Making a delicious meatloaf for dinner is always a great idea. It’s a comforting meal that feeds the family, and there are so many ways to prepare it! If you’re looking for simple, tasty meatloaf recipes, you’re in the right place.
Today, I’m sharing two easy meatloaf options: one for your air fryer and one with a classic BBQ glaze. Both are straightforward to make and are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Air Fryer Meatloaf for Quick Dinners
This air fryer meatloaf recipe is perfect when you need a hearty meal fast. It cooks up beautifully with a nice crust and stays moist inside, making weeknight dinners easy.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Leaner meat helps reduce excess grease in the air fryer basket.
- Form a Compact Loaf: Make sure your meatloaf is firm and fits well in your air fryer basket without touching the heating element.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
What You Need for Air Fryer Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra ketchup for glazing (optional)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Your Air Fryer Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Shape and Air Fry the Meatloaf
Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf that fits inside your air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Carefully place the meatloaf into the preheated basket.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish Cooking
Cook for 15 minutes. Then, brush the top of the meatloaf with extra ketchup or a glaze if you like. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
📝 Final Note on Air Fryer Meatloaf
Allowing your meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful.
Classic BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
This BBQ glazed meatloaf is a timeless comfort food that brings everyone to the table. The sweet and tangy glaze adds fantastic flavor and a beautiful finish to this family favorite.
Key Ingredients & Tips for BBQ Meatloaf
- Quality BBQ Sauce: Pick a BBQ sauce you truly enjoy, as it’s key to the glaze flavor.
- Keep It Moist: Adding milk or water to your breadcrumbs helps keep the meatloaf from drying out in the oven.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make meatloaf tough. Aim for the internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and then remove it from the oven.
What You Need for BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk or water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (for glaze and mixture)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Your BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add about 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce to the mixture. Mix well but don’t overwork the meat.
Step 2: Form the Loaf and Bake
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 3: Apply Glaze and Finish Cooking
While the meatloaf bakes, combine the remaining BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to make your glaze. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
📝 Final Note on BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
If you want a thicker glaze, you can simmer the glaze ingredients in a saucepan for a few minutes before applying it to the meatloaf.
