Description
This Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe delivers a classic comfort food favorite with a modern twist using the air fryer, resulting in a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a delicious tangy glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to make and cooks in less than 40 minutes without compromising on taste and texture.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 slices bread, torn up into really small pieces
- 1/2 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 1 pound lean ground beef, ¾ cup milk, 1 large egg, 3 slices torn bread pieces, ½ Tablespoon onion powder, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder. Use clean hands to gently combine until just mixed, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray a 5-7 quart air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Shape the meat mixture into an even loaf, making it slightly angled and not too thick to ensure thorough cooking.
- First Air Fry: Air fry the meatloaf at 350°F for 15 minutes. This initial cook sets the shape and begins the cooking process.
- Make the Glaze: While the meatloaf cooks, mix together ⅓ cup ketchup and ⅓ cup BBQ sauce in a small bowl to create the flavorful glaze.
- Apply Glaze and Continue Cooking: After 15 minutes, brush some of the glaze over the meatloaf evenly. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, indicating the meatloaf is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Slice and serve with any leftover glaze on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
- Do not overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Ensure the loaf is not too thick to allow even cooking throughout.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 loaf (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
