Ninja Foodi meatloaf is the bomb! Juicy in the center with a crispy barbecue sauce on the outside. All cooked in this pressure cooker and air fryer machine.
Did you just get this nifty device and looking for more Ninja Foodi recipes? Well, we have a Ninja Foodi meatloaf recipe for you that is amazing! It may become your go to from this day forward. (affiliate links present)
Here are a few resources to start with:
- This is the Ninja Cooking system we got
- You can grab a free recipe book too here. 😉
- You’ll find more Foodi air fryer recipes here too.
- Join my EASY Foodi Recipes Facebook group for more recipes.
Now let’s get to cooking!
Here’s what I used to make our Ninja Foodi meatloaf recipe:
- Ground beef
- you could use half ground sausage and half ground beef or turkey, your choice
- Air fryer basket (one included)
- Bread crumbs
- we used Italian style
- French onion soup mix
- A bit of Ranch dressing mix
- Dehydrated onions
- I prefer these because regular onions will add moisture
- Garlic powder
- Egg
- Barbecue sauce – this one is the BEST
You are going to use both Ninja Foodi pressure cooker and air fryer functions for this recipe.
- First you pressure cook your meatloaf so the meat gets done
- Keep in mind the timing below cooks the meat so there is no pink left. If you like yours less done adjust timing accordingly.
- Then you’ll drain the water inside your pot, return the basket with your meatloaf inside and pour barbecue sauce on top.
- Cose your air fryer lid. That is the one that is attached.
- In 8-12 minutes the outside of your meatloaf will become wonderfully crusty like we like it here.
- This is subjective so if you like it really crispy you’ll set closer to 12 minutes, or less if you just want a tad.
Why is this the best way to make meatloaf?
- This quick meatloaf recipe requires no preheating of the oven at all.
- Perfect when it’s hot outside and you don’t want to heat up your house.
- It is healthier because the fat drains away from the meat in the pressure cooking process.
- There are holes at the bottom of the air fryer basket used.
- You can adjust how crunchy the outside gets easily.
- The air crisp lid can be lifted up and checked often so it doesn’t burn. Adding more time is as easy and pushing a button.
Are you ready to try it now??!!
Seriously, it is the only way we make meatloaf anymore. Forget the loaf pan in the oven, this is a game changer!!
What is the best side dish for meatloaf?
I would say our two favorite pressure cooker recipes to serve with this is either white rice, or mashed potatoes. By way of vegetables I usually throw one of these in:
- Pressure cooker broccoli only takes 1 minute.
- Air fryer cauliflower with a bit of parmesan cheese on top is really good.
- Ninja Foodi vegetables mixed are low fat
Looking for more easy Ninja Foodi recipes?
- Air fryer tater tots smothered with cheese
- Make this into bite size pieces with meatballs in air fryer recipe
- Foodi roast recipe
- Ninja Foodi spaghetti is amazing with melted cheese on top.
If you have leftovers, store in airtight containers in the fridge. When reheating follow these tips:
How do you moisten meatloaf?
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees
- Spray nonstick cooking spray onto the bottom of a baking dish.
- Pour a thin layer of tomato sauce, bbq sauce, or gravy in the bottom
- Lay slices of your dried up meatloaf inside
- Pour another thin layer of your sauce on top
- Bake for approx 10 minutes or until it’s as hot as you desire
Need other ways to make meatloaf?
- Our meatloaf muffin recipe is always a hit with the kids
- This crockpot meatloaf recipe is easy
- Smoked meatloaf recipe stuffed with bacon and cheese is amazing
Ninja Foodi Meatloaf
Ninja Foodi meatloaf is the bomb! Juicy in the center with a crispy barbecue sauce on the outside. All cooked in this pressure cooker and air fryer machine.
Servings 4
Calories 446kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef could use half ground sausage too
- 1/2 c bread crumbs we used Italian style
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp Ranch dressing mix
- 2 tsp dehydrated onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 green onion diced, optional
- 1 egg can leave out if you need it to be egg free, but is much moister with it
- 3/4 c barbecue sauce to be added once meatloaf is pressure cooked
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients (except the bbq sauce) in a bowl until all powder is incorporated well into the meat.
