Air Fryer Meatloaf
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Additional Time
5 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
340 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Description
The Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe combines lean ground beef with finely diced green bell pepper and onion, seasoned with Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs to create a flavorful, moist mixture. The loaves are shaped small to fit the air fryer basket and cook quickly at 350°F. After 20 minutes, a topping of tomato sauce and chili sauce is added, then the meatloaf cooks a bit longer to develop a slightly glazed finish. Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps it hold together.
The meatloaves offer a tender yet firm texture with a savory profile accented by the bell pepper and the slight sharpness from Parmesan. Cooking in the air fryer avoids excess oil while creating a nicely browned crust. Checking the internal temperature with a thermometer ensures safe doneness.
This meatloaf is portioned into smaller loaves, making it practical for individual servings or meal prepping. It pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. The topping adds moisture and a balanced tang that complements the savory meat base.
To reduce sharpness, the onion can be gently sautéed before mixing in. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the texture tender. Preheating the air fryer and using an instant-read thermometer helps ensure proper cooking without drying out. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- ½ green bell pepper finely diced
- ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup onion see note, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
- 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
- Sauté the onion in butter before mixing to soften its flavor and avoid raw sharpness.
- Mix the meat ingredients just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender and not dense.
- Preheat the air fryer fully before cooking to promote even cooking and browning.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the meatloaf reaches 165°F for safety.
- Check early for doneness to prevent overcooking and add time as needed.
- Let the meatloaf rest 5 minutes after cooking to help it hold together when sliced.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 340 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 340 | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 128mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 709mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 542mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 445IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 96mg | 10% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.