French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese  Air Fryer Recipe

Intro

If you love the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup and the hearty comfort of a classic meatloaf, this recipe is a marriage made in comfort-food heaven. The juicy meatloaf is infused with caramelized onions and savory seasonings, then topped with melty Swiss cheese for that irresistible finish. Cooking it in the air fryer speeds things up, locks in moisture, and gives you a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Caramelizing onions: 12–15 min

Mixing & shaping: 7 min

Preheat air fryer: 3 min

Air fry before cheese: 20–22 min

Melt cheese: 5–6 min

Rest: 5 min

Total Time: ~47–50 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)

1 large egg

½ cup breadcrumbs

½ cup caramelized onions (see below)

¼ cup beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

For the Caramelized Onions:

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp olive oil

Pinch of salt

1 tsp sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)

For the Topping:

4–5 slices Swiss cheese

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions (12–15 minutes)

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat with butter and olive oil.

Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.

Stir occasionally until onions turn soft and golden brown (12–15 minutes).

Stir in sugar (optional) to speed caramelization. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture (5 minutes)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.

Shape the Meatloaf (2 minutes)

Shape mixture into a loaf that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.

For easier cleanup, place it on a piece of parchment or in a small loaf pan that fits your air fryer.

Air Fry the Meatloaf (25–28 minutes)

Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.

Place the meatloaf in the basket.

Air fry for 20–22 minutes, then check internal temperature (should be around 145–150°F at this point).

Lay Swiss cheese slices over the top and air fry for an additional 5–6 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.

Rest and Serve (5 minutes)

Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips for Best Results

For even juicier meatloaf, mix half beef and half ground pork.

Don’t skip the resting time — it keeps the juices inside.

For a bolder flavor, add 1 tsp Dijon mustard or ¼ tsp smoked paprika to the meat mixture.