Warm up your day with a comforting bowl of Air Fryer Chili! This easy and flavorful recipe combines the hearty goodness of classic chili with the convenience and efficiency of the air fryer.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this chili is packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that will make your taste buds dance.
If you love Classic Beef Chili Recipe, you will love this recipe, baked in your air fryer basket or air fryer oven, this chili recipe is perfect for the summer or winter!
If you love great air fryer dinner recipes, try my recipe for air fryer blt sushi, air fryer jalapeno popper chicken, or cheesecake factory spicy cashew chicken.
The BEST Chili Recipe!
If you’re looking for the ultimate chili recipe, this is it! Bursting with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this chili combines ground beef, a blend of beans, and a perfect mix of spices to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
The secret to its incredible depth of flavor lies in slow simmering the chili, allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, a game day gathering, or a potluck, this chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Top it with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Convenient: The air fryer reduces cooking time while infusing the chili with rich flavors.
- Healthy Option: Using lean ground beef or turkey and plenty of beans makes this a nutritious and satisfying dish.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, topping for nachos, or filling for tacos and burritos.
What You’ll Need For Air Fryer Chili
Here are the simple ingredients needed for making homemade chili in the air fryer:
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the chili, adding protein and richness to the dish.
- Onion: These aromatics add depth and a savory foundation to the chili, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Beans: Black beans adds fiber and additional protein, making the chili more filling and nutritious
- Corn: For added flavor, and texture.
- Tomato Sauce: Provide a juicy, tangy element that forms the base of the chili sauce, contributing to its rich texture and flavor.
- Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, and Kosher Salt: These spices create the signature chili flavor, adding warmth, smokiness, and a bit of heat to the dish.
- Topping: Jiffy Cornbread, Egg and Whole Milk
- Optional Toppings (Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, and Cilantro): Enhance the chili with creamy, fresh, and tangy flavors, allowing for customization to individual taste preferences.
How to Make Air Fryer Chili
Here are the simple steps to make Chili in the Air Fryer Basket or Cooking Chili in an air fryer oven:
Heat oil over medium high heat in a medium oven proof skillet. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Add ground beef, chili powder and salt. Cook for 5-8 minute until meat is brown and no longer pink. Stir in tomato sauce, black beans and corn. Bring to a boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Reserve.
In a small bowl, combine corn muffin mix, egg and milk. Stir until smooth. Top chili with batter. Bake in a preheated air fryer oven at 375 degrees F air fryer for 18-20 minutes or until golden.
Air Fryer Chili Recipe Tips and Substitutions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the chili develop a richer flavor.
- Use Lean Meat: Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess grease. If using regular ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
- Stir Frequently: Stir the chili halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the dish or burning.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more chili powder for extra heat or a bit of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter chili.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chili to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve with Toppings: Enhance your chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken or a plant-based meat alternative for a different protein option.
- Beans: Use any combination of beans you prefer, such as pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas, to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat altogether and increase the amount of beans and vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Tomato Variations: Substitute tomato sauce with fresh chopped tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of cinnamon to create unique flavor variations in your chili.
- Liquid Base: Instead of tomato sauce, try using tomato paste mixed with water or vegetable broth for a thicker or more flavorful base.
Air Fryer Chili Recipe FAQs
Can I use raw meat in the air fryer for chili? Yes, you can use raw ground beef or turkey in the air fryer. Start by browning the meat in the air fryer before adding other ingredients. This ensures the meat is cooked through and adds flavor to the chili.
What size of air fryer do I need to make chili? A larger air fryer, such as a 6-quart model, is recommended for making chili to ensure there is enough space for all the ingredients and for stirring. However, you can make smaller batches in a smaller air fryer.
How long does it take to cook chili in the air fryer? Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook chili in the air fryer. This includes browning the meat and cooking the combined ingredients. Stirring halfway through ensures even cooking.
Can I use canned beans and tomatoes for air fryer chili? Yes, canned beans and tomatoes are convenient and work well in air fryer chili. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium, and use the tomatoes with their juices for added flavor.
How do I prevent the chili from drying out in the air fryer? Adding enough liquid, such as tomato sauce or broth, helps prevent the chili from drying out. Stirring the chili halfway through cooking also helps maintain moisture and ensures even cooking.
Can I add vegetables to my air fryer chili? Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the chili. Dice the vegetables finely to ensure they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
What should I do if my chili is too watery? If your chili is too watery, you can cook it for a few extra minutes in the air fryer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the chili to thicken it.
How do I store and reheat leftover chili? Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. If using the air fryer, place the chili in an air fryer-safe dish and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I make this chili recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by omitting the meat and adding more beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure all other ingredients, like tomato sauce, are vegan-friendly.
What toppings go well with air fryer chili? Popular toppings for chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips. These add extra flavor and texture to your chili.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BANANAS FOSTER FRENCH TOAST
- AIR FRYER BANANA BREAD COOKIES
- CARAMELIZED BANANAS IN THE AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER ALMOND CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD
- AIR FRYER BANANA PANCAKE DIPPERS
Equipment Used
For best results, 8 inch cast iron skillet, and Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven.
Air Fryer Chil
Description
Ingredients
Air Fryer Chili Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ pound ground beef , or ground turkey
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1-8 ounce tomato sauce
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, drained and rinsed
Air Fryer Chili Topping Ingredients:
- 1 package Jiffy Corn bread mixture
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium high heat in a medium oven proof skillet. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Add ground beef, chili powder and salt. Cook for 5-8 minute until meat is brown and no longer pink. Stir in tomato sauce, black beans and corn. Bring to a boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Reserve.
- In a small bowl, combine corn muffin mix, egg and milk. Stir until smooth. Top chili with batter. Bake in a preheated 375°F air fryer oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden.
Equipment
- Air Fryer Oven, or Air Fryer Basket
- Cooking Spray
- Cast Iron Pan, or Oven-Safe Pan
Notes
Nutrition
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