Make the juiciest, most delicious meatloaf in your air fryer. This recipe has been a game-changer for us for fast, delicious meatloaf.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.
We are still on the Air Fryer bandwagon in our home, and it won’t stop anytime soon. It has made our lives so much easier to get dinner on the table quickly. We've made this meatloaf recipe for years, and it has always come in clutch for weekends or even busy weeknights.
I first published this recipe in August 2018. The recipe was good, but air fryers have evolved. Therefore, this recipe needed updates, too. I kept all the ingredients the same, but I decided to change how I cooked the meatloaf.
Initially, I used 2 pounds of meatloaf, but I find that using 1 pound is much better. I also reduced the cooking temperature to ensure that the heating element on the top did not brown my meatloaf too quickly.
If you liked the original recipe, no worries, this has the same amazing flavor and the meatloaf is just as juicy.
If you like this meatloaf recipe, you'll also enjoy my turkey meatloaf and Southern meatloaf recipes.
A Quick Look at The Ingredients
- Ground beef - I use 80/20 ground beef/chuck rather than lean. When meatloaf in the air fryer cooks, the excess fat drains off. Beef with more fat than lean beef will leave the meatloaf flavorful and juicy.
- Vegetables - this meatloaf recipe includes mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic. They add flavor and moisture. I use a food processor to process my vegetables to add to this meatloaf quickly.
- Fresh bread and beef broth - these ingredients make the panade that goes in the meatloaf. I make breadcrumbs from the bread and run them through the food processor. You can use dried breadcrumbs if that is more convenient.
- Flavoring Ingredients - ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, brown sugar. These ingredients flavor the meatloaf and create the glaze for it.
Essential Kitchen Gear
- Food processor - not a necessity but it makes mincing the vegetables much easier. You could also use a sharp knife.
- Air Fryer - This recipe can use a basket or oven air fryer.
- Quick-Read Thermometer - to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165F (74°C) before serving.
How to Cook Meatloaf in an Air Fryer
Making meatloaf in your Air Fryer is easy peasy. You can use any meatloaf recipe you like, but I'm including the recipe I've used for years.
Step 1: Mis en place your ingredients, process your vegetables
I start by processing my ingredients in a food processor. If you don't have a food processor, finely mince your bread to make breadcrumbs and mince your mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic.
Step 2: Make your Panade
Next, make your panade by adding breadcrumbs and beef broth to a small bowl and stir until the breadcrumbs are coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix your meatloaf and form into a loaf.
Add mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic to a large bowl and stir. Add eggs, soaked bread crumbs, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to the bowl and mix.
Then, gently fold the beef into the mixture until you incorporate all the ingredients. Form the meatloaf into a loaf, making sure it's tight and compact.
Step 4: Cook your meatloaf
Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182°C). Place meatloaf in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).
Step 5: Glaze your meatloaf and finish cooking
While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. When there are about 5 minutes left on your timer, spread the glaze over the meatloaf in the air fryer and allow it to continue cooking.
Step 6: Let it rest and serve
Remove and allow meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tanya's Top Tips
- I love using fresh breadcrumbs in this recipe. I take about 1 slice of whatever bread we have around the house and toss 'em in the food processor for about ½ cup of breadcrumbs.
- Adding vegetables to your meatloaf helps keep it moist and not dense. It also makes this meatloaf taste amazing. I wouldn't leave the veggies out. Feel free to swap with other veggies, like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Wait a few minutes before slicing your meatloaf if you don’t want it to fall apart.
- Check on your meatloaf while it cooks. If it gets too brown during the cooking process, lower the heat by 10-15 degrees. You may need to cook it a few minutes longer.
Once the recommended time on your meatloaf is done, use a calibrated quick-read thermometer to check the temperature. Ground beef should reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).
Meatloaf in an Air Fryer vs. Oven, What's the Difference?
Time. That’s pretty much it. As far as texture and taste, it’s the same.
But the time saved making a meatloaf in the Air Fryer is worth putting it in the Air Fryer. The Air Fryer preheats much quicker than the oven, and it finishes cooking in less time.
What kind of meat to use for Air Fryer Meatloaf
Whatever kind your heart desires. Beef, turkey, pork, and a combination will all work in your Air Fryer.
Since I added so many vegetables to this meatloaf that provided an array of flavors and moisture, I stuck with just ground beef.
I hope you love this air fryer meatloaf as much as we do. Looking for more Air Fryer meat recipes? Try these out:
To make this meatloaf a meal, try serving it with some creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.
If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- ½ cup fresh soft bread crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons beef broth
- ¼ cup minced mushrooms
- ¼ cup minced carrots
- ¼ cup minced onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 Tablespoon ketchup
- ½ Tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 lb ground beef
For glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Add breadcrumbs and beef broth to a small bowl and stir until the breadcrumbs are coated. Set aside.
- Add mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic to a large bowl and stir. Add eggs, soaked bread crumbs, ketchup, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to the bowl and mix. Then, gently fold the beef into the mixture until you incorporate all the ingredients. Form the meatloaf into a loaf, ensuring it's tight and compact.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182°C). Place meatloaf in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).
