Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf — Your mouth is watering for a good meatloaf, but you don’t want to be in the kitchen for hours.

Our recipe has you covered with bacon-wrapped air fryer meatloaf. Nothing better than making this delicious meatloaf wrapped in juicy bacon today; I took my classic meatloaf recipe adn turned it up a notch. Perfect for your next family dinner. 

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a mouthwatering and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground meat and the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon. This culinary creation takes the classic meatloaf to a whole new level.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Ingredients

These ingredients combine to create an irresistibly flavorful and satisfying Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf. This is an excellent recipe for any bacon lover; the entire family will love this recipe! 

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Beef: Ground beef serves as the primary meat base for the meatloaf, providing a hearty and savory flavor.
• Ground Pork: Ground pork complements the ground beef, adding moisture and a richer taste to the meatloaf.
• Bacon Slices: Bacon slices wrap the meatloaf, providing a smoky, salty, and crispy exterior that enhances the overall flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf mixture together and provide a desirable texture.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a mild, sweet flavor and texture to the meatloaf, enhancing its taste.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, holding the meatloaf together and ensuring a cohesive texture.
• Garlic: Minced garlic imparts a rich and savory depth of flavor to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce contributes a savory and slightly tangy note to the meatloaf mixture.
• Ketchup: Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of tomato flavor to the meatloaf. You can also use smoky barbecue sauce or chili sauce.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing the taste of the meat mixture.
• Oregano: Oregano provides a pleasant herbaceous flavor that complements the other seasonings.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds a subtle earthy note to the meatloaf.
• Cooking Spray (Optional): Cooking spray can prevent sticking and achieve extra crispiness on the bacon.

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf In Air Fryer

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix everything together until well combined.

Shape the Meatloaf: Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape of your desired size. It should be compact and hold its shape well.

Wrap with Bacon: Lay the bacon slices horizontally on a clean surface, slightly overlapping each other. Place the meatloaf on top of the bacon slices. Carefully wrap the bacon slices around the meatloaf, ensuring that they cover it completely. Trim any excess bacon if needed.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Optional Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the bacon crisp up.

Air Fry the Meatloaf: Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf in the preheated air fryer basket or on the tray. Set the air fryer temperature to  375 degrees F (190°C) for a cooking time of 25-30 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your meatloaf and your specific air fryer model.

Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatloaf is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for ground meats.

Rest and Serve: Once done, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped meatloaf from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.

Slice and Enjoy: Slice the bacon-wrapped meatloaf into thick portions and serve. It pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.

Pro Tips For Cooking Smoked  Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Cooking smoked bacon-wrapped meatloaf in an air fryer can be a delicious and satisfying experience. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Choose Quality Bacon: Select high-quality bacon with a good balance of meat and fat. Smoked bacon adds an extra layer of flavor to the meatloaf.
• Mix Meat Thoroughly: When preparing the meatloaf mixture, be sure to mix the ground beef, ground pork, and seasonings thoroughly. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Use a Bacon Weave: Consider creating a bacon weave instead of wrapping the meatloaf in bacon strips. Lay the bacon strips in a crisscross pattern to cover the entire meatloaf. This looks impressive and ensures that every bite has that delicious bacon crunch.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking and achieving a crispy exterior. Let it preheat for a few minutes before adding the meatloaf.
• Use Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking and help the bacon crisp up, lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray before placing the meatloaf inside.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the cooking time. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness and size of your meatloaf and your specific air fryer model. A meat thermometer, or instant-read thermometer, ensures the meatloaf reaches at least 160°F (71°C) internally.
• Rotate if Needed: If you notice that one side of the meatloaf is browning more than the other, consider rotating it halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Let It Rest: After removing the bacon-wrapped meatloaf from the air fryer, rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or fillings for your meatloaf. You can customize it with herbs, spices, or even cheese.
• Serve with Sauce: Consider serving your smoked bacon-wrapped meatloaf with a complementary sauce or glaze, such as a barbecue sauce or a sweet and tangy ketchup-based glaze; for best results, brush the top of the meatloaf frequently with BBQ sauce.
• Slice Carefully: When slicing the meatloaf, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts without tearing the bacon weave.
• Store Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal the next day.

Following these pro tips, you can elevate your smoked bacon-wrapped meatloaf in the air fryer to a mouthwatering, impressive dish that your family and guests will love.

Do I Need A Loaf Pan To Cook Meatloaf In Air Fryer?

No, you do not need a loaf pan to cook meatloaf in an air fryer. In fact, using a loaf pan is not necessary when making meatloaf in an air fryer. Air fryers are designed to cook various foods, including meatloaf, without the need for traditional cookware like loaf pans.

To cook meatloaf in an air fryer, you can shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape, wrap it with bacon or other desired ingredients, and then place it directly in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray, lined with a piece of parchment paper. The circulating hot air in the air fryer will cook the meatloaf evenly, and the fryer’s basket or tray will catch any drippings.

Using the air fryer basket or tray allows for efficient cooking and ensures that the meatloaf develops a crispy exterior. It’s a convenient and straightforward method that yields delicious results without additional cookware.

However, if you prefer using a loaf pan for shaping your meatloaf, you can use one specifically designed for air frying. These pans are typically perforated to allow air to circulate, similar to the air fryer basket or tray. Using an air fryer-specific loaf pan can help maintain the convenience and benefits of air frying while giving your meatloaf a traditional loaf shape.

Can I use different meats for the meatloaf mixture?

Yes, you can customize the meatloaf mixture by using different meats like ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats to suit your preferences.

Can I prepare the bacon-wrapped meatloaf in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped meatloaf in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. This can be a time-saving option for busy days. The meatloaf will last for 3-4 days.

What should I do if the bacon isn’t crispy enough?

If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can briefly broil the meatloaf in the oven after air frying. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Can I freeze leftover bacon-wrapped meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze leftover meatloaf slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to enjoy.

What sides go well with smoked bacon-wrapped meatloaf?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad make excellent accompaniments to bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

Can I use a different type of bacon, such as turkey bacon?

While traditional bacon is often preferred for its smoky flavor, you can experiment with different types of bacon, including turkey bacon, for a leaner option.

What internal temperature should I aim for when cooking the meatloaf?

It’s essential to cook the meatloaf to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Can I add a glaze or sauce to the meatloaf before air frying?

Yes, you can brush a glaze or sauce onto the bacon-wrapped meatloaf before cooking for added flavor. Just be mindful that sweet sauces may cause the bacon to brown quickly, so monitor it closely.

How can I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart when slicing?

Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help it hold its shape better when slicing.

Can I use an air fryer oven to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use an air fryer oven with similar settings to air fry this bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

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• AIR FRYER SKIRT STEAK
• MCDONALD’S COPYCAT AIR FRYER RECIPES TO MAKE AT HOME
• AIR FRYER BLACK PEPPER STEAK KABOB
• AIR FRYER STUFFED MINI PEPPERS

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