French Onion Beef Loaf in the Air Fryer
Juicy, cheesy beef loaf infused with savory French onion flavor—classic comfort food made faster in your air fryer!
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 35–40 mins
Rest: 5 mins
Servings: 4–6 slices
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1 egg
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
¼ cup sour cream (optional for moisture & tang)
1 tbsp ketchup
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Topping:
¼ cup shredded cheese (Swiss or mozzarella)
1 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce (optional glaze)
1 tbsp fried onions or caramelized onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture – 10 mins
In a large bowl, mix:
Ground beef
French onion soup mix
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Sour cream
Ketchup
Seasonings
½ cup shredded cheese
Mix gently just until combined (don’t overwork it).
Shape the Loaf – 2 mins
Form into a compact loaf shape that fits inside your air fryer basket or a loaf pan that fits your air fryer.
Line the basket or pan with parchment or foil (poke a few holes if using foil for airflow).
Preheat the Air Fryer – 3 mins
Set to 350°F (175°C).
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Cook the Loaf – 30 mins
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Check internal temp with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 160°F (71°C).
Add Cheese Topping – Final 5–8 mins
Spread 1 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce on top (optional).
Sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded cheese and/or crispy onions.
Air fry 5–8 more minutes at 350°F until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest Before Slicing – 5 mins
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple salad.
Spoon over extra caramelized onions or drizzle with beef gravy for extra richness.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
Tips
For extra moist meatloaf: add 2 tbsp milk or another egg.
Want more onions? Fold in ¼ cup sautéed caramelized onions before shaping loaf.
Works great with ground turkey or a beef/pork blend too.