- Form into a round or oval pattie with the same thickness all the way around so it cooks evenly. Add 1.5 c water into the inner pot of your Foodi.
- Place meat into air fryer basket and lower that into your inner pot.
- Close pressure cooker lid (one that isn't attached) and then turn Foodi on.
- Press pressure button, high, for 25 minutes.
- Allow to naturally release steam for 5-10 minutes. Then release rest of steam.
- Remove lid, pour water out of your inner pot, and pour barbecue sauce on top of your meatloaf patty. Sprinkle green onions on top if desired now.
- Close air crisp lid (one that is attached). Press air crisp button, 390 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Then remove meatloaf, slice and serve!
Nutrition Facts
Ninja Foodi Meatloaf
Amount Per Serving (3 oz)
Calories 446
Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 1008mg44%
Potassium 466mg13%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 120IU2%
Vitamin C 0.3mg0%
Calcium 63mg6%
Iron 3.2mg18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Linda Coplin says
Haven’t made it yet, have a question first. Is the Stubbs Sweet Heat very spicy, or hot?
The Typical Mom says
I would say it is medium heat.
Joyce Smith says
Made this recipe for the first time. Added just ketchup on the top instead of the recommended sauce. Delicious.
It did however take longer to cook. Since the Foodi also has the benefit of the air fyer and I did not cook potatoes with the meatloaf, I switched it right over to the air fryer aftert adding the ketchup topping.
On you site, you have a link for a a free recipe book — that link took me to Amazon to a $17.99 book/magazine. Do you actually have a free recipe book to offer?
Thanks!
The Typical Mom says
You can get it free if you have a kindle. If you search for Ninja Foodi cookbook in my search bar you can download mine for free.
Sue says
Very yummy, thank you!
ADRIENNE says
WHAT ARE THE ACTUAL TEMPS ON PRESSURE COOKER AND AIR FRYER VERY NEW TO THE NIJA NO TIMES WERE INCLUDED IN YOUR REC.
The Typical Mom says
Scroll to the bottom. There is a printable recipe card with all instructions
Sally says
I have just successfully made this and it’s delicious. I am lucky to have a packet of South African brown onion soup that I used. This is going to be a regular. Thank you for sharing 👍🙏
The Typical Mom says
Glad you loved it too
Lisa says
What if I don’t want to put bbq sauce on it? Can I still crisp it or no?
The Typical Mom says
Yes, it may dry out a bit though
Kristina says
This was the best meatloaf ever! Pressure cooking it really keeps it moist. 😀
The Typical Mom says
Oh yay glad you loved it
Lisa says
Could you put ketch up instead of bbq sauce.
The Typical Mom says
If you wanted to, sure
Yvonne says
I want to make this meatloaf but with 2 pounds of ground meat. Should I double the ingredients and double the pressure cooking time as well as the crisp time. Please let me know. I’m planning to make this for dinner tonight. Thank you all!
The Typical Mom says
I usually do 1.5 lbs. using these same measurements, so for 2 you may want to increase just maybe 2 minutes but probably wouldn’t need a lot longer. You don’t want it to be too well done and it will continue to cook during the air crisp step
Carol Ryan says
I really do want to try this but I’m in the UK and I cannot find onion soup powder anywhere and believe I have travelled every supermarket I can lol. So if any of you lovely ladies would like to send me some I would be eternally gratefull. I can pay u by PayPal if that helps. I’ve managed to get most seasonings from Amazon bless them .
Beth says
Girl tell me what you need and I’ll send it to you! This meatloaf is awesome!
Carol Ryan says
Beth it’s the onion soup mix I need everything else I’ve managed to get from amazon. They do sell it but it’s about 6 uk pounds for a small packet. If you could get me some and post it I would be very grateful. I can give you my address if you would like to email me and we can work out how to pay you. Regards carol
Gina says
I have not made a good meatloaf for 40 years until now! I did use 1lb Ground Beef (90%/10%) and 1 lb of ground veal. I did not double the Onion Soup mix or Ranch powder. And, I used Gluten Free bread crumbs. I did double the the rest of the ingredients and made 2 oblong loaves in my Ninja. Once it was pressure cooked, I just spread some barbecue sauce over both loaves before I air fried it.
