These Air Fryer Mini Meatloaves are an easy way to get classic meatloaf on the table fast. They cook in just 12–14 minutes and are made with ground beef, cheddar cheese and a simple ketchup topping. An oven option is included too!
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My whole family loves this dish. Now that the kids are grown and living on their own, we often make this recipe just for the two of us.
We prepare the meatloaves once, cook two on the first night, and then cook the remaining two later in the week.
I absolutely love dishes that we can prepare once and eat twice. While we do eat some leftovers, we generally prefer freshly cooked meals whenever possible.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Ground beef: I typically use 90/10 ground beef, but anything from 80/20 to leaner ground beef will work. I have not tested this recipe with ground chicken, pork or turkey.
- Cheese: Sharp or extra sharp cheddar works best because they are harder and won’t melt as fast as varieties such as mild cheddar or jack cheese.
- Bread crumbs: I use regular bread crumbs. The Italian seasoned type will work too.
- Onion: Onion: Chop it as finely as possible so it cooks quickly.
- Dijon mustard: This gives the meatloaf great flavor.
- Ketchup: A little is used in the meatloaf mixture and as a topping.
- Egg: This binds all of the ingredients together.
- Garlic: I am a huge fan of the pre-chopped garlic that comes in a jar, fresh works great too.
- Seasonings: I season our meatloaf simply with salt and pepper.
How to Make Air Fryer Mini Meatloaf
- Chop the onion, cut the cheese into chunks, and beat the egg in a small bowl.
- In a mixing bowl combine the ground beef, cheese, bread crumbs, onion, mustard, 2 tablespoons of the ketchup, beaten egg, garlic, salt and pepper. I use clean dry hands to do this.
- Divide the meat mixture into fourths and shape into 4 small loaves. They will look sort of like flat footballs.
- Place into the air fryer basket that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Air fry at 380° for 10-12 minutes, top each loaf with 1 tablespoon of ketchup and air fry again at 380° for 2 minutes. Remove from the air fryer basket with tongs and allow to rest.
These can be baked in the conventional oven at 425° on a parchment paper or aluminum foil lined baking sheet for 25 minutes.
Tips
- Be sure to lightly beat the egg before you add it to the meat mixture so the egg yolk and egg white get combined.
- I have found that the cheese works better if it is cut into small chunks, maybe ¼″.
- I weigh my meatloaf mixture on a kitchen scale so they are exactly even and they weigh 172 grams each. A scale isn’t required to make this recipe, and I made it for many years without one, but it is a helpful tool since I already have one.
- The easiest way to tell if meatloaf is done is with an instant read thermometer, the internal temperature of the meatloaf should read 160°.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
- Because all air fryers cook a little differently (and we like our meatloaf to have slightly crisp edges) you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the brand of air fryer you have and your personal preference.
Variations and Additions
- Leave out the onion or Dijon mustard if you prefer.
- Add about ¼ cup finely chopped green or red bell pepper.
- Add about 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
- Swap the ketchup topping for barbecue sauce or chili sauce, or use a combination. You can also add a little brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce to the ketchup.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or slice and reheat in a skillet on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
These mini meatloaves cook in the air fryer at 380°F for 12–14 minutes. Cook for 10–12 minutes, add the ketchup topping, then cook for another 2 minutes. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
More Air Fryer Main Dishes
If you love these mini meatloaves, you’ll find even more quick and delicious ground beef dinners in my 15 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner!
Looking for the perfect side? This recipe is also a favorite in my What to Serve with Mac and Cheese collection!
Love this recipe?
Leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
Air Fryer Mini Meatloaf + oven option
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced cheese
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons ketchup to top meatloaves
Instructions
- Chop onion, cut cheese into chunks, and beat egg in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, cheese, bread crumbs, onion, mustard, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, beaten egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. I use clean dry hands for this.1 pound lean ground beef, ½ cup diced cheese, ⅓ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup onion, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Divide meat mixture into fourths and shape into 4 loaves, they will look sort of like flat footballs, approximately 4" X 2".
Air Fryer
- Place into air fryer basket that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Air fry at 380° for 10-12 minutes.4 tablespoons ketchup
- Top each loaf with 1 tablespoon ketchup and air fry again at 380° for 2 minutes. Remove from air fryer basket with tongs and allow to rest a few minutes.
Oven
- Preheat oven to 425°
- Place loaves on a parchment paper or aluminum foil lined baking sheet, top with 1 tablespoon of ketchup.4 tablespoons ketchup
- Bake 25 minutes, let rest for a few minutes before serving.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.