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Serve up perfectly juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside homemade meatloaf without ever turning on the oven with my Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe! This simple easy meatloaf recipe comes together and cooks in under 30 minutes using staple pantry ingredients.
Jump to:
- Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
- What Makes Air Frying Meatloaf Great
- Air Fried Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients
- How to Air Fry Meatloaf
- Meatloaf Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes FAQ
- Air Fryer Meatloaf Variations
- How to Store Leftover Meatloaf
- How to Freeze Leftover Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Reviews
Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
I've been making meatloaf for my family for years. When my kids were growing up, my classic cheese-stuffed meatloaf and slow cooker meatloaf recipes were staple dinners on busy weekdays and the weekend. I even developed my own meatloaf seasoning to use with pretty much every meatloaf recipe. But, oh! If I'd had an air fryer then!
I tell you, I've fallen in love with air fryer meatloaf. It's tender, fluffy, and flavorful. Hands down, it's one of the best meatloaf recipes I have ever tried, and it takes hardly any time to make. Most of the time these days, I prefer air frying meatloaf and use this method for all of my meatloaf recipes.
Not only does it take under 30 minutes to make, it's easy to customize so you can tweak it to your liking and serve your family the perfect meatloaf. Give it a try, and I bet you'll want to make meatloaf in the air fryer every time. It's just so easy, and the results are undeniably fantastic!
What Makes Air Frying Meatloaf Great
It's fast
Because air fryers work like countertop convection ovens, they cook food super fast! It takes almost half the time to bake meat loaf in the air fryer rather than in a conventional oven, meaning you can get dinner on the table in no time without heating up the whole kitchen.
It's great for college kids and small households
When my kids were in college, being able to eat home-cooked meals became a luxury. It was with easy air fryer recipes like this one that they could make their own dinners again! Air frying makes it easy to cook up small-scale meals that are great for anyone living on their own.
It's delicious
With a perfect blend of seasonings and an unforgettably flavorful stuffing mix instead of breadcrumbs, this is one of the tastiest meatloaf recipes out there! Plus, air fryer meatloaf develops the most delicious crunchy crust that will make you want to make meatloaf in an air fryer every single time.
This recipe was so easy and fun to make. It was absolutely delicious.
Geri via email
Air Fried Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients
- Ground beef: You can also use a mix of ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey! I recommend 80/20 if you're mixing it with other meats, especially poultry. If you're using pure beef, you can use lean ground beef.
- Herb-seasoned stuffing mix: My secret ingredient! Stuffing mix is like a meatloaf hack, stuffed with seasonings and tons of flavor while serving the same role as bread crumbs. However, you can also use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to add salt if you're using bread crumbs!
- Eggs: Eggs are an essential binder in meatloaf, keeping it from crumbling apart while cooking.
- Ketchup, or tomato sauce: Adding some ketchup right into the mix adds sweetness and a little bit of tang! If you're using tomato sauce, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar to get that vinegar tang.
- Garlic powder: I recommend garlic powder over fresh garlic in meatloaf, as it has a milder, mellow flavor that won't overpower.
- Paprika: If you can, use smoked paprika for more depth of flavor.
- Dried oregano: Dried herbs work great in meatloaf, as they have time to soften up while the meatloaf cooks.
- Water: Stuffing mix is very dry, so I recommend adding a little extra water to the meat mixture.
- Cooking spray: You'll use this on the aluminum foil, not on the air fryer basket! Keep in mind that cooking spray can break down the non-stick coating of your air fryer when sprayed directly in the basket.
Stuffing mix is the trick to meatloaf made easy! You can use any packaged stuffing mix; I like cornbread or sage stuffing. If the mix is particularly chunky, break up the stuffing pieces into smaller cubes before adding it.
Doubling the Recipe
You can easily double this recipe or reduce it to half depending on how many people you're feeding! This recipe makes two 1-lb loaves, which will make 6 servings of meatloaf. Just make sure to separate the loaves into 1 lb each so they cook evenly.
How to Air Fry Meatloaf
1: Mix Ingredients
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
While it's preheating, mix all ingredients in a large bowl until just combined, no more than 35-40 seconds.
2: Separate Mixture
Split the mixture in half, taking half and placing it on a sheet of aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.
3: Shape Loaves
Mold the meat into a loaf shape, then bring in the sides of the aluminum foil and fold them down, until the sides are enclosed but the top of the loaf is open.
4: Repeat
Repeat the steps to create a second loaf and place both loaves in the air fryer.
