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Best Air Fryer Meatloaf – Quick and Easy

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Air fryer meatloaf is so easy to make! It is wonderfully juicy and flavorful and cooks in under 20 minutes! Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner that everyone will love! Plus this meatloaf recipe is gluten-free and made a little healthier using turkey in place of beef.

Air fryer meatloaf sliced on a plate with green beans and mashed potatoes with another plate of it and a bowl of parsley behind it.

Why cook meatloaf in the air fryer

Basic meatloaf is a favorite in our house but we love this air fryer meatloaf that can be made right in the air fryer without the use of the oven. It makes an easy weeknight meal that the whole family loves!

  • Perfectly seasoned and topped with a zesty tomato glaze.
  • No oven is required!
  • Juicy, flavorful meatloaf in a fraction of the time!
  • Cleanup is much easier and faster since the fat drips away into the bottom of the air fryer.

No air fryer? Check out the recipe notes below on how to make this recipe in the oven.

You may also love this mini meatloaf recipe that is similar and equally delicious!

Ingredients you will need

All you need to make this easy meatloaf recipe is an air fryer and a few simple ingredients.

Turkey meatloaf ingredients on a white surface with labels over the top of each ingredient.
  • Lean ground turkey – I used 93/7 ground turkey for the best flavor.
  • Egg – one large egg.
  • Breadcrumbs – any breadcrumbs will work. I used gluten-free.
  • Milk – you can use regular or non-dairy milk.
  • Onion – white or yellow will work.
  • Spices – garlic, parsley, plus some salt and pepper.
  • Ketchup – I used Primal Kitchen.
  • Dijon Mustard – yellow mustard also works.
  • Worcestershire sauce – adds some great flavor to the meatloaf.

For the tomato glaze:

How to make air fryer meatloaf

**Make sure to check out the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients with measurements and recipe instructions.

  1. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. This will help to keep the meatloaf super moist while it cooks.
  2. Mix all of the meatloaf ingredients together in a bowl until fully combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Line the air fryer with a liner or foil and use your hands to form and shape the mixture into a loaf in the air fryer.
  4. Cook the meatloaf at 350 degrees F for 12-14 minutes. Per the recipe card below.
  5. Mix up the tomato glaze by combining the ketchup, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
  6. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf then brown at 400 degrees in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Remove, top with parsley, slice, and serve.
Bowl of soaking breadcrumbs.
Soak the breadcrumbs
A round glass bowl filled with ground turkey, onion, ketchup, mustard, egg and spices.
Add all ingredients to a bowl
Mixed up ground turkey meatloaf mixture in a glass mixing bowl.
Mix
Formed turkey meatloaf in a black air fryer basket.
Form into meatloaf and air fry
Air fryer meatloaf topped with tomato glaze in an air fryer.
Top with the glaze
Cooked meatloaf with red sauce and parsley on top in an air fryer.
Cook for 3-4 more minutes
Sliced turkey meatloaf on top of white parchment paper in an air fryer basket.
Slice
Two slices of cooked meatloaf on a plate with green beans and some mashed potatoes.
Serve

Expert Tips

  • Use an air fryer liner to easily lift the meatloaf out of the air fryer after it is done cooking. You can also use foil.
  • Don’t overmix the meat. Mix the ingredients just until they are well combined.
  • Since air fryers vary, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the meatloaf for doneness. It will be ready once it reaches 165 degrees F.
  • Check the meatloaf at around 12 minutes to make sure you do not overcook it, since air fryers vary. I used a Cosori Air Fryer and 15 minutes was perfect!
  • The thicker you form the meatloaf, the longer it will take to cook it.
  • If you choose to use ground beef in this recipe then you will need to cook the meatloaf for 30 minutes, top it with the glaze, and cook it for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Let the meatloaf cool for a few minutes before you cut it so it doesn’t fall apart. Letting it rest also allows the juices in the meat to redistribute resulting in a juicier meatloaf.

FAQ’s

How long does meatloaf take to cook in the air fryer?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes. You will know the meatloaf is ready once the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. You can check it using a meat thermometer. The cooking time will depend on how thick you make your loaf. I formed mine into a loaf that was 6 inches long, 5 inches wide, and about 2 inches in thickness.

Can you use other ground meats in this recipe?

Yes, You could use ground beef or ground chicken. The flavor will be slightly different but they both work in place of the ground turkey.

  • Ground chicken will take less time to cook, so I would check the meatloaf at around 10 minutes.
  • Ground beef will take about 35 minutes to fully cook. See the expert tips above on using ground beef.

Can you make this meatloaf recipe in the oven?

Yes! To make this recipe in the oven, follow the recipe but instead of cooking it in the air fryer, cook it on a pan in the oven at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.

Two slices of thick meatloaf with tomato glaze on top on a plate in between some mashed white potatoes and green beans.

What are the best side dishes that go with meatloaf?

The best side dishes that go well with meatloaf are roasted potatoes and asparagus, lemon and parmesan asparagus, oven roasted broccoli, and an air fryer baked potato or salad like this Easy Kale Salad. Check out some more healthy side dish recipes for inspiration.

Storing and reheating suggestions

Storing – this air fryer meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating – You can easily reheat this meatloaf in the air fryer in portions at 350 degrees F for 4-5 minutes. It can also be reheated in the microwave.

More Air Fryer Faves

Check out all of my easy, healthy air fryer recipes on PMG!

Or, get me Air Fryer Ebook with over 30, 20-minute air fryer recipes!

Did you make this air fryer meatloaf recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram @pinchmegoodfood so I can see your creation.

Air fried meatloaf sliced on a plate with green beans and mashed potatoes with a fork cutting through the meatloaf.
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Two slices of cooked meatloaf on a plate with green beans and some mashed potatoes.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

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  • Author: Amy Estes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This air fryer meatloaf comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful in under 20 minutes! It is made with ground turkey and topped with a zesty tomato glaze. This is a healthy meatloaf recipe that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatloaf

  • ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs – I used gluten free
  • ¼ cup milk – I used unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 pound ground turkey – 93/7 works best
  • 1 large egg – lightly whisked
  • ½ a medium white onion – diced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard – or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley – plus more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the tomato glaze

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon real maple syrup – more if you like it on the sweeter side 

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and breadcrumbs in a medium size bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up all of the milk.
  2. Then add the soaked breadcrumbs along with the rest of the meatloaf ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix it all together with your hands or a fork or a spoon. 
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, and place an air fryer liner or some foil into the bottom of the basket. Then add the meatloaf and carefully SHAPE it into a rounded rectangle or wide circle that is about 2 inches thick all the way around. Then air fry it for 12-14 minutes at 350 degrees F.
  4. Meanwhile, you can mix up the tomato glaze by combing the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl. Once the meatloaf is ready, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Then increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F and cook it for 3-4 more minutes until the glaze is slightly golden around the edges.
  5. Remove, top with parsley, slice, and serve. 

    Equipment

    Notes

    • Don’t overmix the meat. Mix it just until the ingredients are fully combined.
    • Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the meatloaf. Since air fryers vary. It is done once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F when inserted in the center of the meatloaf. 
    • Use an air fryer liner or foil to make it easier to lift the meatloaf out of the air fryer by grabbing the corners of the liner or foil. 
    • Let the meatloaf cool for a few minutes before you slice it so it doesn’t fall apart. 
    • You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the air fryer at 350 degrees F until warmed through. You can also reheat this meatloaf in the microwave.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Main Dishes
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: American
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