This is the VERY BEST meatloaf ever! Moist and tasty – not at all greasy. Because my husband loves gravy, I reduced the water from the pot on the stove with a tsp or so of “Better than Bullion Beef Base” and thickened with a little bit of starch in water.
MMM-mmm GOOD! Thanks!
The Typical Mom says
Yay!!
Pam says
Carol, did you get hooked up with any onion soup mix?
Carol Ryan says
Just to let you know I made this today but I put in a packet of onion stuffing mix plus 1 very finely diced onion and the dried onions. It turned out pretty well juicy saucey and to die for. I couldn’t find onion soup mix so thought I would use what I have lol. Plus the stuffing mix is breadcrumb based.
Suse says
I’m thinking you are looking for the wrong thing. Try looking for Lipton Onion Soup Mix. They sell this on Amazon.
Carol Ryan says
Hi suse I have seen it on Amazon but have you seen the price it’s 6 English pounds for 2 sachets. That’s way beyond what I expect to pay. I realise it’s an import but it’s still very expensive. Most of the other seasonings have been really reasonable especially as they are huge compared to what I normally buy. X
Mike says
I made this today (8/16/20) and it turned out great. My family loved it. The recipe was easy to follow. Thanks!
Jo Ann Joyal says
This is how to make onion soup mix if you do not have it.
Mix ingredients together (this makes one packet worth)
1/4 cup dried onion flakes
2 Tablespoons beef bouillon granules , or bullion paste, or 6 beef bullion cubes, chopped
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/8 teaspoon celery seed
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
The Typical Mom says
Thanks for the tip
Carol Ryan says
I really do want to try this but I’m in the UK and I cannot find onion soup powder anywhere and believe I have travelled every supermarket I can lol. So if any of you lovely ladies would like to send me some I would be eternally gratefull. I can pay u by PayPal if that helps. I’ve managed to get most seasonings from Amazon bless them .
Vanessa says
You can make your own lipton onion soup mix. Lol for a recipe online. It has way less sodium anyway.
Vilma says
Good blend of flavors but best of all nice juicy textures in each slice. Love it!!
The Typical Mom says
Oh yay!!
Amy says
I am new to the Foodie. The meatloaf recipe say 1 pound ground meat. Do you double cooking time for 2 pounds?
The Typical Mom says
No. I have done 1.5 lbs. with the same timing. For 2 lbs. I might increase initial time by a few minutes only.
Diane says
This looks so good! I am making this for dinner tonight. Never thought to make a meatloaf in the Ninja. I am using two pounds of ground beef so and I don’t want any pink so I will add the 2 minutes to the cooking time. Thank you so much! Only thing I will change is the BBQ sauce as my husband doesn’t like BBQ sauce. (I know he’s a real weirdo) So I will be putting a Sweet Chili Sauce on it.
Sauce on it.
Alyce Riley says
Used ground turkey from Costco and follow the directions otherwise best meatloaf I’ve made in years!
Alli says
Such a great recipe! I would have never thought to make meatloaf like this. So good
Thomas says
How much longer do you think it takes her 2 pounds
Thomas says
How long would it take for 2 pounds
Leigh says
I’m curious too for 2 lbs. (and then would the egg, breadcrumbs, soup mix be doubled as well?)
The Typical Mom says
I usually cook 1.5 lbs at a time and these measurements work just as well as using 1 lb. You could increase it a bit but I wouldn’t double other ingredients
Colleen says
I made 2 LBS and it took 40 min
The Typical Mom says
Awesome, thanks for the note
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Great with the bbq sauce, family loved it!
Sharon says
I made this last night, and it was a huge hit!! I will be making this again for sure. Thanks for the recipe!!
Heather says
Can I put carrots and potatoes in the pan below the basket?
