Classic Air Fryer Meatloaf

Jump to Recipe

Air Fryer Meatloaf is a drool-worthy twist on a classic meatloaf recipe. And folks, this is not your grandma’s meatloaf; it’s a modern rendition of a timeless favorite.

That’s because I have added a secret ingredient to the recipe – chorizo. Adding chorizo means you are adding incredible flavor to this air fryer meatloaf recipe.

This classic meatloaf in air fryer is one you want to add to your menu, like yesterday!  It is the perfect comfort food that the whole family will love.

It’s in the always lick your plate clean kinda category, especially when served with a whole heaping of creamy mashed potatoes.

And if you love meatloaf as much as I do, you’ll want to check out this Chicken Meatloaf, my Vegan Meatloaf and easy Instant Pot Meatloaf recipe.

The trick to getting perfect meatloaf in the air fryer is using a combination of ground beef, ground pork, and my secret ingredient, ground chorizo. The chorizo adds a smoky depth of flavor to your meatloaf that makes it go from seriously good to WOW!

Bonus tip: some leftover air fryer meatloaf stuffed in bread makes the best lunch meatloaf sandwich that both adults and kids alike will love. #yourewelcome

Why Make This Meatloaf in Air Fryer Recipe

• An Explosion of Flavor – The combination of meat, chorizo and seasoning creates a meatloaf that’s bursting with flavor.
• It’s Time Saving – Compared to oven baking, making meatloaf in Air Fryer significantly cuts down cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the wait.
• Classic Comfort Food with a Twist – Embrace the comforting familiarity of a classic meatloaf, but let the Air Fryer and the addition of chorizo add a modern twist that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Ingredient Notes

For the meatloaf:

• Ground Meat – A combination of ground pork and ground beef gives the meatloaf a delicious blend of flavors. If you prefer, you can use only beef or only pork, or you can try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Chorizo – Chorizo adds a smoky and slightly spicy kick to the meatloaf. If you’re not a fan of chorizo or can’t find it, you can substitute it with any other cooked and chopped sausage of your choice.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatloaf together and provide texture. If you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet, you can use regular bread crumbs.
• Bell Pepper – Bell pepper adds sweetness and color to the meatloaf. You can use any color of bell pepper. You can substitute it with grated carrots for a similar effect.
• Onion – Grated onion enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf. Feel free to use shallots or scallions if you prefer a milder taste.
• Eggs – Beaten eggs act as a binder, holding the ingredients together.
• Ketchup – Ketchup adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the meatloaf. You can use homemade ketchup or any store-bought variety you like.
• Mustard – Dijon mustard provides a mild tangy flavor. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, regular mustard will work as well.
• Tamari – Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to regular soy sauce. You can also use liquid aminos. If you’re not following a gluten-free diet, you can use regular soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce instead.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese adds a savory and nutty taste to the meatloaf. If you’re not a fan of Parmesan or need a dairy-free option, you can try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

For the glaze:

• Ketchup – The base of the glaze, adding a tangy and sweet element.
• Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness to balance the glaze flavors.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity to cut through the sweetness and create a balanced glaze.
• Dijon Mustard – Brings a mild tangy flavor to the glaze, complementing the meatloaf.

Ready to make this meatloaf in the air fryer? Gather your ingredients, and I will show you…

How To Make Air Fryer Meatloaf 

Don’t forget to check out my best air fryer tips to get better results with every recipe.

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

• Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
• Mix the ground pork, ground beef and chorizo in a bowl.
• Then add the remaining loaf ingredients into the bowl and combine.
• Place mixture into a loaf pan, or shape into a loaf and use a sheet of aluminum foil to wrap around the meatloaf.
• Put in the air fryer basket and cook for about 20 – 35 minutes.
• While the meatloaf is cooking, mix the glaze. About 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, spread the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and cook until done.
• Remove from air fryer and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 160 degrees F / 70 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf in the air fryer.

and making the glaze….

Expert Tips

• You can vary the percentage of lean ground beef and ground pork in your Airfryer Meatloaf.
• Make sure you grate the onions and peppers very small so that they cook through.
• Other veggies you can add in include grated carrots, mushrooms, etc.
• You can add in other spices to your air fried meatloaf to suit your taste.
• Don’t overmix the meatloaf or it can become tough.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the meatloaf from sticking and make clean-up easier.
• Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, but avoid compacting it too tightly. A loosely shaped meatloaf allows for even air circulation, leading to a better texture.
• Preheat the air fryer.
• For the best result, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving. Take that time to whip up a salad or a quick side to go with it.
• Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model. I recommend starting with less cook time, checking for doneness, then adding more time as needed.

Meatloaf Internal Temp

You can use the Internal temp of meatloaf as a guide for when this has finished cooking. Use a quick read thermometer to check the meatloaf temp for doneness and this should read 160F / 70C.

Delicious Variations on Air Fryer Meatloaf

• Make an Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf instead – To make this Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf instead, simply swap out the ground pork or beef with some ground turkey and you are good to go.
• Spice it up – Add a bit of Old Bay Seasoning or Creole Seasoning or red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor or heat. 
• Swap The Topping – Top with bbq sauce or shredded cheese.
• Use Leftovers – Leftover meatloaf can be added to a sandwich for a tasty meal.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and cook when ready.
• Refrigerate – Store cooled meatloaf in and airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze – Wrap up and store in freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat – Reheat slices in the air fryer or microwave.

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of air fryer recipes, or start with a few of my most popular recipes:

• Air Fryer Hamburgers.
• Air Fryer Meatballs.
• Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs.

Serve Air Fryer Meatloaf With:

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes to satisfy those meat and potatoes lovers.
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a classic comfort food combination.
• For a fun twist, serve up a side of these Garlic Smashed Potatoes.
• Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are my personal favorite meatloaf pairing.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 10 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Recipe Video**

Thank you for reading my Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Get The Air Fryer Meatloaf Recipe: