Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Air Fryer

Bacon wrapped meatloaf takes everything comforting about classic meatloaf and adds smoky bacon with a gooey cheese center for a crowd-pleasing dinner you can make in an air fryer or oven. This recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights or when you want something that feels special but does not take much effort.

I discovered this bacon wrapped version after getting tired of basic meatloaf and now my family refuses to let me make it any other way. Even my picky kids ask for seconds every time.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: use 90 percent lean for the juiciest result with less grease choose beef that is bright red and fresh
• Garlic powder: adds lots of savory depth select a fresh jar for best flavor
• Salt and black pepper: enhance all the other ingredients
• Paprika: gives a gentle warmth and color try to use sweet or smoked paprika for extra punch
• Dried minced onion: for big flavor without the hassle of chopping if using fresh go for a firm onion with no soft spots
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami richness always shake bottle well before measuring
• Eggs: act as binder to keep everything together make sure they are fresh
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: classic texture and seasoning check the label for fresh herbs and avoid stale crumbs
• Ketchup: is classic for tangy sweetness use a good quality with real tomatoes
• Cheddar cheese (optional): gives a melty center or mix it throughout for more cheese flavor use freshly shredded for best melt
• Bacon: for wrapping ensures every bite has crisp smoky flavor use good thick cut bacon for best coverage and flavor
• Ketchup, steak sauce, brown sugar: makes a sweet and tangy glaze for extra flavor choose your favorite steak sauce for a personalized touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Meatloaf:

In a large bowl combine the ground beef garlic powder salt pepper paprika minced onion Worcestershire sauce eggs breadcrumbs ketchup and use clean hands or a fork to gently fold together just until everything is evenly blended. Too much mixing can make the meatloaf dense, so stop once it comes together.

Add the Cheese:

Divide the meat mixture in half then form the base of the loaf on a sheet of nonstick foil or parchment. Place shredded cheddar in the middle and cover with remaining meat. Shape into a compact loaf about three inches thick making sure cheese is fully surrounded to avoid leakage.

Wrap With Bacon:

Lay two or three strips of bacon lengthwise over the loaf tucking the ends underneath. Then place six to eight bacon strips crosswise overlapping slightly for full coverage tucking all the ends under so the bacon will stay snug during cooking.

Cook in Air Fryer or Oven:

Transfer meatloaf to the air fryer basket lined with nonstick foil or parchment for easier removal and less mess. Air fry at three hundred fifty degrees for forty minutes. If baking in the oven set the loaf in a pan or on a lined sheet and bake at three hundred fifty degrees for one hour.

Glaze and Finish:

Mix ketchup steak sauce and brown sugar until smooth. After the initial cook time brush the glaze generously over the top. Return to air fryer for five to ten minutes or oven for twenty to thirty minutes until the bacon crisps and internal temp is at least one hundred sixty degrees.

Rest and Serve:

Let the meatloaf rest at least five minutes before slicing so the juices stay where they should. Then slice and serve with your favorite sides.

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Cheddar cheese is my favorite stuffing because it brings a molten center and my kids get so excited seeing the cheese stretch out when I slice into the loaf. One family birthday my daughter insisted this be her party food and it was devoured before anything else on the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bacon wrapped meatloaf tightly wrapped or sealed in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge up to four days. For freezing wrap slices in foil or plastic and freeze up to two months. Always reheat gently so the bacon stays crisp and the cheese melts again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten things up adjust seasoning for leaner meat. Use different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for variation. Gluten free breadcrumbs or rolled oats work fine for anyone with sensitivity. Homemade steak sauce can also substitute for store bought if you have extra time.

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Serving Suggestions

Bacon wrapped meatloaf goes well with mashed potatoes green beans mac and cheese or even a crisp green salad. For a true comfort meal serve with cornbread and roasted carrots. If you want more of a cheeseburger meatloaf feel pile on shredded lettuce tomato and pickles just before serving.

Origin and History

Classic American meatloaf became popular during the Depression era as an economical way to stretch protein. Wrapping it in bacon and stuffing with cheese is a modern twist inspired by diner cheeseburgers and barbecue flavors. This fusion has made its way into kitchens everywhere thanks to how well it works in air fryers which have really revived the classic recipe for quick meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?

Tuck the ends of the bacon strips under the loaf and overlap them slightly to help them stay secure as they cook and crisp up.

→ Can I use leaner ground beef?

Yes, but using a small amount of fat (such as in 90/10 beef) helps keep the loaf juicy and prevents it from drying out.

→ What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the loaf in the oven at 350°F using a loaf pan or a lined baking sheet for similar savory results.

→ Is the cheddar cheese optional?

Certainly. While cheddar adds a gooey center, you may omit it or substitute with another cheese or leave the meat plain.

→ How do I know when it's done?

Use a thermometer to check that the center reaches 160°F (or 165°F if using poultry), ensuring safe and juicy results.

→ Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the loaf ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook, or reheat leftovers gently in the oven.