Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering meatloaf that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and takes just minutes to prepare. Forget about traditional oven-baked meatloaf that takes hours – this Air Fryer Meatloaf is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero! With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe will have your family begging for seconds and wondering how you became such a culinary genius in just 35 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. Try to create an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C). This ensures the meatloaf will cook evenly and develop a nice exterior crust.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the formed meatloaf in the basket.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf, creating a thin, glossy layer that will caramelize during cooking.
- Cook the meatloaf in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- 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 portions and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Always use fresh ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 blend) for the most flavorful and juicy meatloaf.
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make your meatloaf tough and dense.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety and perfect doneness.
- Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding minced garlic, herbs, or different types of ground meat like a beef and pork blend.
- If your air fryer tends to cook quickly, check the meatloaf a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.
- For a beautiful caramelized top, brush additional ketchup or BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 346kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
