Mike loves meatloaf.
I almost never make meatloaf.
So naturally, I decided to see if the air fryer could solve this problem.
Traditional meatloaf isn’t necessarily difficult, but it’s one of those dinners that feels like more of a commitment than I usually want to make on a weeknight. A full meatloaf takes a while to cook, and most nights around here, we’re working dinner around soccer, football, practices, games, and whatever else happens to be going on.
That’s where these Air Fryer Meatloaf Minis come in.
Instead of making one big meatloaf, this recipe divides a pound of ground beef into four individual mini meatloaves. They cook much faster, everyone gets their own, and there’s more surface area for what might be the best part anyway: the sweet and tangy glaze.
Serve them with mashed potatoes and green beans or corn, and you’ve got a really easy comfort food dinner.
Why Make Meatloaf in the Air Fryer?
I’m constantly finding things that are easier to make in the air fryer, and mini meatloaves make a lot of sense.
The smaller size means they cook much faster than a traditional meatloaf in the oven. You also don’t have to heat up the whole kitchen, and because they’re individual portions, there’s no slicing required before serving.
Plus, making four small meatloaves means everyone gets plenty of those glazed edges.
That’s a win.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Minis
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small loaf, approximately 3 1/2 to 4 inches long.
- Place the mini meatloaves in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for air to circulate.
- Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Open the air fryer and brush the tops of the meatloaves generously with the prepared glaze.
- Air fry for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the center of each meatloaf reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the mini meatloaves.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the center reaches 160°F.
- Avoid overmixing the ground beef to help keep the meatloaves tender.
- For a less-sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans or corn for an easy comfort-food dinner.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Meatloaf Minis
For me, this dinner needs mashed potatoes.
I don’t make the rules.
I’d serve these with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Corn
- Roasted vegetables
- Mac and cheese
- A simple side salad
Mashed potatoes with either green beans or corn would probably be our normal combination.
It’s nothing fancy. It’s just a really good comfort food dinner.
Can I Change the Glaze?
Absolutely.
The ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire combination gives you a sweet and tangy glaze, but this is an easy recipe to adjust.
If you want it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar. If you love Worcestershire sauce, add a little more. You could also add a tiny bit of mustard for more tang.
And if you’re firmly in the “just give me ketchup” camp, you can certainly keep it simple and use ketchup by itself.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Mini Meatloaves
Don’t overmix the meat. Mix everything only until the ingredients are combined.
Keep the meatloaves the same size. This helps them finish cooking at approximately the same time.
Leave room between them. Don’t pack the air fryer basket too tightly. Air needs to circulate around the meatloaves.
Add the glaze partway through cooking. This gives the meatloaves time to begin cooking before you add the sugary glaze.
Use a meat thermometer. Air fryers vary quite a bit, so don’t rely solely on cooking time.
How to Store Leftover Mini Meatloaves
If you have leftovers, allow the meatloaves to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They should make an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
And, naturally, I’d reheat them in the air fryer.
Start at 350°F for a few minutes and check them frequently so they warm through without drying out.
A Faster Way to Make Meatloaf
I don’t think I’m ever going to become the person who gets excited about putting a giant meatloaf in the oven for an hour.
But four little meatloaves in the air fryer?
That I can do.
They’re quick enough for a weeknight, they use basic ingredients, and that brown sugar and Worcestershire glaze makes them a little more interesting than the meatloaf I remember eating growing up.
Most importantly, Mike gets meatloaf.
And I don’t have to spend all evening making it.
Sounds like a pretty good compromise to me.