Ground Turkey Meatloaf in Air Fryer

Name: Ground Turkey Meatloaf in Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
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); 250 grams whole cranberry sauce; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

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Making meatloaf in the air fryer with ground turkey is great for easy weeknight dinners. This simple recipe uses pantry staples and delivers a tender and juicy main dish.

Sliced meatloaf with a dark glaze arranged on a white plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs; pinecones and red berries nearby.

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I've always loved having an easy, comforting dinner I can rely on, and this easy turkey meatloaf recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals. It's simple to prep, uses ingredients I almost always have on hand, and cooks beautifully in the air fryer. Although it's not a classic meatloaf, it doesn't require much effort and fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine.

The first time I made this recipe was when I needed to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving. Over time, it turned into a year-round favorite as I like to keep canned sauce in my pantry for this recipe and my sweet and sour turkey meatballs. It's a great dish for family dinners, meal prep, or even casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Ground meat on a plate surrounded by bowls of chopped onions, breadcrumbs, herbs, seasonings, ketchup, cream, cranberries, a jar of jam, an egg, and a sprig of rosemary on a white surface.

Meatloaf

Lean ground turkey - Provides a tender base with mild flavor that pairs well with herbs and cranberries.
Finely chopped yellow onion - Adds moisture and flavor to the meat.
Dried cranberries - Brings an unexpected sweetness and chewiness.
Panko breadcrumbs - Helps bind the mixture while keeping the texture light.
All-purpose cream - Adds richness and moisture so the meatloaf stays soft and tender.
Egg - Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
Granulated garlic - Provides a savory depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Dried rosemary - Adds an earthy, aromatic note that pairs well with poultry and cranberries.
Dried thyme - Contributes a subtle herbal flavor that enhances the overall seasoning blend.
Rubbed sage - Gives a warm, cozy flavor often associated with holiday turkey dishes.
Kosher salt - Enhances all the flavors in the meatloaf.
Ground black pepper - Adds mild heat and balances the sweetness of the cranberries and glaze.

Topping

Whole cranberry sauce - Creates the base for a sweet and tart topping that keeps the meatloaf moist and festive.
Ketchup - Adds tanginess and helps the glaze cling to the meatloaf.
Fresh rosemary - Infuses the glaze with an aromatic flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (191°C) and set the cooking time for 45 minutes.

A white bowl of breadcrumb mixture with a spoon beside a small glass gravy boat of white liquid on a light countertop.

Place breadcrumbs In a small bowl. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.

A white bowl with dark stewed fruit and red sauce sits on a white surface; a small empty dish and a red-checkered cloth are nearby.

In a separate bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and ketchup and mix until well combined. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary and cover with the sauce.

In a small saucer, combine dried rosemary, dried thyme, and rubbed sage.

A white bowl filled with ground meat, chopped onions, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and dried cranberries, on a white surface next to a red and white checkered cloth.

Lightly combine the ground turkey, onions, dried cranberries, breadcrumb mixture, half of the dried herb mixture, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

A hand pours beaten eggs from a white bowl into a mixture of ground meat and other ingredients in a larger bowl on a light surface.

Beat the egg in a small bowl. Pour it over the meat mixture and add the remaining dried herb mixture. Mix to combine but do not over-mix.

Uncooked meatloaf mixture shaped into a loaf sits on a parchment-lined baking tray next to a spoon and plate.

Cover air fryer baking sheet or basket with parchment paper. Add the meatloaf mixture and form into a loaf shape.

A white bowl with cranberry sauce held above a baked meatloaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Air fry at 375°F (191°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, spread half of the cranberry sauce mixture all over the loaf.

Lower the Air Fryer temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue to air fry for 20 to 25 minutes.

A baked meatloaf topped with red sauce sits on parchment paper in a baking tray, with a used plate and spoon in the background.

Add the remaining cranberry sauce mixture over the loaf and air fryer at 333°F (167°C) for the last 10 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the Air Fryer oven once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with an instant read thermometer.

A cooked meatloaf with a dark, glazed top rests on parchment paper in a baking tray; a red checkered cloth is in the background.

Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Hint: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently combining the ingredients keeps the ground turkey meatloaf tender and prevents it from becoming dense.

Variations

Here are some easy ways to customize the recipe:

Swap the glaze: Try BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor, sweet chili sauce for an Asian-inspired twist, or tomato sauce for something more traditional.
Change the mix-ins: Add chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or spinach for extra veggies; or fold in a little shredded cheese for richness.
Boost the herbs and spices: Use Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a curry blend to match your guests' preferred cuisine.
Make it spicy: Stir in chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce for heat lovers.
Use different breading: Replace panko bread crumbs with crushed crackers, oats, or gluten-free crumbs depending on dietary needs.
Try flavored creams or substitutes: Use evaporated milk, yogurt, or coconut milk to add different textures and subtle flavor changes.
Vary the dried fruit: Swap cranberries for raisins, chopped apricots, or dates for a new sweet note.
Adjust the texture: Add a bit more cream for a softer loaf or extra panko for a firmer, sliceable version.

A white plate with two slices of glazed meatloaf, roasted carrots, and a fork holding a piece of meatloaf. Parsley garnish is on the side.

Tips

Top tip: For the juiciest results, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices can settle before slicing.

Shape the meatloaf evenly so it cooks uniformly in the air fryer.
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe eating.
Brush on extra glaze halfway through cooking for deeper flavor and better caramelization.
Avoid packing the mixture too tightly so the meatloaf stays tender, not dense.

A fork holds a piece of meatloaf topped with a layer of dark red glaze; more slices are visible on a white plate in the background.

Serving suggestions

This is the best turkey meatloaf recipe to serve during the holiday season. You can serve it alongside Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Roast for a turkey-focused meal that feels festive but easier to prep than a full feast. Add cranberry Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, and chicken stuffing casserole for traditional sides.

For everyday dinners, I like to pair it with simple comfort-food sides that balance the sweet cranberry glaze. Creamy mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes are always crowd-pleasers, especially when you drizzle a little extra glaze on top. If you're aiming for a lighter plate, mushrooms and green beans or a crisp chopped salad add freshness without taking attention away from the main dish.

Storage

To store this ground turkey meatloaf, let it cool completely, then place the slices or whole loaf in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual slices or the entire loaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months whe frozen.

Reheating is simple and keeps the meatloaf tender. In the air fryer, warm slices at a low temperature, around 300°F, until heated through, which usually takes just a few minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals to avoid drying it out, or warm it in the oven at 325°F if you're reheating several slices at once. Adding a little extra cranberry glaze on top before reheating helps maintain moisture and boosts flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef, but keep in mind that fattier meats may change the texture and cook time slightly.

How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out in the air fryer?

Adding cream, using the egg and breadcrumbs as binders, and avoiding overmixing all help keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking; just add a few extra minutes of cook time if it goes into the air fryer cold.

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