Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food, and I know you appreciate a good one. Today, I’m sharing two different ways to make this classic, so you can pick your favorite or try both! Both recipes are straightforward and packed with flavor, making them perfect for your next family meal.
I’ve put together these simple guides so you can create a wonderful meal without any fuss. You’ll find everything you need to know, from ingredients to step-by-step cooking, right here.
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Air Fryer Meatloaf for Quick Dinners
This air fryer meatloaf recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal fast. It cooks up beautifully in your air fryer, giving you a tender and juicy meatloaf every time.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Lean Ground Beef: I like to use 90/10 lean ground beef to keep the meatloaf moist but not too greasy. It cooks well in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough, and we want it tender.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking. This helps create a nice crust on your meatloaf.
What You Need for Air Fryer Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
Step 1: Prep the Meatloaf Mix
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until it’s just blended. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf might get tough.
Step 2: Shape and Air Fry
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Make sure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the sides. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in the basket and cook for 25 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish Cooking
While the meatloaf cooks, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl for the glaze. After 25 minutes, carefully brush the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Return it to the air fryer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbly.
📝 Final Note on Air Fryer Meatloaf
Let your air fryer meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making it even more tender and flavorful.
BBQ Glazed Meatloaf: A Sweet & Tangy Dish
If you’re looking for a meatloaf with a fantastic sweet and tangy topping, this BBQ glazed meatloaf is for you. It’s a crowd-pleaser and simple to make in your oven, bringing big flavors to your dinner table.
Key Ingredients & Tips for BBQ Meatloaf
- Good BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your BBQ sauce really shines here. Use one you already love, or try a new one!
- Shape Evenly: Make sure your meatloaf is shaped evenly so it cooks all the way through at the same rate.
- Baking Sheet with Rack: Cooking your meatloaf on a rack over a baking sheet lets excess fat drain away, keeping the bottom from getting soggy.
What You Need for BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork the meat.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Form the meat mixture into an oval-shaped loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish
While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to make your glaze. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze generously over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
📝 Final Note on BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
For the best results, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps keep it moist and makes it easier to slice neatly.
