Name: Air Fryer Meatloaf
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ yellow onion finely minced; 2 tsp oil; 1 lb meatloaf mixture (I used a mix of ground pork, beef and veal, but you can use either just beef or just pork and beef); 1 egg; 2 tbsp milk; ¼ cup ketchup (separated); 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce; ¼ cup bread crumbs; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

This Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe is the easiest way to make a classic family recipe in the air fryer. Make two mini tender and juicy meatloaves in the air fryer in just 30 minutes.

Close up view of sliced air fryer meatloaf on a serving plate

Simplify Dinner Time with this air fryer recipe

Meatloaf is one of those classic American dinner recipes that feels nostalgic and definitely reminds me of childhood. I modernized this classic recipe by making an air fryer version.

A classic meatloaf recipe is typically made into one large loaf either on a sheet pan or in a loaf pan. This means that cooking meatloaf the traditional way can take up to an hour.

Preparing meatloaf in the air fryer allows it to cook much faster, but still preserves that fantastic flavor. I chose to make 2 smaller meatloaves in order to allow them to cook evenly.

The thing that sets this air fryer meatloaf recipe apart is the sauteed onions. Sauteeing your diced onions prior to adding them to the meatloaf mixture keeps the final dish extra moist and flavorful.

Close up above view of air fryer meatloaf sliced

Kitchen tools

Mixing bowl
Frying pan or cast iron skillet
Sharp knife and cutting board
Parchment paper
Air Fryer
Spoons for spreading ketchup glaze over top

** I do not recommend using aluminum foil to line your air fryer. It can get too hot and the meatloaf tends to stick to it

Serving Suggestions

When I think of meatloaf I think of pure comfort. I think of being a little kid and sitting down to the dinner table with my family after sports practice.

Because of this nostalgic feeling, I always want to serve this air fryer meatloaf recipe with something comforting. My go to side dish is my easy whipped mashed potatoes recipe that is made all in one pan.

For something really decadent you can serve these mini meatloaves with old fashioned baked macaroni. For a lighter meal you can serve them with a simple green vegetable or side salad.

Ingredients

Yellow onion
Oil
Meatloaf mixture – usually a mix of beef, pork and veal
Egg
Milk
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Bread Crumbs
Salt and pepper

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this meatloaf recipe gluten free just substitute standard bread crumbs for a gluten free replacement. Many people love the taste of rice flour breadcrumbs.

To make this recipe dairy free you can use a dairy free milk in place of the standard cows milk. I would look for a dairy free creamer so its a little thicker.

I like to use a meatloaf mixture for the ground meat. This is usually a mixture of ground beef, ground pork and ground veal. If you do not want to use that, you can use just ground beef, ground pork or ground turkey alone.

Ketchup and worcestershire sauce add a ton of flavor to this meatloaf, but I understand if you need to swap those out. Swap the ketchup for a little bit of pureed tomato sauce and the worcestershire for soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

Step by step assembly of air fryer meatloaf recipe

How to make air fryer meatloaf

Step 1: Saute onions and mix meatloaf

To begin, heat oil over medium-low heat in a small skillet. Saute onion until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes

Then, pour meatloaf mix, egg, milk, 2 tbsp ketchup, worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and sauteed onions into a large bowl. Mix together until the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 2: Shape meatloaves and air fry

Next, form mixture into 2 small loaves and place them in the air fryer basket on an air fryer liner or a sheet of parchment paper.

Preheat air fryer to 325F. Place meatloafs in the preheated air fryer on the parchment paper.

Finally, cook at 325F for 20 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and top each meatloaf with 1 tbsp of ketchup. Continue to cook at 325F for an additional 7 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

** Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer brand. I recommend using an instant read thermometer to test for an internal temperature of 160F.

Above view of two plates of air fryer meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a green veggie

storage, Reheating, and Freezing

Once prepared, allow the meatloaf to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat leftover meatloaf in an oven, air fryer or toaster oven at 250F for about 12 minutes or until warmed through. I find it reheats better when it is already cut into slices.

You can freeze the fully cooked meatloaves for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent any freezer burn.

Check out these other easy air fryer recipes

Recipe