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.

Lina

Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes.Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.