An image forming apparatus, including a latent image-holding member, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, and a recycling unit, wherein the developer includes a toner having an external-additive adhesiveness index SA in the range of approximately 50% to approximately 95% and: a carrier containing magnetic particles and a coating layer coating the surface of the magnetic particles and having a total energy of approximately 1,420 to approximately 2,920 mJ; or a carrier containing magnetic powder-dispersed particles and a coating layer coating the surface of the magnetic powder-dispersed particles and having a total energy of, approximately 890 to approximately 1,390 mJ.