Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Bacon wrapped meatloaf in air fryer is delicious, pure comfort food! Use ground beef or make bacon wrapped turkey meatloaf for a protein packed dinner. If you have only known how long to cook meatloaf the old fashioned way, this is fast with a crispy outside.

To do that you are going to need an oven or make it as an air fryer recipe y’all. Let’s talk about all the other options out there. We have an AirWave, Cosori, and now there are lids you can put on your pressure cooker too.

Years ago we made this Ninja Foodi meatloaf with bbq sauce on top. Amazing and we love that but that used both the pressure cooker and air crisp methods. We wanted to share how to use just how to air fry it this time, and other methods too along the way. So here we go……

Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf is a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. You can enhance the taste and texture of turkey meatloaf by adding a variety of ingredients that complement the lean turkey meat.

Now when it comes to the middle main part you can use your own favorite mix. I have a ton of possibilities on my site since I make it a few times a month. Depending on what you have in the pantry and what binder you like using we will share a few here along the way. Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs is a great one if you’d rather use oats.

Ingredient Notes

In this case I used about 1.5 lbs ground turkey but you could use lean ground beef, or half this and half ground pork for meat mixture.

1 egg added at room temperature is best for some moisture but you could use 2 tbsp mayonnaise instead or even Greek yogurt works for this.

And I really like to add some shredded or grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs work to spread it out and feed more people.

When it comes to the bacon strips I do NOT like thick cut. The bite is a bit rubbery and it really doesn’t get that crispiness that is nice to have when done. Best yet is uncured if you ask me.

Variations

Now to make this as a Spicy Meatloaf Recipe you can brush the same sauce as this one over the top to add a bit of heat. Like I said, there are TONS of versions when it comes to this old fashioned meal idea. If your mom has one passed down by generations by all means use that instead for the center.

We have done this same thing to cover the outside of the meat with pork when making our bacon wrapped whole chicken too! Now that is beyond amazing but does take a bit more prep work but serves about the same amount of guests. I’d say you’re good with a few side dishes for 4-5 people to enjoy this and fill their bellies.

Now the first question you might have is whether you can use aluminum foil in this machine or not. The answer is yes and no meaning that as long as it is kept away from the heating coils you are good. It’s used to catch the drippings and can cover the top for a bit so the outsides don’t get too browned. That is all.

How Long to Cook Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf in Air Fryer

You will start with all the things in a large bowl, combine ingredients to form our quick meatloaf recipe. Of course timing may vary a little bit depending on how thick your loaf is but in general I like to Air fry at 380 F for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature with meat thermometer in center reaches 160 degrees F.

If bacon begins to crisp around minute 40 and brown too quickly, simply cover top with the sides of your tin foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

How do you know when bacon wrapped meatloaf is done?

There are two things to check and look for. As for the outside you want the pork strips to be browned and crispy. If using ground beef there can be a bit of pink inside and done at 160F. If using turkey you want it a bit higher at 165F to ensure it is done.

Optional Add-Ins

You can add finely diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, celery, and mushrooms add moisture and flavor to the mixture. Spinach, kale, or zucchini can also be finely chopped and added for extra nutrients. Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta, adds creaminess and a touch of indulgence.

Rolled oats, breadcrumbs (use whole wheat for added fiber), or cooked quinoa can help bind the meatloaf mixture and give it a desirable texture. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, and parsley add depth of flavor. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder can add warmth and complexity.

When to Add Sauce to the Top

Sauces like ketchup with a bit of brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or hot sauce can contribute tanginess and savory notes and should be brushed on the last 10 minutes or so to caramelize (but not burn).

When adding ingredients, keep in mind the overall balance of flavors and textures you want to achieve. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences. Remember to consider the moisture content of the added ingredients to avoid an overly wet mixture.