Discover the ultimate Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf recipe that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor! This healthy twist on a classic dish uses ground chicken and simple ingredients, ensuring a moist and delicious meatloaf every time. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, enjoy tender slices of chicken meatloaf that are ready in less time than traditional baking methods.

Sliced air fryer chicken meatloaf showing moist texture and juicy interior.
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If you love easy Meatloaf Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Boston Market Meatloaf, Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze, Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf, Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, or Air Fryer Italian Meatloaf.

Soon, using an air fryer to make a chicken meatloaf will be your favorite way!

Air fryer chicken meatloaf served on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick Cooking Time: The air fryer cooks the meatloaf in less time than conventional baking, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in a fraction of the time.
  • Juicy and Flavorful: With the combination of herbs and spices, this recipe ensures a juicy and flavorful meatloaf that everyone will love.
  • Easy to Make: The simple preparation and minimal ingredients make this chicken meatloaf a breeze to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
  • Versatile Serving Options: You can serve this meatloaf with a variety of sides or use the leftovers in sandwiches, salads, or wraps for a tasty meal any day of the week.
Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf

Ingredients Needed

Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf ingredients on table.
  • Ground Chicken: Provides the meatloaf base, ensuring a lighter, healthier dish without compromising on taste.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatloaf together while adding a subtle crunch that enhances the texture.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring that your meatloaf holds its shape and moisture during and after cooking.
  • Onion: Adds moisture and mild sweetness, contributing to the depth of flavor in the meatloaf.
  • Garlic: Infuses the meatloaf with a rich aroma and bold flavor, elevating the overall taste profile.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, umami flavor that complements the ground chicken, giving the meatloaf a savory depth.
  • Ketchup: Used both within the meatloaf mixture and as a glaze on top, ketchup adds a tangy sweetness that balances the savory elements.
  • Dijon Mustard: Introduces a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness, adding complexity to the meatloaf.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, allowing you to adjust the meatloaf to your taste preferences.
  • Fresh Herbs (optional): Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added for freshness, color, and flavor.

How To Make Ground Chicken Meatloaf In Air Fryer

Mix Ingredients: A bowl filled with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings being mixed together for the meatloaf.

Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined.  Sauté your chosen aromatics (onions, garlic, peppers) in a pan until softened. Add them to the meatloaf mixture along with seasonings and chosen moisturizer.

Optional step: Fold in your favorite mix-ins like shredded cheese, chopped vegetables, or cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.

Shape the Meatloaf: Shaping the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape on a piece of parchment paper.

Shape & Air Fry: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or place into a mini loaf pan. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C). Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket and set the cook time to 20-25 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Glaze & Enjoy: For an optional glaze, prepare your favorite sauce (BBQ, teriyaki, etc.) in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf in the last few minutes of cooking. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Check for Doneness: Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cooked meatloaf.

Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf Recipe Tips

  • Spice it Up: A sprinkle of cumin, smoked paprika, or even curry powder can add unexpected depth.
  • Moisture Magic: Milk, broth, or even grated zucchini add moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Mix-in Mania: Shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, caramelized onions, or cooked mushrooms elevate the flavor and texture.
  • Texture Twist: For a more coarse-grained texture, pulse some breadcrumbs in a food processor before mixing.
  • Rest is Best: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes for juices to redistribute.
  • Topping Magic: Get creative with fresh herbs, chopped nuts, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even a dollop of sour cream.
  • Mini Marvels: Make mini meatloaves for individual portions or easy appetizers. 
Slice and Serve: Slices of chicken meatloaf on a plate, garnished and ready to be served.

Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf Recipe Faqs

Do I need to use breadcrumbs? Breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients and add texture. You can substitute with rolled oats, crushed crackers, or even cooked quinoa.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I know when the meatloaf is done? Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I precook any ingredients? Yes, pre-sautéing onions, peppers, or other vegetables can enhance flavor and shorten cooking time.

Can I add glaze throughout cooking? It’s best to add glaze in the last few minutes to prevent burning.

What are some good topping ideas? Add ketchup, BBQ sauce, teriyaki glaze, mustard, salsa, fresh herbs, chopped nuts, crumbled cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mix? Absolutely! Grated zucchini, carrots, or chopped spinach add moisture and nutrients. Adjust seasonings and moisture content as needed.

What spices can I use? Use options like paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano, or even a dash of curry powder.

How long does leftover meatloaf keep? Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze meatloaf? Yes! Cool the meatloaf completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

The air fryer cooking the chicken meatloaf, with the timer visible on the display.

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Air-Fryer-Chicken-Meatloaf

Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf is a family favorite that comes together in just 30 minutes using a handful of simple ingredients, including ground chicken, flavorful seasonings, and breadcrumbs, all topped with a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze made right in your air fryer or Ninja Foodi!

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground chicken, 90/10 or 93/7 lean
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper, optional
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup milk or broth
  • 1/4 cup ketchup or your favorite glaze, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper (if using), garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing).
  • Gradually add milk or broth, mixing until incorporated. The mixture should be moist but not mushy.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Brush or spray the top of the meatloaf with oil.
  • Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Flip the meatloaf and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Brush with glaze (if using) in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added flavor and browning.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional
  • Mini Loaf Pans

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 11gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 215mgPotassium: 345mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

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