Description
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf recipe offers a quick and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey, oats, and grated zucchini, it’s packed with protein and moisture without added fat. Cooking in the air fryer ensures a perfectly cooked, juicy mini meatloaf in under 20 minutes, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. Ideal for a nutritious family meal or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 pound 93% ground turkey
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
- 1/3 cup quick rolled oats
- 1/3 cup minced onion
- 1/3 cup grated zucchini (squeezed well)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, quick rolled oats, grated and squeezed zucchini, minced onion, 1/4 cup ketchup, beaten egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape mini loaves: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll and shape each portion into a mini loaf form to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
- Air fry initial cook: Place the mini loaves in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to begin cooking through.
- Flip and glaze: Carefully flip each mini loaf over in the air fryer. Brush the top side with the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup to add flavor and moisture.
- Finish cooking: Continue air frying the loaves for an additional 5 minutes at 350°F until the centers are fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and garnish: Remove the meatloaves from the air fryer and allow them to rest briefly. Optionally, sprinkle with minced parsley before serving for a fresh herb finish.
Notes
- Protein: Swap turkey for lean ground beef if preferred.
- Onion: Use red onion for a milder, sweeter flavor variation.
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats can be substituted if quick oats are unavailable.
- Seasoning: Enhance flavor by adding onion powder and garlic powder to the mixture.
- Ketchup: Substitute with BBQ sauce or use a sugar-free ketchup such as Primal Kitchen to reduce sugar content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini loaf
- Calories: 252 kcal
- Sugar: 5.5 g
- Sodium: 581 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 24.5 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
