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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
