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Faster and just as delicous, this air fryer meatloaf recipe cooks in fraction of the time and clean up is a breeze.
Why Make Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
A classic meatloaf is a favorite meal, and we love this air fryer version for a quick weeknight dinner.
- This can be baked in about half the time compared to an oven recipe.
- The fat drips away into the pan, so the meat doesn’t cook in the fat.
- This makes two smaller meatloaves so they’re easier to handle.
- Cleanup is a breeze (I have the Cosori 5.8QT XL, and a quick rinse and it goes into the dishwasher)
Ingredient Tips
- Meat: I use lean ground beef (80/20), which has just enough fat to keep it moist. You can use a combination of ground beef mixed with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Veggies: Finely diced bell pepper, onions, parsley, and garlic add flavor.
- Binder: Breadcrumbs are mixed with milk and egg yolk help keep this recipe moist and hold together.
- Seasonings: I add Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning—add your favorite herbs and spices.
Topping Tip
The topping in this recipe contains chili sauce (which is not spicy) and ketchup. If you’ve never had chili sauce, it is like a very zesty tangy ketchup with tons of flavor. It’s amazing combined with BBQ sauce and put on burgers and ribs.
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Mix all of the ingredients, and shape them into two loaves.
- Place meatloaves in the air fryer basket & air fry.
- Add topping and cook meatloaf again (full recipe below).
Holly’s Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat—overmixing can cause a dense loaf.
- Preheat the air fryer before adding the meatloaf.
- Air Fryers can vary, so check the temperature using instant-read thermometer.
- Check the meatloaf early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Add more time as needed.
- Rest the meatloaf for a few minutes before slicing so it doesn’t fall apart.
- Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
Ground beef cooks beautifully in the air fryer with a crisp crust and tender meat.
Did enjoy this Air Fryer Meatloaf? Leave a rating and a comment below.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ green bell pepper finely diced
- ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup finely diced onion see note
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chili sauce
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Mix meat, green bell pepper, seasoned bread crumbs, diced onions, milk, shredded parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl just until combined.
- Divide the mixture into 2 and shape into small meatloaves, about 5" long by 2" wide.
- Cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes.
- Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl. Add topping and cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until meatloaf reaches 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beef, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
I made a few changes in order to use what I had o time. Used more vegetables, but cooked them first. Onions, garlic (2 lg cloves). and celery. Put Italian croutons in the the vegetables and they soaked up the butter and olive oil. I spiced that mix well and put in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool. I used sweet and Spicy barbecue sauce on top. Delicious.
hi, since the meatloaf is 3 dimensional, can you tell me how deep the meatloaf should be, please? you said 5″ long by 2″ wide, but left out how deep. thanks.
It’s approximately 1½ to 2 inches high. If you have it 5×2, the height will be fine if it varies.
Best meatloaf hands down. My family doesn’t like tomato sauce on top so I served with a brown gravy. It was delicious!! And also very easy to make. Thank you for sharing this recipe. It will be a part of our dinner menu now.
I followed the recipe exactly. I do agree with some that it is lacking a depth of Flavor. Next time I will use french onion soup mix and ritz crackers. Still good and cooked perfectly.Just needed something else in the loaf to give it ompff.
Thanks for trying our recipe, Aine! That sounds like a delicious addition.
Delicious!!. Mine came out perfect!!!.
thanks
Can I make the meatloaves in the individual forms?
We find this recipe works best if made into two small loaves and cooked in the air fryer without being in a form.
great way to cook
it smells good but I went to check it at 10 minutes and it was almost burnt with the inside not done (still pink) so now it’s baking on 350 fingers crossed it works out
I hope it turned out okay for you, Sabrina! I have never had that happen when making this meatloaf recipe. Was your air fryer too hot?
Smells delicious! But has taken way more than 20 minutes in my air fryer.
As mentioned in the notes, air fryers can vary slightly. This recipe should take approximately 25 to 27 minutes. Enjoy!!
Air Fryers can vary so be sure to use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf and ensure it reaches 165° F.
this is my go to recipe for meatloaf. I cook for several people who are shut in and doesn’t leave the house. it’s a crowd pleaser. Nice to be able to give them a personal mini meatloaf. plenty to go around!
If you are double or tripling the recipe for a large family how much longer would I cook it in the air fryer and at what temp? never tried to air fry a meatloaf so hoping to give this tasty looking recipe a try tonight! Thank you!
If needing to double the recipe I would recommend forming 4 loaves instead of one large loaf to ensure it cooks all the way through. Then you can follow the cooking instruction as outlined in the recipe card.
haven’t tried it yet- plan to today. I have a question- do you set it. on air fry or bake? please let me know.
thank you
I would use air fry for this recipe.