Introduction

Air Fryer Chili Dogs offer a quick and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food favorite. With a rich, homemade chili sauce and perfectly cooked hot dogs, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for any casual meal or game day snack.

Air Fryer Chili Dogs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup beef broth
8 ounces tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cumin
8 hot dogs
8 hot dog buns
Shredded cheddar (for topping)
Minced onion (for topping)
Sliced jalapeno (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: To make the chili dog sauce, add the ground beef and beef broth to a deep skillet over medium heat. Use a fork to break the meat into small pieces, pressing with the fork to create a finer texture than traditional ground meat.
Step 2: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin to the skillet with the beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes. If you prefer your hot dogs browned, continue cooking in one-minute increments until you reach the desired crispness.
Step 5: To lightly toast the buns, place the cooked hot dogs inside each bun and return them to the air fryer for 1 minute with the air fryer turned off.
Step 6: Spoon the hot chili sauce generously over the hot dogs. Top with shredded cheddar, minced onion, and sliced jalapeno if desired.
Step 7: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your air fryer chili dogs.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sauté the ground beef with a diced small onion before adding the liquids and spices.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner chili sauce option.
Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chili for a spicy kick.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a melt with a slight heat.
Try toasted buns directly under the air fryer heating element for crispier buns, watching closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store any leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Hot dogs are best served fresh but can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days. Reheat chili sauce gently on the stove or microwave before assembling. Avoid reheating hot dogs in the air fryer too long to maintain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chili sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the chili sauce can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This can even enhance the flavor as the spices have time to meld.

What type of hot dogs work best in the air fryer?

Most standard-sized hot dogs work well in the air fryer. Look for your favorite brand or type, such as beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives. Adjust cooking time if needed for thicker or thinner hot dogs.

Air Fryer Chili Dogs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 118 reviews

Air Fryer Chili Dogs combine juicy, seasoned beef chili with perfectly cooked hot dogs, all assembled in toasted buns and topped with shredded cheddar, minced onion, and sliced jalapenos. This quick and easy recipe uses the air fryer to cook hot dogs to a tender, slightly crisp perfection and a stovetop skillet for a flavorful chili sauce that’s simmered to the ideal thickness. A delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day treats.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Sauce

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup beef broth
8 ounces tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cumin

Hot Dogs and Toppings

8 hot dogs
8 hot dog buns
Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Minced onion (for topping)
Sliced jalapeno (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Chili Sauce: Heat a deep skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the beef broth. Use a fork to break up the meat into small pieces, smashing it to create a finer texture than usual ground beef crumbles.
Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens slightly.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 2 minutes to ensure even cooking of the hot dogs.
Cook the Hot Dogs: Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes. If you prefer a browner outer layer, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until desired crispness is reached.
Toast the Buns: Place the cooked hot dogs inside the buns and return them to the air fryer. Toast for 1 minute with the air fryer turned off to gently warm and lightly crisp the buns.
Assemble the Chili Dogs: Spoon the hot chili sauce generously over each hot dog. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion, and sliced jalapenos as desired for extra flavor and texture.
Serve: Serve the chili dogs hot for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Notes

For a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the chili sauce healthier.
If you don’t have an air fryer, hot dogs can be grilled or cooked on a stovetop skillet.
To make this recipe gluten free, ensure the hot dog buns are gluten free or serve without buns.
Leftover chili sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: air fryer chili dogs, easy chili dogs recipe, hot dogs with chili, air fryer hot dogs, quick chili sauce