This isn't your grandma's meatloaf, bogged down with breadcrumbs and heavy sauce. Our air fryer turkey meatloaf is light, savory, and oh-so-tender, with a caramelized bacon crust that begs to be devoured. It's low-fat, protein-packed, and even cooks up in under an hour, making it a weeknight warrior perfect for small crews who crave big flavor.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This ground turkey meatloaf recipe is tailor-made for small families. It's perfectly portioned, cooks in under 30 minutes, and delivers all the comfort and flavor of a classic meatloaf without the fuss.
Plus, the air fryer's magic touch ensures crispy edges and juicy interiors, making every bite a delightful dance on your tongue.
- Small family sized: No more giant loaves languishing in the fridge. This recipe yields about 4-6 servings, ideal for small families or couples.
- Weeknight quick and easy: Craving comfort but short on time? It cooks in up your air fryer in under an hour, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with minimal dishes involved.
- Savory and delicious: Don't let "turkey" fool you. This recipe is a flavor explosion with herbs, spices, and optional mix-ins like chopped vegetables or cheese. Customize it to your family's palate and watch those smiles bloom.
- Perfect anytime: This versatile dish shines year-round. Enjoy it as a cozy comfort food in winter, a light and healthy option in summer, or a festive centerpiece for potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients You'll Need
Start with ground turkey, ready to be infused with savory herbs and spices. Panko breadcrumbs, your lighten up the texture of the turkey with egg and milk adding moisture.
Don't forget that smoky bacon and the ketchup and honey glaze for a caramelized topping that gives this turkey meatloaf it's extra boost of flavor.
- Egg - Beaten
- Panko bread crumbs - Seasoned or plain
- Milk - Any variety.
- Garlic powder - Or garlic granules.
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning - See our homemade Italian Seasoning blend!
- Ketchup (or catsup)
- Dijon mustard
- Ground Turkey - 80 to 85% lean. You need some fat in the mixture for moisture and flavor.
- Bacon - Thin cut bacon wraps easier on the meatloaf.
Meatloaf Glaze
- Ketchup (or catsup)
- Honey - Or maple syrup.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Bake Turkey Meatloaf In Your Air Fryer
Preparing this turkey meatloaf is as simple as the ingredients: ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onions, and savory spices (think savory onion powder, smoky paprika, and peppery cayenne).
Mix, mold, and air fry – that's it! No messy drippings, no preheating ovens, just delicious turkey meatloaf.
Combine Ground Turkey With Spices
- Mix the ground turkey and seasonings, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl.
Mix In Egg and Bread Crumbs
- Beat the egg and add to the bowl of ground turkey and spices.
- Measure and add the milk, Dijon mustard, and ketchup and blend until roughly mixed.
- Add the Panko bread crumbs last and and blend in until just combined.
Shape Into A Shallow Loaf
- Shape into a shallow meatloaf, about 2" to 2 ½" high, and about 5". Place in a ceramic, silicone, or metal baking dish that comfortably fits inside your air fryer.
Top With Bacon Slices
- Mix the additional ketchup with the honey or maple syrup and lightly glaze the top of the turkey meatloaf.
- Cut the bacon strips in half and lay over the top of the shaped loaf.
- Glaze the bacon topping with the ketchup and honey before and while air frying.
Air Fry And Glaze
- Place the meatloaf in the air fryer and cook at 350 F for 20 minutes. Open the air fryer and place a small piece of oiled aluminum foil over the meat loaf, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove and glaze the top again with the ketchup and honey mixture, returning to the air fryer without the aluminum foil. Cook for 5 minutes to finish caramelizing the bacon. Remove from air fryer and allow the meatloaf too rest 10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate and slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes with meatloaf never disappoints. Pile fluffy mashed potatoes next to your glazed meatloaf slices for a comfort food hug. You can also roast your favorite veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes alongside the meatloaf in the air fryer.
