Air fryer meatloaf is so juicy and cooks in a fraction of the time and clean up is a breeze.

This meatloaf contains a mixture of meat & seasonings and it’s topped with a delicious zesty topping!

sliced Air Fryer Meatloaf

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 of 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 2 smaller meatloaves so they’re easier to handle (and you get more of the crispy edges)
  • cleanup is a breeze (I have the Cosori 5.8QT XL and a quick rinse and it goes into the dishwasher)

No Air Fryer? No problem!

ingredients to make Air Fryer Meatloaf

Ingredients

MEAT We use lean ground beef (80/20), however, a combination of ground beef and ground turkey or pork can work just as well.

VEGGIES Finely diced bell pepper, onions, parsley, and garlic add flavor.

BINDER & SEASONINGS Breadcrumbs are mixed together with milk and egg yolk, Parmesan cheese, and a handful of Italian seasoning.

Ingredient Info

The topping in this recipe contains chili sauce (which is not spicy) and ketchup and it’s my favorite part of meatloaf.

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.

process of making Air Fryer Meatloaf

How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air fryer meatloaf is a super quick and easy way to put a delicious meal on the table, and it takes just a few easy steps!

  1. Mix all of the ingredients, shape them into two equally-sized loaves (per the recipe below).
  2. Place meatloaves in the air fryer basket & cook for about 20 minutes.
  3. Add topping and cook an additional 15 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches 165°F.

Remove meatloaves from the air fryer & allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing.

close up of Air Fryer Meatloaf in the air fryer

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overmix the meat, mix just until combined.
  • Preheat the air fryer before adding the meatloaf.
  • 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.
  • Check the meatloaf early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Add more time as needed.
  • Rest the meatloaf before slicing so it doesn’t fall apart.
  • Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer or the microwave.

Air Fryer Faves

Did your family love this Air Fryer Meatloaf? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
sliced Air Fryer Meatloaf
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Air Fryer Meatloaf

Juicy & tender, this Air Fryer Meatloaf is easy to make and full of flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

a black air fryer
Air Fryer
Instant Read Thermometer on white background
Instant Read Thermometer
buy hollys book

Ingredients  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ green bell pepper finely diced
  • 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 all meatloaf ingredients 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

For a milder onion flavor, fry the onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender. Cool completely before adding.
Don't overmix the meat, mix just until combined.
Preheat the air fryer before adding the meatloaf.
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.
Check the meatloaf early to ensure it doesn't overcook. Add more time as needed.
Rest the meatloaf before slicing so it doesn't fall apart.
4.99 from 146 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 340 | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 709mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 4mg

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
close up of Air Fryer Meatloaf with writing
Air Fryer Meatloaf in the air fryer and sliced with a title
sliced Air Fryer Meatloaf with a title
close up of Air Fryer Meatloaf with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. 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

    1. 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?

    1. 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.

  2. 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!

    1. 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.

  3. 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