Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry-Mustard Glaze

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry-Mustard Glaze

1. 1

   Step 1: Mix the meatloaf base

   In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt & pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix gently until just combined—avoid overworking to keep the loaf tender.

   For this step

   • 1 lbLean ground turkey (93% lean)
   • 1/2 cupPanko breadcrumbs
   • 1 largeLarge egg
   • 1/4 cupMilk (any kind)
   • 1/2 cupRed onion, finely chopped
   • 2 clovesGarlic cloves, minced
   • 1 tbspDijon mustard
   • 1 1/4 tsp (total)Salt & freshly ground black pepper (combined)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Shape and preheat the air fryer

   Form the mixture into a compact loaf about 7–8 inches long and 3–4 inches wide, pressing it slightly so it holds shape. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes and lightly spray the basket or line it with a perforated parchment sheet.
3. 3

   Step 3: Initial air-fry

   Place the shaped loaf in the preheated air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes uncovered to set the exterior. This short initial cook helps the loaf hold together before glazing.
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Prepare and brush the glaze

   While the loaf cooks, mix the cranberry sauce with honey and, if desired, an extra 1/2 teaspoon Dijon for a tangy glaze. After the initial 12 minutes, brush about half the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.

   For this step

   • 1/3 cupWhole cranberry sauce
   • 1 tbspHoney
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Finish cooking to safe temperature

   Return the glazed loaf to the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 10–13 minutes, brushing with remaining glaze once more halfway through. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C).
   
6. 6

   Step 6: Rest and serve

   Let the meatloaf rest for 5–7 minutes so juices redistribute, then slice and serve with any extra glaze on the side. Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a quick weeknight meal.

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt & pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix gently until just combined—avoid overworking to keep the loaf tender.
2. Form the mixture into a compact loaf about 7–8 inches long and 3–4 inches wide, pressing it slightly so it holds shape. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes and lightly spray the basket or line it with a perforated parchment sheet.
3. Place the shaped loaf in the preheated air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes uncovered to set the exterior. This short initial cook helps the loaf hold together before glazing.
4. While the loaf cooks, mix the cranberry sauce with honey and, if desired, an extra 1/2 teaspoon Dijon for a tangy glaze. After the initial 12 minutes, brush about half the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.
5. Return the glazed loaf to the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 10–13 minutes, brushing with remaining glaze once more halfway through. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 5–7 minutes so juices redistribute, then slice and serve with any extra glaze on the side. Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a quick weeknight meal.