Introduction

Air Fryer Chili Dogs offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite with a homemade chili topping. Crisp hot dogs and warm buns come together perfectly with a rich, flavorful chili sauce. This recipe is sure to become a go-to for easy weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

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 prepare the chili sauce, heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and beef broth. Use a fork to break the meat into very small pieces, pressing with the fork to achieve a fine texture.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes. If you prefer a more browned exterior, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until done to your liking.
Step 5: Nestle the cooked hot dogs into the buns. Place the assembled hot dogs back into the air fryer for 1 minute with the appliance turned off, just to lightly toast the buns.
Step 6: Spoon generous amounts of the warm chili sauce over each hot dog. Top with shredded cheddar, minced onion, and sliced jalapenos as desired.
Step 7: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade air fryer chili dogs.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy hot dogs.
Try topping with pickled jalapenos or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor.
Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner chili option.
To make it vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat substitutes and vegetable broth in the chili sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooked hot dogs are best eaten fresh but can be kept wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat chili sauce gently on the stove or microwave before spooning over reheated hot dogs.

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 allows the flavors to meld even more. Simply warm it before serving.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can cook the hot dogs on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Toast the buns separately in a toaster oven or regular oven before assembling.

Air Fryer Chili Dogs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 73 reviews

This Air Fryer Chili Dogs recipe combines juicy, air-fried hot dogs with a rich and flavorful homemade chili sauce, all perfectly served in toasted buns with classic toppings like shredded cheddar, minced onion, and sliced jalapenos. It’s a quick and easy twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal made in under 40 minutes.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
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

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

Instructions

Prepare the chili sauce: In a deep skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and beef broth. Use a fork to break the meat into small pieces, pressing with the fork to achieve a finer texture than traditional ground beef.
Cook the chili sauce: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes or until the chili thickens slightly.
Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 2 minutes.
Cook the hot dogs: Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 3 minutes. If you prefer the hot dogs more browned, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until desired doneness.
Toast the buns: Place the cooked hot dogs into the buns. Return them to the air fryer for 1 minute with the air fryer turned off to lightly toast the buns using residual heat.
Assemble the chili dogs: Spoon the hot chili sauce generously over each hot dog, then top with shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion, and sliced jalapenos as desired.
Serve: Serve the chili dogs immediately while hot for the best taste experience.

Notes

For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder.
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
You can substitute beef broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
To keep buns from becoming soggy, toast them separately if you plan to serve later.
Adjust air fryer cooking time depending on the brand and size of hot dogs.
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Keywords: Air Fryer, Chili Dogs, Hot Dogs, Quick Dinner, Easy Recipe, Game Day Food