A faster take on a comfort classic—tender, flavorful meatloaf with a caramelized glaze and lightly crisp edges thanks to the air fryer.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Meatloaf:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed oats / almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk (or broth)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
Glaze:
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey / sugar-free sweetener)
- 1 tsp mustard
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Mixture
- In a bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients
- Mix gently (don’t overmix or it gets dense)
2️⃣ Shape
- Form into a loaf shape that fits your air fryer basket
- Or make 2 mini loaves for faster cooking
3️⃣ Preheat Air Fryer
- Set to 180°C (360°F) for 3–5 minutes
4️⃣ Cook (Stage 1)
- Place meatloaf in basket (use parchment if needed)
- Air fry for 15–18 minutes
5️⃣ Add Glaze
- Mix glaze ingredients
- Brush on top of meatloaf
6️⃣ Finish Cooking
- Air fry another 5–8 minutes
- Until internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F)
7️⃣ Rest & Slice
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing
🌿 Anti-Inflammatory Touch
- Use lean turkey or chicken
- Replace breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour
- Add grated veggies (zucchini, carrots)
- Use low-sugar glaze
💡 Pro Tips
- Don’t make it too thick—ensures even cooking
- Use foil sling for easy removal
- Check early—air fryers vary
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~300–400
- Protein: ~25–30g
🧮 WW Points (Estimated)
- Standard: ~6–9 points
- Lean version: ~4–6 points
🔄 Variations
- Cheesy meatloaf: add cheese in center
- BBQ: swap glaze for BBQ sauce
- Low-carb: use almond flour + sugar-free glaze
- Spicy: add chili flakes or hot sauce
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make it ahead?
✔️ Yes—prep and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking
Q: Can I freeze it?
✔️ Yes—freeze raw or cooked for up to 2 months
Q: Why is my meatloaf dry?
➡️ Overcooking or too lean meat—add moisture (milk/egg)