Air Fryer Mini Meatloaf Bites
Alright, picture this: the smell of cozy Sunday dinners wafting through the house and the joy of mom’s classic meatloaf—but in cute, bite-sized pieces you can pop right in your mouth. These mini meatloaf bites made in the air fryer are seriously a game changer. They’re juicy, perfectly browned on the outside, and get that sweet tang of ketchup glaze that hits all the right nostalgic notes without the fuss of a full loaf. Plus, they cook faster than you’d think—like little savory nuggets of comfort. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting a party, or just craving a handheld comfort meal, these bites won’t disappoint!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
How I Make It
Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—over-mixing can make the bites tough.
Step 2:
Roll the mixture into smaller bite-size balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to keep them relatively even so they cook uniformly.
Step 3:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4:
Place the meatloaf bites in a single layer in the basket—don’t crowd them! Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
Step 5:
While they cook, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make your glaze.
Step 6:
After 10 minutes, brush each bite generously with the glaze, then air fry for an additional 2 minutes. This gives them a beautiful shiny, caramelized coating.
Variations & Tips
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar inside for a cheesy surprise.
- Don’t have ketchup for the glaze? BBQ sauce works beautifully too.
- To ensure even cooking, flip the bites halfway through the first 10 minutes.
- If bites seem too loose, add a tablespoon more bread crumbs to help bind.
How I Like to Serve It
I love serving these mini meatloaf bites with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic dinner vibe. They’re also a big hit as party finger food with toothpicks and a side of ranch or honey mustard dip. And honestly, these bites shine on a chilly fall evening, paired with a cozy blanket and a good movie.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to keep that crispy glaze.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 15-18 minutes, glazing halfway through.
Closing: These mini meatloaf bites capture all the heartiness and comfort of classic meatloaf with a speedy, snackable twist that’s sure to become your new favorite weeknight fix.