Description
This easy Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe delivers a moist, flavorful classic with less mess and faster cooking time. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings combine into a perfect loaf cooked to juicy perfection in your air fryer. Topped with tangy ketchup and ready in under an hour, it makes a convenient and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatloaf mixture.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely diced onion, 1/3 cup ketchup (reserve some for topping), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the loaf: With your hands, shape the meat mixture into a loaf about six inches long, ensuring it’s evenly formed for consistent cooking.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the shaped meatloaf carefully in the basket.
- Cook the meatloaf: Air fry the meatloaf at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, brush additional ketchup on top of the meatloaf to enhance flavor and create a delicious glaze. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest before serving: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender slice when serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option but adjust cooking time as needed.
- Customize the topping by mixing ketchup with a little brown sugar or mustard for added flavor.
- Letting the meatloaf rest is key to juicy slices and prevents it from crumbling.
- Leftover meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
