Who knew that the air fryer could produce such a perfect meatloaf? This classic dish comes together quickly with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a tangy ketchup glaze. For an added touch of indulgence, there's a layer of bacon on top—though you can skip it if you prefer a leaner option. Whether you're making a family dinner or prepping for future meals, this air fryer meatloaf is a versatile choice that’s easy to love.

Prep Time: 15 minutes  

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes  

Total Time: 45 minutes  

Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 lb. lean ground beef

- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

- 1 tsp. kosher salt

- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. ketchup, divided

- 9 strips bacon, halved

- 2 tbsp. brown sugar

Method

1. Prepare the Air Fryer 

  Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). 

2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients 

  In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of ketchup and mix everything together with your hands until well combined.

3. Shape the Meatloaf 

  Place a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface. Shape the beef mixture into two equal loaves that will fit comfortably in your air fryer. Lay the bacon strips evenly over the top of each loaf.

4. Add the Glaze  

  In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup. Brush this mixture over the bacon.

5. Cook the Meatloaf

  Place the meatloaf loaves on a rimmed baking sheet or a similar pan that fits in your air fryer, as juices may overflow during cooking. Air fry for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C). If the bacon starts to burn, tent the loaves with foil during the last few minutes of cooking.

6. Cool and Serve

  Let the meatloaf cool slightly before slicing. This dish is perfect for serving immediately or can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips

- Uniform Loaves: Shaping the meat into two smaller loaves helps them cook more evenly and faster than a single large loaf.

- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the loaves are not too crowded in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

This air fryer meatloaf is a practical and delicious choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its crispy bacon topping and flavorful meat mixture, it's sure to become a new favorite in your household.