This juicy Air Fryer Meatloaf delivers all the classic comfort food flavors in just 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this protein-packed main dish offers 29g of protein per serving while keeping prep time to a mere 5 minutes.
The air fryer creates a beautifully caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender, flavorful center that’ll make everyone at your table ask for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Protein: 1 lb of your choice (Beyond Meat, beef, turkey, or pork)
- Base Ingredients: ½ cup breadcrumbs (or flour), ½ cup diced onion, ¼ cup fresh parsley
- Seasonings: ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp oregano
- Binding Elements: 1 whisked egg
- Flavorful Add-ins: 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp liquid smoke
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Mix: Combine ground protein with breadcrumbs, onion, and parsley in a large bowl
- Season Well: Add your seasonings, whisked egg, ketchup, mustard, and liquid smoke
- Shape: Form into a loaf that fits your air fryer basket with space around edges
- Initial Cooking: Air fry at 370°F for 20 minutes on parchment paper
- Glaze Application: Add your prepared glaze and cook additional 10-15 minutes
- Temperature Check: Ensure center reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer
- Final Touch: Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving
Cooking Tips
Your air fryer meatloaf will turn out amazing if you keep these simple tips in mind! Don’t pack the meat mixture too tightly – keeping it loose helps create a tender loaf. Make a small indent down the center of your loaf before cooking – this helps it cook more evenly. The parchment paper is super important here – it makes cleanup easy and helps you lift the meatloaf out without breaking it.
Mix and Match
This recipe is so flexible! Want to switch up the meat? Try beef, turkey, pork, or plant-based options – they all work great. No breadcrumbs? Regular flour or gluten-free flour works just as well. You can also play with the seasonings – try Italian seasoning instead of oregano, or add some dried basil for extra flavor. If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can skip it or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce instead.
Serving Ideas
Hot, juicy meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic sides! Try it with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite green veggie. It also makes amazing sandwiches the next day – just slice it thin and pop it between two pieces of bread with extra ketchup. Want to keep things light? Serve it with a big garden salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Leftovers
Let your meatloaf cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Want to save it longer? Cut it into slices, wrap them well, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 1 minute, or warm it in your air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Bowl
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground protein (Beyond Meat, beef, turkey, or pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or flour, use gluten-free if needed
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 egg whisked
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
Instructions
- Add your ground protein to a large bowl.
- Add the breadcrumbs, diced onion, chopped parseley, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Add the whisked egg, ketchup, mustard, and liquid smoke and stir well to combine.
- Shape the mixture into an even loaf that will fit into your air fryer basket with room around each side.
- Put the meatloaf into the air fryer basket that you’ve lined with parchment paper. Air fry for 20 minutes at 370°F/190°C.
- While the meatloaf cooks, Mix the glaze ingredients (ketchup, mustard, brown sugar) together in a small bowl.
- Remove the air fryer basket from the unit, and spread the glaze on top of the meatloaf. Return the meatloaf back to the air fryer and cook at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes. (Your meatloaf should reach 165°F/74°C in the center before consuming.)
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
