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–+ servings
Two perfectly cooked, glazed meatloaf portions resting in an air fryer basket

Air Fryer Meatloaf

This recipe is the culmination of dedicated trials, engineered to produce a meatloaf that maintains structural integrity under high-flow heat while remaining remarkably tender and juicy inside.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for topping
  • Digital instant-read thermometer
  • Wide spatula

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs Do not substitute powders.
  • 1/4 cup onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons milk room temperature recommended
  • 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 egg yolk room temperature recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For spicy kick, substitute with chipotle powder.

Glaze Topping

  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup chili sauce

Instructions
 

Preparation and Mixing

  • Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Preheating is non-negotiable to prevent sticking and promote instant searing.
  • Mix meat, green bell pepper, seasoned bread crumbs, diced onions, milk, shredded parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl just until combined using a light, folding motion; do not overwork the meat.
  • Divide the mixture into 2 portions and shape into small meatloaves, about 5" long by 2" wide. Splitting into two loaves ensures maximum surface area exposure to hot air for even cooking.

Cooking Stages

  • Cook the meatloaves in the air fryer basket for 20 minutes.
  • Combine topping ingredients (tomato sauce and chili sauce) in a small bowl.
  • Add the combined topping over the loaves and cook an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches the definitive safety target of 165°F.
  • Rest the meatloaves for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the internal juices to redistribute evenly.

Notes

To prevent smoking, place a slice of bread or a tablespoon of water in the bottom air fryer drawer to catch rendering drippings. Always ensure the milk and egg yolk are at room temperature for better emulsification. For a brighter glaze, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the topping mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 25gFat: 20g
Keyword air fryer meatloaf, fresh aromatics, lean beef
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