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A golden-brown Air Fryer Meatloaf, perfectly glazed and cooked, sits on a cutting board, ready to be sliced.

Air Fryer Classic Meatloaf

Enjoy a perfectly cooked, flavorful meatloaf with a tangy-sweet glaze, made quickly and easily in your air fryer. This recipe delivers a moist interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior without heating up your kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 85/15 or 80/20
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or panko
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup milk whole or low-fat
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
Form and Air Fry
  1. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf approximately 7-8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Ensure the loaf is uniform in thickness for even cooking.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes if your model requires it. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper designed for air fryers.
  3. Carefully place the meatloaf into the air fryer basket.
  4. Air fry for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Make the Glaze and Finish
  1. While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  2. After 20 minutes of cooking, remove the air fryer basket. Generously brush about half of the prepared glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
  3. Return the meatloaf to the air fryer and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
  4. Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist meatloaf.
  5. Slice and serve with the remaining glaze, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use ground beef with a fat content of 85/15 or 80/20 to ensure a moist meatloaf. You can add finely chopped bell peppers or grated carrots to the meatloaf mixture for added vegetables and flavor. Leftover Air Fryer Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or air fryer.