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Air Fryer Meatloaf with Glaze

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This air fryer meatloaf uses 80/20 ground beef for moist texture with a sweet-tangy ketchup glaze. Substitutes like ground turkey with added olive oil keep it moist while gluten-free crushed crackers replace breadcrumbs for binding.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Fat keeps meatloaf moist and prevents dry texture
  • 1 large egg Binds the mixture and prevents crumbling
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs or panko Soak in milk for 5 minutes before mixing
  • 0.25 cup milk Used to soak breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped onion Sauté for 2-3 minutes before adding for moisture
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced, optional
  • 0.33 cup ketchup Forms base of sweet-tangy glaze
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar Caramelizes under heat for glossy finish
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds deep umami; can substitute soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard Optional for glaze
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Add if substituting ground turkey for moisture
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed For vegan flax egg substitute
  • 3 tablespoon water Combined with flaxseed to make flax egg; let sit 5 minutes
  • 1 cup crushed gluten-free crackers Gluten-free breadcrumb substitute; same measure as breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • 7x3-inch loaf pan Fits air fryer basket for even cooking
  • Air fryer Cooks meatloaf quickly with crispy edges

Method
 

  1. Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl, let sit 5 minutes to soak.
  2. Add ground beef, egg, chopped onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir gently just until combined, about 30 seconds.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf fitting the air fryer basket or press into a 7x3-inch loaf pan. Leave 0.5 inch clearance for air circulation and pat smooth.
  4. Air fry at 350°F for 20 minutes. Check internal temp reaches 155°F; it will rise to 160°F as it rests.
  5. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Brush half the glaze on meatloaf and air fry 5-7 more minutes until caramelized and internal temp hits 160°F.
  6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Brush remaining glaze on top. Slice thick for clean pieces.
  7. To prepare a flax egg substitute for egg, combine ground flaxseed with water and let sit 5 minutes before adding to meat mixture.
  8. If using ground turkey instead of beef, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep moisture and adjust cooking temperature and time accordingly.
  9. For gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers in equal amounts.

Notes

Add flax egg slowly, letting it thicken to avoid watery mix that won't bind.

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