Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy jalapeño poppers and the hearty comfort of meatloaf, this recipe brings them together in one epic dish. The tender, juicy meatloaf is stuffed with a rich cream cheese filling, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheese—delivering that signature popper flavor in every bite. Cooking it in the air fryer not only speeds up the process but also gives the outside a lightly crisp crust while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
For the Jalapeño Popper Filling:
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar–mozzarella blend)
2–3 jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced (adjust for spice preference)
½ tsp garlic powder
For the Glaze (optional but delicious):
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preheat air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
Make the filling:
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and garlic powder until smooth and combined. Set aside.
Prepare the meatloaf mix:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix or it may get tough.
Assemble the meatloaf:
Place a sheet of parchment paper on your counter.
Flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Spread the jalapeño popper filling evenly in the center, leaving a 1-inch border.
Carefully roll up the meatloaf (like a jelly roll) and seal the edges to encase the filling.
Air fry:
Place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down in an air fryer-safe loaf pan or on parchment in the basket.
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Add glaze (optional):
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush over the meatloaf and air fry for another 5–10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest & serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–7 minutes before slicing so the filling sets. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and spreading.
Add crispy beef bits to the filling for a smoky boost.
Serving Ideas
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Slice leftovers into thick pieces for meatloaf sandwiches the next day.