5: Air Fry
Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of both loaves reaches 165°F according to a meat thermometer.
6: Rest and Serve
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Meatloaf Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Aluminum foil is easy to wrap around the loaves, but you may also be able to use mini loaf pans (disposable or reusable) if you have them available. I don't recommend parchment paper as it does not hold its shape well.
- Be careful not to over-mix the meat mixture. Mix until just combined, no longer than 35-40 seconds.
- Don't skip preheating the air fryer before adding the loaves to cook. This is an important step to the meatloaf cooking properly.
- Just like ovens, air fryers can vary. Check the meatloaf before the 30 minutes is up using a meat thermometer to ensure it does not overcook. Check at the 15 minute mark, and continue cooking as necessary.
- Make sure to let the meatloaf rest before slicing it or else it will fall apart!
Glazing meatloaf in an air fryer
You can prepare extra of the ketchup and spice mixture to glaze the top of the meatloaf before they finish cooking if desired. Simply mix ketchup and the spices in a small bowl and brush over the meatloaves 5-10 minutes before the 30 minutes is up.
You can also try my meatloaf glaze recipe.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipes FAQ
It will take only about 25 minutes to air fry meatloaf to a proper internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, the meatloaf should rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
First, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Then air fry meatloaf for 25 minutes at this temperature for best results. The internal temperature should reach 165°F as read by an instant-read meat thermometer as according to my Beef Temperature Guide.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Variations
- Keto meatloaf recipe: Try making this air fryer meatloaf using my keto meatloaf recipe!
- Gluten free meatloaf: You can swap out the stuffing mix for gluten-free panko or bread crumbs, or alternatively, two slices of bread soaked in milk and turned to a paste.
- Add bacon: For you bacon lovers, air fryer meatloaf is a great recipe to add bacon to. Rest some strips over the top of the meatloaf, or wrap the entire loaf while securing it with aluminum foil, to cook the bacon with the loaf!
- Add cheese: A cheesy crust on meatloaf is truly delicious. Add some shredded cheese or parmesan cheese to the top for a cheesy meatloaf, or stuff it with mozzarella like my stuffed meatloaf!
- Add veggies: Air fryer meatloaf is great with veggies added. I like adding finely diced bell pepper and onions to the meatloaf, and serving it with mashed potatoes!
How to Store Leftover Meatloaf
- Refrigerator: Store leftover meatloaf in a shallow, airtight container, or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Leftover meatloaf lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly stored.
- Reheating: Sliced meatloaf can be reheated on the stove in a pan with a little oil, or in the microwave. If you're reheating in the microwave, add a little extra water to the plate.
How to Freeze Leftover Meatloaf
- Freezer: Let the meatloaf cool completely, then slice it and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Let frozen meatloaf thaw in the fridge overnight or in the microwave with extra water and a lid on the defrost setting.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
My family adores this air fryer meatloaf recipe, so I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share it with you. Give it a try using your favorite classic meatloaf - as long as you follow the instructions, you'll have a gorgeous meatloaf in no time!
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
- air fryer oven, I used an 8 qt. air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 ounces herb-seasoned stuffing mix - or stuffing mix of choice
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup ketchup - or tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until just combined.1 pound ground beef,6 ounces herb-seasoned stuffing mix,2 eggs,¼ cup ketchup,2 Tablespoons garlic powder,1 teaspoon paprika,1 teaspoon dried oregano,½ cup water
- Split the mixture in half, taking half and placing it on a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Mold the meat into a loaf shape, then bring in the sides of the aluminum foil and fold them down.
- Fold the top and bottom and bring them into the sides to create a foil container for the loaf. If folded properly, this should leave the top of the meatloaf exposed.
- Repeat the steps to create a second loaf and place both loaves in the air fryer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of both loaves reaches 165°F according to a meat thermometer.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Aluminum foil is easy to wrap around the loaves, but you may also be able to use mini loaf pans (disposable or reusable) if you have them available. I don't recommend parchment paper as it does not hold its shape well.
- Be careful not to over-mix the meat mixture. Mix until just combined, no longer than 35-40 seconds.
- Don't skip preheating the air fryer before adding the loaves to cook. This is an important step to the meatloaf cooking properly.
- Just like ovens, air fryers can vary. Check the meatloaf before the 30 minutes is up using a meat thermometer to ensure it does not overcook. Check at the 15 minute mark, and continue cooking as necessary.
- Make sure to let the meatloaf rest before slicing it or else it will fall apart!
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