Air Fryer Meatloaf (Grain-Free)

Name: Air Fryer Meatloaf (Grain-Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray; 1 pound grass-fed ground beef; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1 egg, beaten; 2 teaspoons ketchup, divided (use sugar-free ketchup to keep this recipe low-carb); 1 teaspoon mustard; 1/2 cup water

by Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition on Aug 25, 2021 (updated: 3/27/22)

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When you want an easy and delicious dinner that only takes 45 minutes, try this Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf. You only need five simple ingredients for this recipe that is grain-free, gluten-free, low-carb. This is a family favorite!

My family loves meatloaf for dinner, but it can take forever to bake in the oven (see my Taco Meatloaf recipe if you aren’t in a hurry). This shortcut method uses the air-fryer to cut the cooking time in half.

This recipe is made grain-free and low-carb by using almond flour to help add texture to this traditional American dish. I also used ketchup and mustard to help add flavor.

I hope your family enjoys this Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe as much as mine does.

Contents hide

1 Why You Need This Recipe

2 Key Ingredients

3 Recipe Steps

4 Recipes Tips & Substitutions

5 Recipe FAQs

6 Other Healthy Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like

7 Air Fryer Meatloaf (Grain-Free)

Why You Need This Recipe

It’s quick and easy. You get a delicious meatloaf in much less time than using a loaf pan in the oven!
There are no grains or gluten in this air fryer version and you couldn’t tell otherwise. This is comfort food that is also reasonably healthy!
It’s only five ingredients. Don’t you just love simple recipes with 5 ingredients or less? See my recipe e-book featuring more 5-ingredient healthy recipes.

Key Ingredients

Grass-fed ground beef is a great source of omega-3s and antioxidants. Regular ground beef works great too and you can purchase lean beef because the other ingredients will help keep the meatloaf moist.

Almond flour is an excellent binder when you’re avoiding gluten and grains. It has a mild flavor and absorbs moisture. While classic meatloaf recipes use breadcrumbs, my recipes uses almond flour instead.

Ketchup & mustard add flavor, acidity, and sweetness to the meatloaf. Ketchup also goes on top during the cooking process to caramelize the top of the meatloaf. You can also use Worcestershire sauce, if you prefer.

Egg adds moisture but also acts as the glue that holds the loaf together during cooking.

Recipe Steps

Step One

Spray the basket of your air-fryer with non-stick cooking spray and preheat it to to 375 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, flour, egg, ketchup, and mustard. Reserve half the ketchup for the top of the meatloaf later on.

Step Two

Use your hands to mix together the ingredients and form them into a loaf. Then, place the uncooked meatloaf into the air fryer basket.

Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the basket to help prevent smoking.

As always, please do see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Three

Bake the meatloaf for a cook time of 20 minutes. Then, pause the air fryer and spread the rest of the ketchup on top.

Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F.

Step Four

Once the meatloaf is done cooking, turn off the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice the meatloaf and serve it hot. Try serving it with Japanese Sweet Potato Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Recipes Tips & Substitutions

If you don’t have almond flour, you can use whatever type of flour you like.
You can use grainy mustard or yellow mustard.
Be sure to use sugar-free ketchup to keep this recipe low-carb.
You can make the loaf ahead of time and wrap it in plastic wrap so it’s ready to go straight into the air fryer come dinner time.
Don’t overmix the meatloaf or it can become tough instead of tender.
Make sure to rest the meatloaf before slicing. Otherwise it will fall apart on you as you attempt to slice it.

Recipe FAQs

Can I bake this in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! Bake the meatloaf at 375 degrees F for 50-60 minutes.

I don’t have almond flour, can I use regular flour instead?

Yes, you can use any type of flour your like. You can also use breadcrumbs, but then the recipe won’t be gluten-free or grain-free.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or ground pork?

Yes, but you won’t need to bake it as long. Just be sure your meat thermometer reads at least 145 degrees F for pork or 170 degrees F for turkey.

Other Healthy Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like

Or, see my entire index of healthy air fryer recipes.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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