Description
This flavorful Ground Turkey Meatloaf recipe is perfectly cooked in the air fryer, offering a moist and tender meatloaf glazed with a tangy homemade cranberry sauce. Featuring a harmonious blend of herbs and spices with dried cranberries and panko breadcrumbs, this dish is a nutritious, quick, and easy weeknight dinner great for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces ground turkey (1 pound / 453.59 grams)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh yellow onion (1 medium)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose cream
- 1 medium egg
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (add more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (add more to taste)
Cranberry Sauce Glaze
- 250 grams whole cranberry sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (191°C) and set the timer for 45 minutes to ensure it's ready for cooking the meatloaf.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the all-purpose cream and mix well to moisten the crumbs, which will help keep the meatloaf tender.
- Make Cranberry Sauce Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix the whole cranberry sauce with ketchup until well combined. Add fresh rosemary sprigs to infuse the glaze with subtle herbal notes, then cover and set aside.
- Combine Dried Herbs: On a small saucer, mix together dried rosemary, dried thyme, and rubbed sage for seasoning the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large shallow bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, dried cranberries, the breadcrumb mixture, half of the dried herb blend, granulated garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Lightly mix to combine.
- Add Egg and Remaining Herbs: In another bowl, beat the egg and pour it over the meatloaf mixture. Add the remaining dried herb blend and gently mix everything together, careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf: Line the air fryer tray with parchment paper and transfer the meatloaf mixture onto it. Shape the mixture diagonally into a loaf form to fit the air fryer tray.
- Insert Tray into Air Fryer: Gently place the tray into the middle cooking chamber of the air fryer oven, positioning it near the rotisserie catch if your air fryer has one. For air fryers with a basket, line the basket with parchment and place the shaped meatloaf inside.
- Initial Air Frying: Air fry the meatloaf at 375°F (191°C) for 10 minutes to begin cooking and firming up the exterior.
- Apply First Layer of Glaze: After 10 minutes, spread half of the prepared cranberry sauce glaze evenly over the meatloaf surface for flavor and moisture.
- Continue Cooking at Lower Temperature: Reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F (177°C) and air fry the cranberry-glazed meatloaf for an additional 20 to 25 minutes to cook through gradually.
- Apply Final Glaze and Finish Cooking: Spread the remaining cranberry sauce glaze on top of the meatloaf and lower the air fryer temperature further to 333°F (167°C). Air fry for the last 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring safe and fully cooked turkey.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps juices redistribute, resulting in a moist, flavorful meatloaf.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for garnish or added flavor if desired.
- Ensure not to overmix the meatloaf to maintain a tender texture.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- If your air fryer does not have a baking tray, use the basket lined with parchment paper as instructed.
- Leftover meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
