Air Fryer Meatloaf is so tender and juicy and cooks in only 25 minutes. Clean up is always a breeze so it’s perfect for busy family weeknights. This meatloaf contains a mixture of ground beef, chorizo for some added spice, and seasonings. It’s comfort food made simple and we think you’ll like the added chorizo for a spicy twist to an old favorite.
What is chorizo?
Chorizo is Spanish or Mexican sausage.
Spanish chorizo goes through a process of curing and fermentation. This process cooks the Spanish chorizo so it’s safe to eat. It can be spicy and is often served with breakfast or as part of a larger meal.
Our recipe uses Mexican chorizo. Mexican chorizo is a spicy ground meat sausage and typically seasoned with vinegar and chili peppers. It has a high fat content which leads to the soft and mushy appearance and feel. Remove the casing, if there is any, before adding to dishes, like our air fryer meatloaf.
Can you cook meatloaf in an air fryer?
Yes, meatloaf can be cooked in an air fryer. In fact, meatloaf is great when air fried.
Why make meatloaf in an air fryer?
- It’s a family favorite and we love this version for a quick weeknight dinner.
- The fat drips away in the air fryer pan so the meat does not cook in the drippings
- It can be baked in almost half the time compared to an oven recipe
- The air fryer makes for a crispy crust around all the edges
How to keep meatloaf moist when cooked in an air fryer?
- Use a higher fat ground beef (80/20 works well).
- Don’t over mix the ground beef.
- Add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer pan.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the meatloaf while cooking.
- Add a ketchup or BBQ sauce glaze.
- Let the meatloaf rest before cutting.
Equipment needed
- air fryer
- mixing bowl
- tablespoon
Ingredients
- Ground beef and Mexican chorizo (with the casing removed)
- Egg
- Bread crumbs
- Onion
- Thyme and black pepper
How to make Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Knead together in a large mixing bowl all of the ingredients.
- Mold the meatloaf a bit and smooth the top over. You can even mold into 2 loaves for more edges to get crisp. Coat the top with a small amount of olive oil.
- Cook for 25 minutes in the air fryer until the meat reaches a temperature of 165 degrees.
- Remove and allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy!
Can you cook raw meat in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook raw meat in an air fryer. The fat will drain away from the meat so no more sizzling in a pan full of drippings.
How long do I air fry a 1 pound meatloaf?
A 1 pound meatloaf should be cooked in an air fryer for 45 minutes at 380°F.
Should I add water in the bottom of the air fryer?
You may add water to the air fryer drawer when cooking fatty foods. Adding water underneath the basket helps to prevent the grease from getting too hot and smoking. You can also place a piece of bread under the basket inside the drawer. This will catch any grease.
Should I drain the grease from my meatloaf?
When cooking a meatloaf with high fat ratio, you should drain the meatloaf pan about 5 minutes before removing from the air fryer. If you do not drain the grease, the bottom can be soggy and the sides may look finished.
Should I cover meatloaf in the air fryer?
When cooking a meatloaf in an air fryer, you do not need to cover.
Can I make turkey meatloaf instead?
It’s your personal preference, but you can substitute ground pork or ground turkey in this recipe.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp bread crumbs
- 2 oz chorizo finely chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F
- Knead together in a large bowl; the meat, beaten egg, bread crumbs, chorizo, onion, thyme, teaspoon salt and a generous amount of pepper
- Transfer the ground meat mix to a pan and smooth the top over.
- Coat the top with olive oil.
- Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes.
- Once nice and brown, remove and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer before adding the meatloaf
- Use a high quality ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, for the best and juiciest taste
- Substitute Panko for the regular breadcrumbs
- Sauté the chopped onion in a small amount of butter before adding for a milder onion taste
- Don’t over mix the meat, just mix until the ingredients are combined
- Have a meat thermometer ready, beef must reach 165 degrees and air fryers can vary. Check during the cooking process to make sure meatloaf doesn’t overcook. Add more time if needed.
- Rest the meat before slicing or it may fall apart
- Leftovers will store well in an air-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheats quickly in the microwave
Tina Walkup says
So you can put another pan inside the fry basket?
Master Chef Fry says
Yes, you sure can. Here is a link to a few Air Fryer Accessories available via Amazon.
Sandy Drury says
How do you make a grilled cheese?
Master Chef Fry says
It is actually pretty easy to make a grilled cheese in an air fryer. Here is a link to a simple air fryer grilled cheese.
Joanz says
Top burned. Have a gowise air fryer. Guess I can’t make meatloaf in it. Maybe it should be at a lower heat setting.
Linda says
What temp will keep the meatloaf from burning?? For how long. I’m trying to keep from heating up my house with the oven.
AirFryerRecipes says
380F should work for this air fryer meatloaf.