Air Fryer Meatloaf
Air fryer meatloaf is a smaller loaf, made with 450 g (1 lb) of ground beef, that cooks in about 25 minutes instead of an hour in the oven. The fan blows hot air all around it, so the sides and ends brown along with the top. Shape it no more than 5 cm (2 inches) high so the centre cooks through before the glaze gets too dark.
By Ben Kowalski
Published
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 25 mins
- Rest
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 45 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
How do you make Air Fryer Meatloaf?
Mix 450 g ground beef with 30 g panko soaked in 45 ml milk, an egg, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt and pepper. Shape a 15 x 10 cm (6 x 4 inch) loaf and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes. Brush with ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon glaze and cook 8-12 minutes more, until the centre reaches 71°C (160°F). Rest 10 minutes.
- Total time
- 45 mins
- Calories
- 334 per serving
- Protein
- 24 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air Frying
Ingredients
Meatloaf
Glaze
Equipment
Basket air fryer, 4 litres (4 quarts) or larger · Parchment paper · Box grater · Mixing bowl · Instant-read thermometer
Quick Directions
Mix the meatloaf
In a mixing bowl, soak the panko in the milk for 5 minutes.
Shape the loaf
Cut a piece of parchment paper a little smaller than the base of your air fryer basket, so air can still flow around the edges.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes with the basket empty.
Air fry
Lift the loaf on its parchment into the hot basket.
Glaze and finish
Stir the ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon together and brush it over the top and sides of the loaf.
Rest and slice
Carefully lift the loaf out on the parchment and rest it for 10 minutes so the juices settle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer meatloaf.
Mix the meatloaf
In a mixing bowl, soak the panko in the milk for 5 minutes. Whisk in the egg, grated onion with its juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt and pepper. Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands just until evenly combined.
Shape the loaf
Cut a piece of parchment paper a little smaller than the base of your air fryer basket, so air can still flow around the edges. Shape the meat on the parchment into a smooth loaf about 15 x 10 cm (6 x 4 inches) and no more than 5 cm (2 inches) high.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes with the basket empty. Never preheat with loose parchment inside; it can lift into the heating element.
Air fry
Lift the loaf on its parchment into the hot basket. Air fry for 15 minutes, until the outside is browned.
Glaze and finish
Stir the ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon together and brush it over the top and sides of the loaf. Air fry for another 8-12 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and an instant-read thermometer in the centre reads 71°C (160°F).
Rest and slice
Carefully lift the loaf out on the parchment and rest it for 10 minutes so the juices settle. Slice and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Air fryers run hotter or cooler depending on the model. Start checking the temperature after 8 minutes of the second stage.
- A loaf taller than 5 cm (2 inches) browns too much before the centre is cooked. Make it longer and flatter instead if your basket allows.
- Pour away the fat in the drawer before glazing if a lot has collected, so it doesn't smoke.
Variations
- Two loaves: double the recipe, shape two 450 g loaves and cook them one at a time, or together if your basket fits both with space around them.
- Turkey version: use ground turkey and cook until the centre reaches 74°C (165°F), adding 3-5 minutes.
- Swap the glaze for 60 ml barbecue sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 334 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbs | 16 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated fat | 7.2 g |
| Fibre | 0.6 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 785 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked slices, separated with parchment, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat
- Reheat slices in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 4-6 minutes, until hot to 74°C (165°F).
Air Fryer Meatloaf FAQs
How long do you cook meatloaf in an air fryer?
A 450 g (1 lb) meatloaf about 5 cm (2 inches) high takes 23-27 minutes at 190°C (375°F): 15 minutes, then 8-12 minutes more after glazing. It is done when the centre reaches 71°C (160°F).
Can I cook a 900 g (2 lb) meatloaf in the air fryer?
One large loaf usually browns too much outside before the middle is cooked, and many baskets are too small for it. Shape two 450 g loaves instead and cook them one at a time, or side by side if there is room for air to flow.
Do you need parchment paper for air fryer meatloaf?
It isn't essential, but a piece of parchment cut slightly smaller than the basket stops the glaze sticking and makes the loaf easy to lift out. Add it with the loaf, never during preheating, so it can't blow into the heating element.
Why does air fryer meatloaf brown too fast?
The loaf is usually too tall or the air fryer runs hot. Keep it no more than 5 cm (2 inches) high, and if the glaze darkens before the centre reaches 71°C (160°F), lower the heat to 180°C (350°F) for the last few minutes.
How do you reheat meatloaf in the air fryer?
Air fry slices at 180°C (350°F) for 4-6 minutes, until hot to 74°C (165°F). The edges crisp up again, which the microwave can't do.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
