Description
This Classic Air Fryer Meatloaf cooks faster than the oven while staying juicy on the inside with a caramelized ketchup glaze on top. A weeknight-friendly take on a nostalgic comfort food favorite that combines ease and flavor.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ small onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and line the basket with foil or parchment paper with holes to allow airflow, ensuring even cooking.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Shape and Place in Basket: Form the mixture into a compact loaf shape and place it carefully in the prepared air fryer basket.
- Initial Cooking: Cook the meatloaf in the air fryer for 20 minutes to begin cooking through and develop a crust.
- Add the Glaze: Brush the ketchup glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and optional mustard over the top of the meatloaf.
- Final Cooking: Continue to cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Meal-stretchers: Add shredded carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture to increase volume and nutrition.
- For extra juiciness, use a mix of 50% beef and 50% pork.
- Try BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist on the glaze.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
