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Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf

Name: Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed tortilla chips for a Southwest twist); 1/3 cup onions (diced); 1/3 cup bell peppers (diced); 1/4 cup corn (optional); 1/4 cup black beans (drained and rinsed (optional)); 1 large egg (lightly beaten); 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 teaspoon hot sauce or taco sauce (optional)

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Packed with bold flavors and a hint of spice, this Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf takes a classic meatloaf and gives it a delicious Southwest twist. Made with ground beef, colorful bell peppers, black beans, corn, and warm spices like cumin and chili powder, this recipe is packed with flavor!

Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf sliced and served with a side of fresh vegetables on a plate.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so quick and easy to make using an air fryer. All the ingredients are mixed in a bowl, shaped into a loaf and then air fried. It’s that simple!

Although easy to make, it’s full of flavor and perfect for hearty dinners. Serve it with a side of mash potatoes and grilled vegetables and you have a perfect quick and delicious meal!

Looking for more meatloaf ideas? Try my favorite Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze, Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf, Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe or this delicious Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf.

Southwest-style meatloaf cooked in an air fryer, sliced and served with a side of colorful vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: This Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf is seasoned to perfection with taco seasoning, cumin and smoked paprika for a warm, spicy kick.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is very quick to prepare and takes only 30-40 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice, swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings for your ideal meatloaf!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep or as a hearty main dish for family gatherings.

Ingredients Needed

Ground meat – You can use either ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for extra tenderness and flavor.
Breadcrumbs – You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko or even Crushed Tortilla Chips for more Southwestern flavor.
Diced Onions and Bell Peppers – Add texture, color, and a hint of sweetness. You can also use mushrooms or fresh chilis for an extra kick.
Corn and Black Beans – Optional additions for a true Southwest flavor.
Ketchup and Tomato Paste – Add moisture and enhance the flavor.
Spices – Taco seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder are needed to recreate the classic Southwestern flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf

Mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, bell peppers, corn, black beans, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl for a Southwest-style meatloaf.

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs (or tortilla chips), onions, bell peppers, corn, black beans, egg, ketchup, tomato paste, and all seasonings. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure a tender texture.

Shaped Southwest meatloaf placed on parchment in an air fryer basket, ready to cook at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

Step Two: Form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits your air fryer basket or tray. Line the basket with parchment paper or foil to make transferring and cleaning easier. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the basket and set cook time for 25–30 minutes. Check halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Southwest meatloaf topped with a spicy ketchup glaze in an air fryer, cooked to 160°F and resting before slicing.

Step Three: Mix ketchup with hot sauce or taco sauce in a small bowl. After 20 minutes of cooking, spread the topping over the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze. Continue air frying until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf served with a spicy glaze, featuring colorful vegetables and a tender, juicy texture.

Variations

Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Cheese: Add shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack) to the mixture or sprinkle it on top in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Spicy kick: Increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips to make this recipe gluten-free.
Mini Meatloaves: Shape the mixture into smaller individual loaves for faster cooking and easy portioning.

Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf with a spicy glaze, loaded with ground beef, black beans, and colorful vegetables, served fresh from the air fryer.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the ingredients can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix until everything is just combined.
Use a Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe 160°F (70°C).
Shape the Loaf Evenly: An evenly shaped loaf ensures it cooks through at the same rate. Avoid making it too thick to prevent uneven cooking.
Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and prevents it from falling apart.
Line the Basket: Use parchment paper or foil in the air fryer basket to make cleanup a breeze and prevent the meatloaf from sticking.

Air Fryer Southwest Meatloaf with ground beef, black beans, bell peppers, and a spicy glaze, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Can I freeze cooked meatloaf? Absolutely! Wrap cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? Crushed tortilla chips, oats, or even crushed crackers work as substitutes for breadcrumbs. Each adds its own unique texture and flavor.

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