- While meatloaf is cooking, prepare the glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. When there are about 5 minutes left on your timer, spread the glaze over the meatloaf in the Air Fryer.
- Remove and allow meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Suggested Tools
Video
Notes
- Ensure your air fryer basket is large enough to hold the meatloaf. I used an air fryer with a 5 quart basket.
- You might line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup and prevent the meatloaf from sticking. If using foil, leave some space around the meatloaf for air circulation. Do not add any paper to the air fryer while it is preheating.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on August 28, 2018. It has been updated with new information and photos.
RAVI MEHROTRA says
CAN WE REPLACE MINCE MEAT WITH COTTAGE CHEESE ? IF YES , PLEASE INFORM IF ANY CHANGES IN INGREDIENTS OR BAKING TIME REQUIRED.
THANKS.
RAVI MEHROTRA
Sam says
Really good but I had a hard time getting the middle all the way cooked. I'm going to try again with two small loaves rather than one large one. It is delicious for real though.
Diane Johnson says
Can you freeze the left over meat loaf made in the air fryer
Tanya says
Yes you can 🙂
Terri Overman says
Can this be made ahead and frozen?
Tanya says
Absolutely! Here are some tips on the best way to get it done. https://www.thespruceeats.com/meatloaf-storage-and-freezing-1807782#:~:text=Freezing%20Meatloaf,six%20months%20in%20the%20freezer.
Sherri Metz says
This is the very BEST meatloaf recipe I have ever eaten!
Carol A tbryant in says
I've always used Quaker oats instead of breadcrumbs a d use drippings for gravy.
Cass says
So meaty and moist and flavorful even without the sauce on top.
Tanya says
Thank you so much Cass 🙂
Sherri says
I am very picky about my meatloaf but this is by far the best one I have ever made! If your looking for the most delicious meatloaf recipe in the world try this one!
Tanya says
Thank you so much Sherri 🙂
Kathy Soule says
The only think I did differently I added more seasonings and added a little brown sugar to the meat mixture. Added garlic, onion, chili powder I used the ancho, cumin, and Mexican oregano. Kinda of a Mexican meat loaf. If So was doing a Mexican Meatloaf I woul have added salsa instead of ketchup. Tortilla chips instead of bread crumbs and would have added pepper jack cheese peppers
, garlic, a. Jalapeno deseeded. Tonight just want a basic meat loaf. I struggle to make a good 1. It's always dry and crumbles. Will reread the instructions. I want this to be my best meatloaf ever!!!!
Nat says
@Kathy Soule, that sounds amazing! *DROOLING*
Jack Thomas, Jr. says
First time cooking meatloaf. It was very tasty. I saved this recipe and will use it when I want meatloaf. I live out of motels working on the road. I purchased my air fryer just before Thanksgiving. I took it home at Christmas so my family will know I am eating healthier and not eating every meal out. They want to buy one for our house now. Between this and the power smokeless grill, I can say this is the best money spent on any item. Most people don't want to cook for themselves after a long day at work. Me, I want to cook now that I have this. Great recipe!
Tanya says
Thank you! I agree, cooking after coming home from a long day of work seems impossible some days. But knowing I can make a delicious meal in almost half the time makes the purchase well worth it.
Mary says
Dumb question: Do you set the Air Fryer when cooking meat loaf to bake or to airfry?
Tanya says
Hi Mary, that's not a dumb question at all. I use air fry.
Mary says
thank you for quick reply.
Janet Long says
Mine turned out burnt on top after 25 min on 390F. Used 1 lb meat. Inside raw. I covered it with ketchup, lowered temp to 275 for 5 mins. Still not cooked inside. Changed shape to a circle from a loaf. Got it back in at 275 for 5 mins. I using the recipe I always use. Cooked thru now, a lot of it is extra done, but it tastes ok...maybe next time
Tanya says
Hi Janet, covering the meatloaf with foil paper, making sure it's tucked in at the sides so it doesn't fly up into the fan, will help with the burning on the top. It takes a little longer to cook if you do that step though, like an additional five to ten minutes. The 25 minute cooktime for 1lb worked in my Phillips XXL air fryer, but the cooktime will vary from air fryer to air fryer.
alayna says
Hands down the best meatloaf I've ever made...best I've ever tasted. Huge hit with my family. I cant praise this recipe enough. It's fantastic. fantastic.
Constance Minkoff says
Best meatloaf I ever cooked.
Valerie M says
I made this tonite with about 1.5 lbs of ground turkey meat and adjusted the ingredients accordingly. Used canned mushrooms and Italian bread crumbs. I plopped my shaped meatloaf onto a square piece of parchment paper that I cut the corners of the paper to round it so it wouldn't touch the heating element. Cooked for 30 minutes at 390 degrees, then added the glaze and cooked another 15 minutes. At 30 minutes of cooking, the top had a slight burnt crust. The glaze was enough to cover so it wouldn’t dry out the top. It was moist, tender and delicious! Thanks for the recipe and suggestions. You’re right, it took way less time to cook than in a regular oven.