Air Fryer Meatloaf (Juicy and Tasty)

Make the juiciest, most delicious meatloaf in your air fryer. This recipe has been a game-changer for us for fast, delicious meatloaf.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

We are still on the Air Fryer bandwagon in our home, and it won’t stop anytime soon. It has made our lives so much easier to get dinner on the table quickly. We've made this meatloaf recipe for years, and it has always come in clutch for weekends or even busy weeknights.

I first published this recipe in August 2018. The recipe was good, but air fryers have evolved. Therefore, this recipe needed updates, too. I kept all the ingredients the same, but I decided to change how I cooked the meatloaf.

Initially, I used 2 pounds of meatloaf, but I find that using 1 pound is much better. I also reduced the cooking temperature to ensure that the heating element on the top did not brown my meatloaf too quickly.

If you liked the original recipe, no worries, this has the same amazing flavor and the meatloaf is just as juicy.

If you like this meatloaf recipe, you'll also enjoy my turkey meatloaf and Southern meatloaf recipes.

A Quick Look at The Ingredients

• Ground beef - I use 80/20 ground beef/chuck rather than lean. When meatloaf in the air fryer cooks, the excess fat drains off. Beef with more fat than lean beef will leave the meatloaf flavorful and juicy.
• Vegetables - this meatloaf recipe includes mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic. They add flavor and moisture. I use a food processor to process my vegetables to add to this meatloaf quickly.   
• Fresh bread and beef broth - these ingredients make the panade that goes in the meatloaf. I make breadcrumbs from the bread and run them through the food processor. You can use dried breadcrumbs if that is more convenient.
• Flavoring Ingredients - ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, brown sugar. These ingredients flavor the meatloaf and create the glaze for it.

Essential Kitchen Gear

• Food processor - not a necessity but it makes mincing the vegetables much easier. You could also use a sharp knife.
• Air Fryer - This recipe can use a basket or oven air fryer.
• Quick-Read Thermometer - to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165F (74°C) before serving.

How to Cook Meatloaf in an Air Fryer

Making meatloaf in your Air Fryer is easy peasy. You can use any meatloaf recipe you like, but I'm including the recipe I've used for years.

Step 1: Mis en place your ingredients, process your vegetables

I start by processing my ingredients in a food processor. If you don't have a food processor, finely mince your bread to make breadcrumbs and mince your mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic.

Step 2: Make your Panade

Next, make your panade by adding breadcrumbs and beef broth to a small bowl and stir until the breadcrumbs are coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix your meatloaf and form into a loaf.

Add mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic to a large bowl and stir. Add eggs, soaked bread crumbs, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to the bowl and mix.

Then, gently fold the beef into the mixture until you incorporate all the ingredients. Form the meatloaf into a loaf, making sure it's tight and compact.

Step 4: Cook your meatloaf

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182°C). Place meatloaf in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).

Step 5: Glaze your meatloaf and finish cooking

While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. When there are about 5 minutes left on your timer, spread the glaze over the meatloaf in the air fryer and allow it to continue cooking.

Step 6: Let it rest and serve

Remove and allow meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tanya's Top Tips

• I love using fresh breadcrumbs in this recipe. I take about 1 slice of whatever bread we have around the house and toss 'em in the food processor for about ½ cup of breadcrumbs.
• Adding vegetables to your meatloaf helps keep it moist and not dense. It also makes this meatloaf taste amazing. I wouldn't leave the veggies out. Feel free to swap with other veggies, like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Wait a few minutes before slicing your meatloaf if you don’t want it to fall apart.
• Check on your meatloaf while it cooks. If it gets too brown during the cooking process, lower the heat by 10-15 degrees. You may need to cook it a few minutes longer.

Once the recommended time on your meatloaf is done, use a calibrated quick-read thermometer to check the temperature. Ground beef should reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).

Meatloaf in an Air Fryer vs. Oven, What's the Difference?

Time. That’s pretty much it. As far as texture and taste, it’s the same.

But the time saved making a meatloaf in the Air Fryer is worth putting it in the Air Fryer. The Air Fryer preheats much quicker than the oven, and it finishes cooking in less time.

What kind of meat to use for Air Fryer Meatloaf

Whatever kind your heart desires. Beef, turkey, pork, and a combination will all work in your Air Fryer.

Since I added so many vegetables to this meatloaf that provided an array of flavors and moisture, I stuck with just ground beef.

I hope you love this air fryer meatloaf as much as we do. Looking for more Air Fryer meat recipes? Try these out:

• Air Fryer Meatballs
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
• Air Fryer Chicken Patties

To make this meatloaf a meal, try serving it with some creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

This post was originally published on August 28, 2018. It has been updated with new information and photos.