Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly cooked, juicy meatloaf that's ready in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup - sounds too good to be true? Welcome to the game-changing world of air fryer meatloaf! This isn't just another boring dinner recipe; it's a mouth-watering, quick, and foolproof meal that will transform your weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with home-kitchen convenience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the meat mixture. Gently blend the seasonings throughout the meat, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. Aim for an oval or rectangular shape approximately 1-
- 5 inches thick.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the formed meatloaf in the center of the basket.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This ensures even cooking and helps develop a nice exterior crust.
- Cook the meatloaf for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Optional: Brush additional ketchup on top of the meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a caramelized glaze.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice the meatloaf into 4 even portions and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Mix gently: When combining ingredients, use a light touch to prevent a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Temperature is key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Don't overcrowd: Ensure your meatloaf has some space around it in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispy edges.
- Resting matters: Let your meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- Customize your flavor: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a unique twist.
- Prep ahead: You can form the meatloaf and refrigerate it earlier in the day, making dinner prep even quicker.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
