Hot Honey Glazed Air Fryer Meatloaf with Crispy Bacon

For the visual people: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5exk7PK-f4Q](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5exk7PK-f4Q)

**Ingredients**

Meatloaf

1 lb ground meat (beef + pork mix recommended, or all beef)

1 large egg

1/4 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4–1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 bell pepper, diced

1 small carrot, grated

1–2 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced

Olive oil spray

Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tsp cumin

2–3 dashes Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 tbsp hot honey

(like Milton Honey Farms “Murder Hornet Hot Honey” or your local honey farm)

Topping

4 strips bacon (cut in half)

**Instructions**

1. Prep the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine:

Ground meat

Egg

Croutons

Salt, pepper, chili powder, thyme

Onion, bell pepper, carrot, garlic

Mix with your hands until fully combined (don’t overmix).

2. Shape

Divide into 2 smaller loaves (more surface area = more flavor + crust)

Place in air fryer basket (use a liner if you want easier cleanup)

3. Start Cooking

Preheat air fryer to 385°F (196°C)

Lightly spray loaves with olive oil

Add bacon pieces to the basket alongside the meatloaf

Cook for 20 minutes total

4. Flip Bacon

At 12–15 minutes:

Flip the bacon

Remove when crispy enough to crumble

(may take close to full 20 minutes depending on thickness)

5. Check Meatloaf Temp

At 20 minutes:

Check internal temp

If ~160°F (71°C) → ready for glaze

If not, cook a few more minutes until close

6. Make the Glaze

While it cooks, mix:

1/2 C Ketchup

1tsp Cumin

Dash Worcestershire

1 1/2 TBS Hot honey

7. Glaze + Finish

Brush glaze on thick (save some for later)

Return to air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 3–4 minutes

8. Finish

Remove meatloaf

Top with crispy crumbled bacon

Optional: hit it with extra glaze

Final Internal Temp

Safe to eat at 165°F (74°C)