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Air Fryer Meatloaf

This flavorful air fryer meatloaf, adorned with a zesty glaze, offers a convenient cooking method that significantly reduces preparation time compared to traditional oven baking. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a heartwarming meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Meatloaf:
  • 1 pound ground round 85/15
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme with additional for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Glaze:
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Begin by assembling all ingredients. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and whole milk, allowing them to rest for 5 minutes. Next, incorporate the ground beef, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to ensure an even distribution without overworking the mixture.
  3. Shape the beef mixture into two rectangles measuring approximately 3 by 4.5 inches.
  4. To prepare the glaze, mix the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl and set aside.
  5. Generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place the meatloaves into the basket, applying additional cooking spray on top. Cook in the preheated air fryer until they achieve a golden-brown color, roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Brush the meatloaves with the prepared glaze after 18 minutes of cooking. The internal temperature should reach at least 155 degrees F (68 degrees C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
  6. Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

From the Editor: This recipe underwent testing in our kitchen in November 2023, resulting in the adaptation to create two smaller meatloaves, the removal of sliced mushrooms from the topping, and the addition of a glaze. Additionally, the air fryer temperature was optimized to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).