Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf

Wondering how to make the best air fryer meatloaf? Wonder no longer because we present you with the tastiest recipe that’s so juicy and cooks in no time. Making your favorite comfort food just became a breeze not to mention a fuss free clean up afterwards!

It’s cooked to perfection in your handy dandy air fryer! With a combination of Italian breadcrumbs, lean ground beef, and seasonings. What’s not to love? Plus, it’s only 5 WW points for anybody that follows the Weight Watchers program.

Air fryers are the perfect countertop kitchen appliances to cook up a meatloaf! That’s because they use hot air circulation and convection to cook it. This method creates a crispy outer layer and tender inner layer.

While traditionally associated with frying foods, air fryers can also be used for baking, grilling, and roasting. When it comes to cooking meatloaf, they offer a convenient and efficient method.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Rest Time 5 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Meatloaf

• It’s an easy way to whip up your favorite comfort food in less than thirty minutes!
• The flavor combination of beef, Italian bread crumbs, and tangy BBQ sauce is heavenly.
• This recipe is affordable for any budget! 
• Cleaning up is a breeze because you cook the meatloaf in tin foil.
• It’s always a hit at the dinner table and leftovers can be utilized in a bunch of other recipes like soup or flatbread! 

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ¼ cup onion finely diced
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup 
• ½ tbsp Worcester sauce 
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp Adobo All Purpose Spice 
• ½ cup BBQ sauce 

How To Make This Tasty and Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
2. Use a large mixing bowl to combine all the meatloaf ingredients before mixing.
3. You can mix it in a few different ways such as manually with your hands, with a potato masher and fork, or if you really don’t like touching the meat, you can use your stand mixer with the cookie dough attachment.
4. Mold the meat into the meatloaf shape
5. Grab a medium sized sheet of foil and set the molded meatloaf in the center 
6. Cook in the air fryer for 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before glazing with your favorite BBQ sauce. 

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Don’t accidentally overmix the meat, I used gloves and manually mixed and mashed the combination.
• Use a large mixing bowl to mix the meatloaf ingredients so it doesn’t spill over and make a mess.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the meatloaf to it.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. You want it to reach 165° F.
• It is important to rest your meatloaf before cutting into it. This ensures the meat absorbs all the juices and that it won’t fall apart. 
• Flipping and browning the meat loaf is an optional extra step you can take. If you want a browned crust on your meatloaf, flip it halfway through the cooking time. 

Storage Tips and Tricks 

Before storing your meatloaf, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation and moisture buildup, which can lead to early spoilage. Consider slicing it into individual portions before storing. This way it is easier to grab one serving when needed without having to defrost or reheat the entire loaf.

Transfer the meatloaf slices or portions to an airtight container or a large ziplock bag. Your meatloaf will stay fresh in the fridge 3-5 days and up to 3 months in the freezer.