The Typical Mom says
You could try, haven’t done that
Terry Cummings says
I used my own recipe (which has grated carrots, curry powder and ginger) but followed your cooking directions. By far the best way to cook ever! I had resorted to only cooking my meatloaf but no more. Love your recipes!
Ellen says
Terry, wish I had your recipe. Sounds yummy.
Diane Garza says
How much water do you put to pressure cook? Says empty water.
Kimberly Evans says
I put 1.5 cups of water while pressure cooking then drained the water for the air crisping. It was delicious!
Mickey says
I just bought the Ninja Deluxe xl pressure cooker oh my I have so much to learn , I am making meatloaf my first effort . All of you have been helpful and of course thank you Typical Mom for Recipe. Just wasn’t sure how much ground beef you used , I did 1.5 lb and hope for the best! Thanks
The Typical Mom says
You’re welcome! Yes it was about 1.5 lbs.
Christine C says
What if you don’t have the French onion soup mix? Can you omit it?
The Typical Mom says
Yes, it just won’t have as much flavor
Brandie says
Thanks! I am gluten free and I was not able to find dry soup that didn’t contain gluten. I’ll sub something else.
Linda says
I’m wondering how it bonds without eggs?
The Typical Mom says
I have always added an egg.
Lashawna82 says
I added an egg it turned out amazing!
The Typical Mom says
Awesome!!
Lashawna82 says
Amazing. Tried this tonight and it’s by far the most moist meatloaf ever!!!
The Typical Mom says
Yay so glad it was a hit!!
Michelle Goude says
I tried this recipe last night, and unintentionally left out the egg, (mom brain), I had added a small amount (maybe a 1/4 cup) of bbq sauce to the meat while mixing it already. So when I found the egg still sitting on the counter I figured I would just see how it turned out.
It was delicious, it wasn’t too dry, it stayed together just fine.
The Typical Mom says
Glad it was still a hit!
Becky says
Also wondering how doubling the recipe would change cooking time. 1 pound of meat will not feed my family.
Deanna says
What is the pressure cooking time for 2lbs of meat?
The Typical Mom says
It depends on how well done you want the inside to be. If you want it a bit pink inside then leave the timing the same. If you want it the color you see here I might add 2 minutes more to the pressure cooking time.
Nelson Theresa says
Can I do the pressure cooking remove the liquid and then leave the meatloaf in the basket for like an hour and then crisp later?
The Typical Mom says
Leaving it for that long I would think would dry it out.
Austin mom says
Does the 3/4 cup of barbeque sauce get mixed into the meat? Or reserved for the end? First step says to combine all ingredients so wasn’t sure…
Justine says
No that is added to top at the end before using air crisp.
Tara says
Pressure time the same if I double the recipe?
Jill Peddle says
Hey everyone, I am going to try this meatloaf for supper tonight, but I need help, its says to release the PC naturally, I don’t know what that means if I just leave mine alone the PC counts down then goes to warm setting and starts counting up.so I guess I need to figure out how. Please let me know I want to make this tonight but only had my ninja foodi less than 2 wks and need someone to help teach me the basics, ty for your time
The Typical Mom says
Ok so natural release means you don’t touch the steam valve to let it out. The machine will very slowly release the steam itself. So if your recipe says to naturally release for say 10 minutes then yes it will count up on your machine and when it says 10:00 then you flip the steam valve so the rest can come out. Hope that helps
Christy says
So does that mean to release at the 10 minute mark of the countdown timer? Confused by the post and the recipe, seems to contradict. Please advise. Thanks!
Janet Harrison says
what is the actual cook time for the meatloaf…is it 40 min on pressure cook?
Tiffany Hockenberry says
No. Read it.
25 minutes pressure cook.
10 natrual release.
10 air fryer.
Jennifer Banz says
Awesome idea using the Air Fryer for meatloaf! Thanks for sharing!
Linda says
I love both the Instant Pot and Air Fryer but I never thought about using them together. The Ninja Foodi system with both in one sounds like a real time and space saver. The meatloaf looks delicious and I’m one of those people that love the outside crispy so this is definitely for me.