Description
Hearty air fryer meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with juicy, flavorful perfection. Quick preparation and crispy edges make this dish a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 egg
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, egg, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gently blend ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Shape the meat mixture into an oblong loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
- Activate the air fryer and set temperature to 320°F, allowing 3 minutes for preheating to create optimal cooking environment.
- Transfer the shaped meatloaf into the air fryer basket, generously brushing the exterior with additional ketchup to develop a rich, caramelized glaze.
- Cook the meatloaf at 320°F for 25-30 minutes, periodically checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- After cooking, remove meatloaf from air fryer and allow 5-10 minutes resting time, enabling internal juices to redistribute and enhance overall moisture and flavor.
- Slice the meatloaf and plate with complementary sides like mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for added visual appeal and herbal notes.
Notes
- Prevent dense texture by gently mixing ingredients, avoiding overmixing which can make meatloaf tough and compact.
- Experiment with ground meat alternatives like turkey or lean chicken for a lighter protein option with lower fat content.
- Add moisture-rich ingredients like grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to enhance juiciness and nutritional value.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for similar binding properties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg