Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a quick, juicy, and perfectly cooked meal using minimal effort. With an air fryer, you get the iconic crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful center — all in a fraction of the usual bake time.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving homemade goodness without heating up the whole kitchen, this air fryer meatloaf is a game-changer for home cooks looking for efficiency and delicious results.

Why This Air Fryer Meatloaf is Irresistible

Air frying meatloaf isn’t just about speed — the circulating hot air works wonders to create a caramelized crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy. This easy recipe delivers all the nostalgia of mom’s Sunday meatloaf but in less than half the time, and with none of the grease splatter. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, making this a true weeknight winner.

Preparing Your Meatloaf Mixture

The key to a great meatloaf is evenly chopped vegetables and well-mixed ingredients. For the quickest prep, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to dice your onions, carrots, and parsley in seconds. Mix everything by hand just until combined — overmixing can make the loaf dense.

For portioning and shape, place the mixture onto a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, then form it into an even loaf. This ensures easy transfer to the air fryer and keeps your basket cleaner.

How to Cook Meatloaf in an Air Fryer

Cooking meatloaf in an air fryer couldn’t be simpler. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 for an even, crispy result. Carefully lift the parchment with the loaf and set it in the air fryer basket. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.

Halfway through cooking, brush the top with your favorite glaze and use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to check doneness — for peace of mind, a 160°F internal temperature is ideal for beef or turkey meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Let your meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking for easy slicing and to lock in juices. For healthy sides, steam some veggies or toss a fresh salad, packed in a Bentgo Salad Container for workday lunches. Leftover slices store beautifully in an airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container and make excellent sandwiches the next day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4, with each portion providing about 250–300 calories, depending on the meat and glaze used. It’s a satisfying centerpiece without excess fat, especially when paired with light sides.

Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe (Recap)

Quick, juicy, and flavorful, this Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe is perfect for both weeknights and meal prep. The savory loaf crisps up beautifully with minimal hands-on time, promising a family favorite that skips the oven fuss but delivers classic comfort.

Instructions

1. Prep your vegetables using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for fast, uniform dicing.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped vegetables, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but do not overwork.
3. Place a strip of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll on the counter. Transfer your mixture onto the paper and shape into a compact loaf, 6–7 inches long.
4. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 375°F for 3 minutes. Lift loaf using edges of parchment and place into the air fryer basket with the paper below to catch drips.
5. Air fry for 15 minutes. Pull out basket, brush top with the glaze if desired, and continue to air fry for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (use ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
6. Let meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes, then lift out by the parchment, slice, and serve.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes