Description
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf recipe offers a quick, healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Using lean ground turkey combined with oats, grated zucchini, and a flavorful mix of seasonings, this dish bakes quickly in an air fryer for perfectly moist and tender mini meatloaves. Topped with tangy ketchup and optionally garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a nutritious and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 pound 93% ground turkey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 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
Topping
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for topping)
Optional Garnish
- Minced parsley
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, quick rolled oats, grated zucchini (squeezed of excess moisture), minced onion, 1/4 cup ketchup, beaten egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well using a fork until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape meatloaves: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a mini loaf form, making them compact and even in size for uniform cooking.
- Preheat and arrange in air fryer: Transfer the shaped mini loaves to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, ensuring there is space between them for air circulation.
- Air fry first side: Air fry the mini loaves at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to start cooking the bottom and sides thoroughly.
- Flip and add topping: Carefully flip each mini loaf over to cook the other side evenly. Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup to add moisture and flavor.
- Air fry second side: Continue cooking in the air fryer at 350°F for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the centers are fully cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the mini meatloaves from the air fryer. Optionally, garnish with minced parsley before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- Protein swap: Substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef for a different flavor and texture.
- Onion option: Use red onion for a slightly sweeter onion flavor.
- Oat substitution: If quick oats aren’t available, old-fashioned oats can be used, though the texture might be a bit different.
- Extra seasoning: Adding onion powder and garlic powder can enhance the flavor.
- Ketchup alternatives: Substitute barbecue sauce for ketchup or choose a sugar-free ketchup like Primal Kitchen to reduce sugar content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 252 kcal
- Sugar: 5.5 g
- Sodium: 581 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 24.5 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
