
- Roast in the preheated air fryer until nicely browned, about 20 to 25 minutes, brushing evenly with the ketchup mixture after 18 minutes of cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center; it should read at least 155 degrees F (68 degrees C).
Serving
- Remove the meatloaf from the basket; let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with thyme leaves and serve. Enjoy!