Air Fryer Chili
Description
Real chili made entirely in the air fryer — no stovetop required. Ground beef, black beans, corn, and tomato sauce cook in one pan in 35 minutes, with an optional Jiffy cornbread topping that turns it into a one-pan casserole. Works in an air fryer basket or air fryer oven.
Ingredients
For the chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced, yellow
- ½ pound ground beef, 85/15, or ground turkey
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounce tomato sauce
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, drained
For the optional cornbread topping:
- 8.5 ounces Jiffy corn muffin mix, 1 box
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. Add the olive oil and diced onion to an air fryer–safe pan. Air fry for 4 minutes, stirring once, until softened and lightly golden.
- Add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and salt to the pan. Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula at the halfway point. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, black beans, and corn. Air fry at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once, until bubbling and thickened.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.
- For the cornbread topping: Whisk the corn muffin mix, egg, and milk until just smooth. Spread evenly over the finished chili. Air fry at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Start checking at 15 minutes.
Equipment
- Air Fryer Oven, or Air Fryer Basket
- Cooking Spray
- Cast Iron Pan, or Oven-Safe Pan
Notes
- Never cook chili directly in the air fryer basket — always use an air fryer–safe pan.
- Basket-style air fryers may need 2 to 3 extra minutes per stage.
- Chili thickens as it rests; add a splash of water if it reduces too far.
- Freeze the chili without the cornbread topping.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 916mgPotassium: 773mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 676IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 4mg