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Healthy Air Fryer Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Healthy Air Fryer Ground Turkey Meatloaf is a quick and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Using lean ground turkey combined with oats, zucchini, and a flavorful blend of spices, this recipe delivers a moist and tender meatloaf without the heaviness. Cooked efficiently in an air fryer, it offers a crispy exterior and juicy interior with less fat and hassle than traditional baking methods. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup oats (finely pulsed in a blender for a smoother texture)
  • 1/2 cup onion (finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • 1/3 cup zucchini (shredded and squeezed dry to prevent sogginess)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Ketchup

  • 4 tbsp ketchup (preferably Heinz for best balance of sweetness and tang)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup (for glaze, Hunt’s thick and rich preferred)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Finely dice the onion into 1/4-inch pieces. Shred the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy meatloaf. Pulse the oats in a blender until they form a fine texture for a smoother loaf.
  2. Combine the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, finely diced onion, shredded zucchini, blended oats, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Mix everything thoroughly until fully combined for an even texture and flavor throughout the meatloaf.
  3. Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Make sure it’s compact but not too dense to ensure even cooking.
  4. Preheat and cook in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in the basket, and cook for about 20 minutes.
  5. Apply the glaze and finish cooking: After 20 minutes, remove the meatloaf briefly and brush the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup to create a flavorful glaze. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is set.
  6. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps retain juices and ensures a moist bite. Serve warm with your favorite sides for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out the zucchini well to avoid extra moisture causing a soggy texture.
  • Using oats instead of breadcrumbs adds extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is safely cooked.
  • The type of ketchup affects sweetness and tanginess; Heinz works well in the mix, Hunt’s is ideal for glazing.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and size of meatloaf.