Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-𝛼)-308G/A and (TNF-𝛼)-238G/A polymorphisms, and the risk of autoimmune liver disease (AILD), yet the results are conflicting. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we performed this meta-analysis. A systematic review was conducted to identify all eligible studies of TNF-𝛼 polymorphisms and AILD risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association between the two TNF-𝛼 polymorphisms and AILD risk. A total of 15 eligible studies were identified. Overall, positive associations of -308G/A polymorphism with AILD risk were found (A vs G allele: OR = 1.45, 95%,CI = 1.13–1.86; AA vs GG: OR = 2.74, 95%,CI = 1.51–4.96; GA vs GG: OR = 1.46, 95%,CI = 1.11–1.92; dominant model: OR = 1.57, 95%,CI = 1.18–2.10; recessive model: OR = 2.22, 95%,CI = 1.31–3.76). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significantly higher risk was found in Caucasians. In subgroup analysis by AILD category, significant association was observed in autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, especially in Caucasians. Patients carrying TNF-𝛼-238A allele had a slightly decreased risk of developing AILD (OR = 0.65, 95%,CI = 0.48–0.87). However, we found both TNF-𝛼 polymorphisms were not associated with primary biliary cirrhosis risk, even in subgroup analysis. Our metaanalysis suggests that the TNF-𝛼-308G/A and -238G/A polymorphisms may contribute to AILD susceptibility in Caucasians, especially for autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Nevertheless, we found both TNF-𝛼 polymorphisms were unlikely to be associated with the risk of primary biliary cirrhosis.