Easy 30-Minute Air Fryer Meatloaf

This is an easy air fryer meatloaf recipe that is ready in 30 minutes from prep to serving time. It uses 2 pounds of ground beef and cooks with a deliciously sweet glaze that gives the edges a rich flavor.

On those busy nights when feeding the whole family feels like a challenge, turn to our classic meatloaf recipe cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a delicious meal that everyone will love!

This recipe takes the timeless appeal of traditional meatloaf - savory ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and savory seasonings - and transforms it into a hassle-free dish.

I’ve always cooked meatloaf in an oven, and it takes a while to cook when it’s a large meatloaf. I was pleasantly surprised to find how much quicker meatloaf cooks in the air fryer.

Simply mix up the ingredients, shape the loaf, and let the air fryer work its magic while you tend to other tasks or simply unwind after a long day. This delicious comfort food will be ready in no time.

This meatloaf is made with 2 pounds of ground beef, and if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to make two small loaves so it fits. This would also mean adjusting the cooking time because two smaller loaves will cook faster.

Meatloaf vs Salisbury Steak

Both meatloaf and Salisbury steak are typically made with the same basic ingredients to form the meat mixture. However, meatloaf is much larger and formed into a single loaf, whereas Salisbury steak is formed into smaller loaves like hamburger patties.

Salisbury steak is also cooked on the stovetop and made with a brown gravy that has either onions, mushrooms, or both.

Meatloaf is baked in the oven at a low temperature and doesn’t always have a sauce with it. Many like to pair it with a tomato-based sauce like ketchup.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• Lean Ground Beef
• Milk
• Regular Bread Crumbs
• Eggs
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Minced Garlic
• Dried Parsley
• Italian Seasoning
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Red Pepper Flakes

Sweet Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown Sugar

How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf

• Combine all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl. Do not overmix the ground beef mixture because it can cause it to get tough and dry.

• Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or use parchment paper for easier cleanup. Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape that’s about 9″ long by 4″ wide.

• Cook at 350℉ and set the cook time for 20 minutes.
• While it cooks, mix together the glaze in a small bowl.
• After 20 minutes of cooking, add a layer of glaze to the top of the meatloaf. Reserve some glaze for serving.

• Cook an additional 5 minutes until the center is no longer pink and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160℉ on a meat thermometer.
• Slice the meatloaf into 1″ slices.

Meatloaf Dinner Side Dishes

Many comforting side dishes pair well with meatloaf. These are a few of my favorite sides:

1. Crispy Polenta Fries: Slice polenta into fries, season with herbs and spices, and bake until crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or garlic aioli for a fun and unique side dish.
2. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: These Brussels sprouts are cooked until they have crispy edges with diced red onion and bacon.
3. Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. Cooking them in the Instant Pot is a “set it and forget it” type of recipe and there’s no draining then they’re done.
4. Air Fryer Green Beans: Carrots, green beans, bacon, and mushrooms give a full palate of flavor and complement the meatloaf well.
5. Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that both kids and adults love. It adds a cheesy indulgence to the meal.
6. Homemade Pasta Roni Angel Hair: Make Pasta Roni’s popular creamy garlic angel hair pasta right at home.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerating

Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Leftover meatloaf can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months in freezer-safe resealable bags or a similar airtight container for best quality.

It’s best to freeze them in individual slices to make it easier for thawing later.

I recommend par-freezing the slices on a baking sheet and then placing the individual pieces into a smaller freezer-safe container for longer storage.

To thaw, remove the individual slices and place them in the refrigerator overnight, or thaw in the microwave using the defrost settings.

How to Reheat Meatloaf

Reheating meatloaf in the air fryer is a great way to revive its flavor and texture while maintaining its juiciness. Here’s how:

1. Slice the Meatloaf: If your meatloaf is not already sliced, cut it into even slices. This will help ensure even reheating.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the slices of meatloaf in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. Make sure there’s some space between the slices for air circulation.
4. Reheat: Cook the meatloaf slices in the air fryer for about 5 to 7 minutes at 325℉, depending on the thickness of the slices. You may need to adjust the time slightly based on your air fryer model and personal preference.

More Meatloaf Recipes

• Air Fryer Hamburgers
• Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich
• Original Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
• Marsala Meatloaf
• Maid-Rite Copycat Recipe