Leftover slices become epic sandwiches on toasted whole-wheat bread. Add a smear of mayo, mustard, or your favorite sauce, and pile on the crisp lettuce and veggies for a lunchtime delight.
Related Recipes
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Fresh Green Beans and Potatoes
- Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few substitutions and variations using this meatloaf recipe:
- Lean ground chicken or beef work equally well in this recipe.
- Gluten free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten free oats as a binder.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sriracha for a kick.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this recipe.
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- Nuwave Brio Air Fryer - Rotisserie - Grill - This 15 quart countertop Smart Oven has three slide in trays, that all can be used at the same time. You can air fry rotisserie chickens, an SO mush more!
- Gourmia Digital Air Fryer 6 quart - This basket style air fryer will handle four frozen waffles in the air fryer.
- Ninja Foodie Pro Air Fryer - Folds up out of the way on your counter.
- Oil Sprayer - This is a perfect sprayer for spritzing a light coating of oil on vegetables, meats, and other prepared frozen foods before air frying. The tiny amount of oil ensures you get as amazing results as deep frying and roasting, with a fraction of the calories and splatter!
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in individual portions for quick lunches or dinners.
- Leftovers will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat thawed meatloaf in the air fryer, microwave, or oven until warmed through.
Tips for Success
- Wet your hands before forming to prevent sticking when shaping the loaf.
- To prevent dryness, add a splash of milk or broth to the meatloaf mixture. You can also wrap the bottom of the loaf in foil during the first half of cooking.
- Grated cheese, chopped olives, or even crumbled cooked sausage can add extra flavor and texture. Don't be afraid to experiment!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches safe cooking temperature of 160-165 F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on how thick you make it, estimate 25 to 35 minutes.
No, not really. It's such a tiny space that it reaches the temperature required in about 1-2 mintutes.
ou can bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F.
More Delish Ideas
Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs Ground Turkey
- 1½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoon Onion powder
- 1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 large Egg beaten
- ⅓ cup Milk
- ½ cup Ketchup
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs seasoned or plain
- ¼ lb Bacon cut in half
For The Glaze
- ⅓ cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Honey
Instructions
- Mix the ground turkey and seasonings, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl.1½ lbs Ground Turkey, 1½ teaspoon Garlic powder, 1½ teaspoon Onion powder, 1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- Beat the egg and add to the bowl of ground turkey. Add the milk, Dijon mustard, and ketchup and blend until roughly mixed.1 large Egg, ⅓ cup Milk, ½ cup Ketchup, 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Add the Panko bread crumbs last and and blend in until just combined.½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- Shape into a shallow meatloaf, about 2" to 2 ½" high, and about 5". Place in a ceramic, silicone, or metal baking dish that comfortably fits inside your air fryer.
Make The Meatloaf Glaze
- Mix the additional ketchup with the honey or maple syrup and lightly glaze the top of the turkey meatloaf.⅓ cup Ketchup, 2 tablespoon Honey
- Cut the bacon strips in half and lay over the top of the shaped loaf. Glaze the bacon topping with the ketchup and honey before and while air frying.¼ lb Bacon
- Place the meatloaf in the air fryer and cook at 350 F for 20 minutes. Open the air fryer and place a small piece of oiled aluminum foil over the meat loaf, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and glaze the top again with the ketchup and honey mixture, returning to the air fryer without the aluminum foil. Cook for 5 additional minutes to finish caramelizing the bacon.
- Remove from air fryer and allow the meatloaf too rest 10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate and slicing.
Notes
- Wet your hands before forming the meatloaf to prevent sticking when shaping the loaf.
- To prevent dryness, add a splash of milk or broth to the meatloaf mixture. You can also wrap the bottom of the loaf in foil during the first half of cooking.
- Grated cheese, chopped olives, or even crumbled cooked sausage can add extra flavor and texture. Don't be afraid to experiment!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches safe cooking temperature of 160-165 F.
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