Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze

This Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze is tender, juicy, and packed with rich, smoky flavor. The sweet and savory bourbon glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a mouthwatering finish that elevates this classic comfort dish.

This Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze takes a classic comfort food favorite to the next level with a sweet and smoky bourbon glaze that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf.

Quick to prepare and cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without the wait. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding a delicious finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Juicy and tender meatloaf cooked quickly in the air fryer.
• Sweet and smoky bourbon glaze adds rich, complex flavor.
• Simple ingredients come together for an impressive dish.
• Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Delicious caramelized glaze creates a beautiful, appetizing finish.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground Beef: The best meat to use for an air-fried meatloaf is lean meat, either ground meat that is 90/10, ground turkey, or ground chicken
• Panko Bread Crumbs: If you want a keto and low-carb version, you can use ground pork rinds
• Bourbon: Use your favorite bourbon; omit it if you want an alcohol-free version.
• Onions: Use diced white, yellow, or sweet onions.
• Garlic: Use freshly minced or jarred minced garlic
• Egg: Will be the binding for this classic meatloaf
• Milk: Keep your meatloaf moist; you can use any dairy alternative, such as coconut milk, almond milk, or a dairy-free milk
• Seasonings and Spices: Minced Garlic (or Garlic Powder), Worcestershire sauce
• Homemade Bourbon Sauce: Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Bourbon

How To Make Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze

Step One: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, chopped onions, bourbon, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, and milk until thoroughly combined. Then gently fold in the bread crumbs and mix until evenly incorporated.

Step Two: Spray your mini loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, or brush with olive oil, and add your meatloaf mixture; if you do not have mini loaf pans, place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket and then make a meatloaf loaf shape, onto the of the parchment paper.

Step Three: Place the mini loaf pans into the air fryer basket and set cook time for 18-20 minutes at air fryer temperature of 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting.

Step Four: Add the ketchup, brown sugar, and bourbon in a large bowl, mix until well combined, then brush with a pastry brush onto the meatloaf. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Step Five: Remove the meatloaf from the baking dish, place it on a serving platter, and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with additional Bourbon Sauce.

Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze Recipe Tips

• Topping: If you don’t want to use Bourbon Glaze, you can easily substitute for BBQ Sauce; I often make a double batch of my Instant Pot Barbecue Sauce for this recipe; the taste works really well.
• Brown Sugar Glaze: You can also make a brown sugar glaze with dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, orange juice, honey, and ground cinnamon. It’s made for a great weeknight meal!
• Seasonings And Spices: Add some Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes for additional flavor.
• Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies, some great ones are diced bell peppers, diced mushrooms, or even diced red onions.
• Clean Up: Place a parchment paper until your meatloaf for easy clean up.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated meatloaf in the microwave or oven until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes on medium power. For frozen meatloaf, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Bourbon Glazed Meatloaf

Serve Air Fryer Bourbon Glazed Meatloaf with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted vegetables to balance the rich flavors. A fresh green salad or steamed green beans adds a bright, crisp contrast, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Air Fryer Meatloaf with Bourbon Glaze Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this meatloaf? Yes, you can use ground chuck or a blend of ground beef and pork for added flavor and juiciness.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked? The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Can I prepare this meatloaf without bourbon? Absolutely! You can substitute bourbon with apple juice, beef broth, or simply omit it for a milder flavor.

What is the best way to reheat meatloaf without drying it out? Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil, or microwave with a damp paper towel over the meatloaf to retain moisture.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Copycat Recipe Boston Market Meatloaf Recipe
• Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
• Air Fryer Meatloaf Sandwich

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