Healthy Air Fryer Meatloaf
This post is about healthy air fryer meatloaf
These little meatloaves were a HIT with my family and I just knew i had to share them here - you could easily substitute the beef for turkey or maybe even chicken. I’m going to add in some peppers and onions next time, as well!
Why use an air fryer?
I was skeptical of cooking meatloaf in my air fryer - but this actually came out perfectly! The air fryer will give the perfect crispiness to the edges, and also drain off any extra fat. I’m not sure I’ll ever cook regular meatloaf in the oven AGAIN! The flavor and texture was far better than making a larger loaf in the oven (or maybe I’m just terrible at traditional meatloaf, haha!). Just make sure your loaves are cooked through and the internal temp is cooked to 160 degrees.
How to form 4 equal loaves:
After mixing all your meatloaf ingredients, form a large symmetrical ball. Then cut in half and half again. Form into a ball and then shape with your hands into the “loaf” form. It will keep its shape nicely in the air fryer.
Tips on Seasoning:
I am personally a big fan of pre-made seasonings and this meatloaf is a perfect recipe to use whatever seasonings you like. You could use Italian or Greek Seasoning - have fun with it and simply use my recipe as a guide. I used a full tablespoon of Sriracha and a spicy barbecue sauce, but use whatever your family likes. If you’re new around here - Hi, my name is Lil and I love spicy food!
What to serve with your meatloaf:
Any guesses as to what I served with it? That is not mashed potato, it is celery root! This was my first time trying celery root and it was so delicious. This meatloaf is such a great recipe, because you probably have all the ingredients on hand and it is so versatile. I definitely see this being a “dinner in a pinch” type of dinner for us!
Healthy Air Fryer Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean (grass-fed) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (or less if you don't like spicy)
- 1/3 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon no salt seasoning, any brand
- 1 teaspoon onion dip seasoning (or use a mix of 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper), I prefer Penzey's brand
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
- In bottom of large mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients EXCEPT ground beef and barbecue sauce.
- Once seasonings are fully combined, add in ground beef and mix just until combined (do NOT over mix).
- Form into 4 equal individual meatloaves and make a quarter size indent on top of each loaf.
- Place 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce in the indent.
- If you do not have a non-stick air fryer basket, spray your basket with cooking spray, then place meatloaves in basket.
- I have a toaster style air fryer and cooked at 375 degrees for 14 minutes. If you have the circular style air fryer, 400 degrees at 12 minutes may work better. Make sure loaf is cooked through, allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
