Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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I've tried many meatloaf recipes over the years but this turkey meatloaf recipe is my absolute favorite! It's easy to make, and with the help of the air fryer your cooking time is cut in half.

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, something I remember Mom making for years. While this recipe may be slightly different from the old fashioned meatloaf we had as kids, it is a close resemblance. This is just a healthier version that has been simplified for a easy weeknight dinner!

Trust me, after one bite of this flavorful meatloaf, you'll add this to your weekly dinner rotation!

ground turkey- I prefer a lean ground turkey for my meatloaf. By adding the right amount of vegetables the turkey meatloaf will stay moist and have great flavor.

oats- old-fashioned oats are a healthy substitute for the bread crumbs that are usually used in a meatloaf mixture. Oats add a little extra fiber and make this a gluten-free recipe as well.

canned tomatoes-adds flavor and moisture to the mix. I like the petite cut canned tomatoes for the meatloaf.

Start by chopping the onion and red bell pepper. Make sure to chop in small uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Add all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Mix the vegetables, oats, egg and seasoning into the ground turkey. Meatloaf can be a little messy so roll up your sleeves and get your hands a little dirty while mixing everything together.

Form the meat mixture into two mini meatloaf shapes by hand. The reason I make these into two mini meatloaves is because they cook more evenly and are easier to remove from the air fryer basket after they are cooked. A thicker meatloaf will become over cooked on the outside before the inside is properly cooked. It does not have to be a perfect shape but try to make it as uniform in size as possible so that the center and ends of the meatloaf cook evenly.

I know many people cook meatloaf in a loaf pan, however by cooking free form in the air fryer it allows any fat to drip through the holes of the basket so that the meatloaf isn't greasy. I do not use any aluminum foil for this reason. Don't worry the meatloaf will slide right out of the basket with a spatula and the basket cleans up very easily.

Once the meatloaf is shaped turn air fryer to 400 degrees and time for 25 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. This is the delicious glaze that we will brush on the meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Once the air fryer timer is down to the last 5 minutes of cook time, remove the basket and check the meatloaf with a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends that poultry be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is getting close to the proper temperature go ahead and brush a generous amount of the sauce on the top of the meatloaf and return the basket to the air fryer and finish cooking. I always add the glaze towards the end because the high sugar content in the glaze can cause it to burn.

Of course mashed potatoes are a must with meatloaf. If you are looking for a light option try my Creamy Potato and Cauliflower Mash Recipe. It’s still creamy but with less carbs!

I always pair a yummy green vegetable or a side salad with my meals. Mediterranean Green Beans with Lemon Dressing is the perfect light salad to pair with meatloaf.

• Form into two rectangular shape mini loaves. The small loaf shape will help the meatloaf cook more evenly and not require a longer cook time.
• Do not use cooking spray in your air fryer basket. You can spray with olive oil but I found the nonstick basket was very easy to clean if you soak it in soapy water.

This meatloaf recipe can be made with lean ground beef instead of ground turkey. Just make sure to cook the beef to the recommended temperature. The ground beef will cook in less time than the turkey.

If you are short on time you can use bottled barbecue sauce instead of the glaze.

Leftover meatloaf is one of my favorites. It warms up well by just microwaving individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

To store the meatloaf, allow it to cool completely and then store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

The tomatoes and vegetables that are added are not just for flavor, they will help keep the meatloaf juicy!

You can use foil in an air fryer, and that will make it easier to clean. However air fryers work by circulating hot air to cook food quicker than a conventional oven, so the foil may block the air flow causing the meatloaf to not cook as quickly or evenly.

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Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!