Classic Air Fryer Meatloaf

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Meatloaf lovers, this moist Air Fryer Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. Making meatloaf air fryer style is so easy and it turns out perfect every time!

Suitable for Gluten-Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

 

 

air fryer meatloaf with mashed potato and glaze

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.

sliced air fryer meatloaf with mashed potatoes and tomatoes

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.
air fryer meatloaf close up

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.

collage of making air fryer meatloaf

and making the glaze….

collage for making meatloaf glaze

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.

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.

cooked air fryer meatloaf in the air fryer

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.
air fryer meatloaf on a plate

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.
classic meatloaf recipe sliced up into a meal prep bowl

FAQs

Can I Make A Gluten Free Meatloaf?

Yes, you can make a gluten free meatloaf. And this air fryer meatloaf is already a gluten-free meatloaf recipe because I use gluten-free breadcrumbs, which can be found in most supermarkets.

Other options are to use toasted oats or almond flour instead of gluten free breadcrumbs.

How Long To Cook Meatloaf In Air Fryer?

How long to cook meatloaf in air fryer depends on the air fryer model and the thickness of the meatloaf. For this recipe at 390 degrees F / 200 degrees C, it takes about 40 minutes to cook.

The important thing is that you use a quick-read thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F / 70 degrees C.

Should I Cook My Meatloaf Covered or Uncovered?

Generally, I think you should cook meatloaf uncovered. Especially if you are not cooking it for a very long time and depending on the size of the meatloaf.

However, if you are worried about it burning or browning too much for your liking you can cover the meatloaf with some aluminum foil for part of the cooking time.

Meatloaf can be cooked covered which will help keep the moisture and juices in, giving you a moist meatloaf, without the top browning before the inside is cooked through.

How To Make Moist Meatloaf?

If you are wondering how to make moist meatloaf, this is the recipe for you! The awesomeness of this recipe is that you will end up with a moist meatloaf without any effort. The grated onion and grated bell pepper do all the hard work for you and make that meatloaf super moist.

Air fryer meatloaf in a meal prep bowls with mashed potato, lettuce and tomatoes

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:

Serve Air Fryer Meatloaf With:

air fryer cheat sheet printable

Weight Watchers Points

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

Recipe Video**

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air fryer meatloaf with mashed potato and glaze
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4.83 from 17 votes

Classic Air Fryer Meatloaf

This moist Classic Meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: air fryer, American, Western
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 8
Calories: 457kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

Air Fryer Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ pounds (675g) ground pork and beef mix
  • 4 tablespoons chopped chorizo
  • ¾ cup (89g) gluten free breadcrumbs
  • 1 bell pepper deseeded and grated
  • 1 small onion grated
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Tamari soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, if not gluten free
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

For Air Fried Meatloaf Glaze:

  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  • Preheat Air Fryer to 390 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
  • Mix the ground pork and ground beef and chorizo in a bowl.
  • Then add the rest of the ingredients and combine.
  • Place mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf and place onto aluminum foil.
  • Put in the air fryer basket and cook for about 20 – 35 minutes. (Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness).
  • While the meatloaf is cooking, mix the glaze. About 5 minutes before the meatloaf is done, spread the glaze over the meatloaf and cook until done.
  • Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Video

Notes

  • You can vary the percentage of 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 include grated carrots, mushrooms, etc.
  • You can add 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.
  • Be sure to preheat the air fryer.
  • Use a quick read thermometer to check for meat doneness; the internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F / 70 degrees C.
  • 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.
  • Storage – keep leftovers wrapped tightly or in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • There are 10 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints Points in a serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 644mg | Potassium: 503mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 825IU | Vitamin C: 27.5mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2.9mg

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Recipe Rating




21 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe is so easy, it turned out tasty, moist and really delicious. I didn’t have apple cider vinegar so used balsamic instead, also added peas as I love them in meatloaf. Just follow the directions and it turned out perfectly thank you for posting I have a photo but I’m not sure how to add it to my post

  2. I didn’t know meatloaf could be made in the air fryer but when I saw this recipe I just had to look and I’m so glad I did! This looks and sounds so flavorful that it’s definitely on my list of foods to try soon!

  3. 5 stars
    I had no idea you could make meatloaf in an air fryer!! I love how hearty and satisfying this recipe looks – can’t wait to try it out this weekend!

  4. 5 stars
    I really need to get an AF now, this looks delicious! And I love how you’ve portioned out the meatloaf into individual meals!

  5. 5 stars
    I need an air fryer maybe Santa will bring it this year. However, I have made this meatloaf in a classic way and it is delicious my family loves this meatloaf.

    1. 3 stars
      I had the same issue with the top getting way too dark…smells good though! Will try to update review after the taste test.

  6. 5 stars
    Whoah! Meatloaf in the air fryer? Who knew? Looks delicious and satisfying too. Thanks for sharing!

  7. 5 stars
    I am always looking for new recipes to try n my air fryer! Can’t wait to try this one!

  8. 5 stars
    I adore meatloaf and I have really been wanting an air fryer lately! I have to get one. This looks nice and crisp on the outside and soft and moist inside! Delicious recipe!