Air Fryer Meatloaf
A traditional meatloaf takes an hour in the oven, and a long bake often dries the edges. Air fryer meatloaf cooks a 1 lb loaf in about 30 minutes at 350 °F, with a caramelized glaze and a moist center. It suits a small household or a weeknight dinner when you do not want to heat the oven.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 50min
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 160°F71 °C
- Per serving
- 300kcal
Why the air fryer works for meatloaf
Meatloaf is ground meat held together by egg and crumbs, so it needs enough heat to set the outside while the middle cooks through. In a conventional oven this takes about an hour, during which the edges can dry out. The air fryer shortens that time to around half an hour because the fan moves hot air over every side, browning the loaf and sealing in the juices.
The air fryer works best with a loaf that is about 1 lb, because a bigger one will not fit the basket and the top may brown before the center is done. Smaller loaves cook faster and have more glazed surface, which most people like. Meatloaf in the air fryer is the right size for two to four people. For a similar mix shaped into balls, see meatballs.
How to make meatloaf in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix the loaf Stir the panko and milk together in a large bowl and let them soak for . Add the beef, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, and mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Shape Shape the mixture into a loaf about 6 inches long, 3½ inches wide and 2 inches thick. Place it on a piece of perforated parchment paper cut to fit, so the loaf holds the paper down. Never preheat the basket with loose parchment inside.
- Make the glaze Stir the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard together in a small bowl.
- Cook Place the loaf on its parchment in the cold basket and set the air fryer to 350 °F. Cook for , brush the top with half the glaze and cook another . Brush with the remaining glaze for the last .
- Check and rest Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center. Meatloaf made with ground beef is done at 160 °F. Rest it for before slicing, so it stays together.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Meatloaf | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb loafGlaze in last 10 min | 350 °F (180 °C) | 30 min |
| Mini meatloaves, 4 oz each | 360 °F (180 °C) | 16–18 min |
| Turkey meatloaf, 1 lbCook to 165 °F | 350 °F (180 °C) | 30–35 min |
| Meatloaf patties | 375 °F (190 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Reheating a slice | 350 °F (180 °C) | 4–5 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 160 °F (71 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Do not overmix. Mixing until the meat turns pasty makes a heavy, dense loaf. Stop when everything looks combined.
- Keep the milk and crumbs. This panade holds moisture inside the loaf as it cooks.
- Use parchment safely. Place the paper only under the loaf, never in an empty preheated basket, as it can fly up into the heating element.
What to serve with meatloaf
Meatloaf is a comfort food that goes well with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, glazed carrots or buttered corn. A slice also makes a good sandwich on white bread with extra ketchup and a pickle. Roasted vegetables such as green beans can cook in the air fryer while the loaf rests.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate leftover meatloaf for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. Slices can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat 1-inch slices in the air fryer at 350 °F for 4–5 minutes until they reach 165 °F in the center. Cold meatloaf is also good in a sandwich.
Variations
- Mini meatloaves: Shape the mixture into four 4 oz loaves and cook them at 360 °F for 16–18 minutes.
- Turkey meatloaf: Use ground turkey, add 1 tbsp olive oil and cook to 165 °F.
- Cheesy center: Press a few cubes of cheddar into the middle of the loaf before shaping.
- Ground Beef: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer ground beef.
If it does not turn out right
- The meatloaf is dry
- The beef was too lean or it cooked past 160 °F. Use 85% lean beef, keep the milk and panko, and check the temperature at 25 minutes.
- The glaze burns
- Sugar burns when it cooks too long. Add the glaze only in the last 10 minutes, and tent the loaf loosely if it darkens.
- The loaf is brown outside but pink inside
- The loaf was too thick. Keep it to 2 inches and use the thermometer. A 2 lb loaf is too big for most baskets, so make two smaller loaves.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook meatloaf in the air fryer?
A 1 lb loaf takes about 30 minutes at 350 °F. Mini meatloaves (4 oz each) take 16–18 minutes at 360 °F. Always check for 160 °F in the center.
What temperature should meatloaf reach?
The USDA recommends 160 °F for meatloaf made with ground beef, pork or lamb, and 165 °F for turkey or chicken meatloaf.
Can I cook a 2 lb meatloaf in the air fryer?
Not in most baskets. Cook two 1 lb loaves one after the other, or in a 6 qt or larger model place them side by side with space between.
Can I reheat meatloaf in the air fryer?
Yes. Warm 1-inch slices at 350 °F for 4–5 minutes until they reach 165 °F in the center.
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