Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
Juicy and tender, this Air Fryer meatloaf turns a classic comfort dish into a weeknight wonder with irresistible flavor and fast, fuss-free cooking.
In just 45 minutes, you get a golden-brown crust, a moist center, and a perfectly seasoned bite, all without turning on the oven.
Main Players in This Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Lean ground beef – The juicy, protein-packed foundation that holds the entire loaf together.
- Green bell pepper – Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch for texture contrast.
- Seasoned bread crumbs – These lock in moisture and infuse herby flavor into every slice.
- Onion – Sharp and savory, onions bring balance and aromatic depth.
- Milk – Softens the crumb and keeps the interior tender, not dry.
- Parmesan cheese – A nutty, salty addition that melts beautifully into the mix.
- Garlic – A flavor punch that wakes up the entire loaf.
- Egg yolk – The essential binder that ensures everything stays in shape.
- Italian seasoning – A fragrant medley of herbs that whispers “homemade.”
- Salt & black pepper – Classic seasoning to round out every bite.
- Tomato sauce & chili sauce (for topping) – A rich, tangy glaze that caramelizes into a crave-worthy finish.
From Bowl to Basket: Making Air Fryer Meatloaf
Start by gently mixing the meat, veggies, cheese, egg, and seasonings just until combined—don’t overmix. Shape into two small loaves for quicker, even cooking.
Preheat your air fryer, then cook the loaves for 20 minutes. Top with the sweet and tangy glaze and return to the air fryer for a final 5–7 minutes. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
Pro Tips & Flavor Twists to Try
For a milder bite, soften the onions in a bit of butter before mixing. This simple trick takes the edge off their raw flavor and makes them almost melt into the meat.
Swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or stir in a spoonful of BBQ sauce for a smokier, Southern-style twist. A dash of Worcestershire can also amplify umami depth.
Keeping the loaf compact and splitting it in two not only speeds things up but also helps maintain even cooking in the air fryer’s tighter space. Avoid pressing too hard when shaping to keep the texture light.
Keeping It Fresh: Storing Your Meatloaf
Let any leftovers cool fully before storing. Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore their just-cooked texture.
To freeze, wrap individual slices and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat straight from cold for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ green bell pepper finely chopped
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup chili sauce
- ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese shredded
- ¼ cup onion finely diced (see note)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, green bell pepper, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg yolk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated. Split the mixture into two equal portions and mold each into compact loaves approximately 5 inches in length and 2 inches in width. Place the loaves into the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes. While they cook, mix the tomato sauce and chili sauce in a small bowl to create the topping. Once the initial cook time is complete, spoon the topping over the meatloaves and return them to the air fryer for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165°F. Let the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
