Simple Air Fryer Meatloaf and Potatoes (Easy One-Basket Dinner)
This Air Fryer Meatloaf and Potatoes recipe gives you everything you love about classic comfort food—juicy meatloaf, flavorful glaze, and tender roasted potatoes—but in less time and with easier cleanup. Cooking both the meatloaf and potatoes in the air fryer creates a perfectly browned exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade meal without heating up the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Recipe
Faster than oven baking
Crispy potatoes + juicy meatloaf
One-basket or two-batch option
Classic comfort food flavor
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
1½ pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Glaze
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
For the Potatoes
1½–2 pounds baby potatoes or russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 3–5 minutes until soft. This keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, add ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and parsley.
Mix gently just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Form the mixture into a compact loaf that will fit inside your air fryer basket (about 7–8 inches long).
Place it on a piece of parchment paper or in a small air-fryer-safe pan.
Step 4: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Prepare the Potatoes
In a separate bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme or rosemary until evenly coated.
Step 6: Air Fry the Meatloaf
Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
Place the meatloaf in the basket
Air fry for 15 minutes
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the basket and spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
Step 7: Add the Potatoes
Arrange the seasoned potatoes around the meatloaf in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, cook the potatoes in a second batch.
Step 8: Continue Air Frying
Return basket to the air fryer and cook for 15–20 more minutes, shaking the potatoes once halfway through.
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender and lightly crispy.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and stay juicy.
Serve sliced meatloaf with the air-fried potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Variations & Air Fryer Tips
Smaller Air Fryers: Cook potatoes first (15–18 minutes), set aside, then cook meatloaf separately
Lighter Version: Use half ground beef and half ground turkey; add 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers
Dairy-Free: Replace milk with beef broth
BBQ Meatloaf: Swap ketchup glaze for barbecue sauce
Cheesy Meatloaf: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar to the meat mixture
Veggie Boost: Mix in grated carrot or zucchini (squeeze moisture out first)
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave gently
Meal Prep: Meatloaf slices reheat especially well for lunches
What to Serve With Air Fryer Meatloaf
Simple green salad
Steamed green beans or peas
Coleslaw
Dinner rolls
Final Thoughts
This Simple Air Fryer Meatloaf and Potatoes recipe delivers all the comfort of a classic home-cooked meal in a faster, more convenient way. Juicy meatloaf, crispy potatoes, and minimal cleanup make it a true weeknight winner.