30-Minute Air Fryer Meatloaf

Introduction

Craving comfort food without the long oven wait? This 30-Minute Air Fryer Meatloaf delivers all the nostalgic, savory goodness of classic meatloaf in a fraction of the time. Rapid air circulation ensures a juicy, evenly cooked loaf with a perfectly caramelized crust—making it a weeknight dinner winner that’s sure to satisfy.

Minimal prep, quick cook time, and just one appliance—this recipe is the definition of simple yet crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for yourself, making meatloaf in an air fryer guarantees great results, every time.

The Secret to Quick, Flavorful Meatloaf

The air fryer shines by producing a moist interior and crisp exterior with little effort. Using a combination of ground beef and pork alongside classic seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a touch of tangy ketchup, this recipe maximizes savory flavor in record time.

Efficient prep is key: dice your onions, carrots, and celery swiftly with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniform pieces and perfect texture.

Easy Steps for Juicy Air Fryer Meatloaf

Start by lining your air fryer basket with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. Once your vegetables and aromatics are chopped, they mix seamlessly into your ground meat for even flavor throughout.

Press your meatloaf mixture into an even, compact shape so it cooks uniformly in the air fryer. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt easily accommodates your loaf and ensures proper circulation for that crave-worthy crust.

The Perfect Meatloaf Glaze

A classic glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce lends sweetness and tang, caramelizing over the meatloaf’s surface for extra flavor. Brush the glaze on during the final 10 minutes of cooking—using the right tools ensures your glaze is evenly distributed.

To guarantee doneness, check your meatloaf’s internal temperature in seconds with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking. Safe, quick, and reliable.

Serving and Storing Your Air Fryer Meatloaf

Let the meatloaf rest a few minutes before slicing for cleaner, juicier cuts. Serve with mashed potatoes, air-fried veggies, or a fresh salad—use the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to prep and serve crisp greens alongside.

Leftovers keep beautifully in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, ideal for next-day lunches or meal prep. Enjoy cold or quickly reheat in your air fryer for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4–5 generous slices of meatloaf. Each serving contains roughly 350–400 calories, depending on your meat blend and glaze quantity. High in protein and satisfying, this meal fits right into a balanced, hearty dinner plan.

30-Minute Air Fryer Meatloaf (Recap)

Ready in half an hour, this 30-Minute Air Fryer Meatloaf is juicy inside, beautifully caramelized outside, and bursting with savory flavor—all thanks to the magic of air frying and smart preparation tools. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday comfort meals.

Instructions

1. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 370°F. Line the basket with a sheet torn from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
2. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice onion, carrot, and celery. Place veggies in a large mixing bowl with minced garlic.
3. Add ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing for maximum tenderness.
4. Shape into a compact loaf (about 6″ x 4″) on the parchment in your air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes.
5. While the meatloaf cooks, mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl: ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika, if using.
6. After 20 minutes, brush the glaze generously on top of the meatloaf. Air fry another 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (check with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
7. Let meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve alongside crisp greens prepped in the Bentgo Salad Container for a balanced plate.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20–28 minutes

Total Time: 30–38 minutes