Emilie Meyer
Chilli con carne is a hearty, flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick midweek dinner. It can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation and clean-up. The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, making this meal ready in no time. It can also be frozen and reheated, making it an excellent option for those who meal prep. This guide will take you through the steps to make chilli con carne in an air fryer, as well as some serving suggestions and variations.
How to cook chilli in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mince beef, onion, red pepper, red chilli, olive oil, beef stock, red wine, Henderson's relish, kidney beans, ground spices, tomato puree, rice, salt, pepper, carrots, garlic cloves |
| Air fryer temperature | 175°C-190°C |
| Cooking time | 30-45 minutes |
| Servings | Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months |
| Recipe variations | Chicken, turkey, pork, or vegetarian chilli con carne |
| Equipment | Air fryer, silicone basket/pan, mixing bowl, chopping board, knife |
| Pre-cooking preparation | Peel and chop vegetables, grate carrots and garlic cloves, brown onions and mince in a pan on the hob |
| Post-cooking care | Cover the air fryer or use a foil to prevent drying out, stir regularly to prevent the top from drying out |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your food cooks evenly and efficiently. To preheat your air fryer, start by adjusting the temperature to your desired setting. Most recipes for chilli con carne recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (roughly 175°C to 200°C). However, if you are cooking meat, you may want to preheat your air fryer to a higher temperature of 375°F (190°C). This higher temperature will give your meat a great sear.
Once you have set the temperature, allow your air fryer to heat up for 3 to 5 minutes. This is the standard amount of time for preheating an air fryer. If you are in doubt, you can always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. It is also a good idea to give the basket or drawer of your air fryer a quick spritz with cooking spray before you begin cooking. This will help to prevent your food from sticking.
If you are cooking chilli con carne, it is a good idea to prepare your ingredients while the air fryer is preheating. This will save you time and ensure that your ingredients are ready to go as soon as the air fryer is preheated. Chop your onions, peppers, and chillies, and prepare any spices or seasonings you plan to use. You can also use this time to defrost any frozen ingredients, such as minced meat or vegetables.
Preheating your air fryer is a quick and easy step that will improve the overall cooking process. It is an important step to remember, especially when cooking meat or dishes that require a specific texture or consistency. By preheating your air fryer, you ensure that your food cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and well-cooked meal.
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Prepare the ingredients
Preparing the ingredients for chilli con carne in an air fryer is simple and quick. First, decide on the type of meat you would like to use. You can use beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. For beef, it is recommended to use 5% fat lean minced beef, but a higher fat content will cook better in the air fryer. For chicken, use diced chicken breast or thighs, and for pork, use pork shoulder or tenderloin. If you want to make a vegetarian chilli con carne, you can replace the meat with extra beans and vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and corn.
Once you have chosen your protein, cut the meat into small, bite-sized cubes. This will ensure quicker and more even cooking. Next, prepare your vegetables. Chop and deseed a red onion and a red pepper, and mince some garlic cloves. If you want to add extra spice to your chilli, you can also chop a fresh red chilli pepper. Grate a carrot to add some extra texture and flavour.
Now it's time to gather your spices and seasonings. You will need ground cumin, paprika, chilli powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. If you want to enhance the flavour even more, you can add ingredients like smoked paprika, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or even cocoa powder. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your perfect blend.
Finally, get your other ingredients ready. You will need beef stock, red wine (optional), tomato puree, canned tomatoes, and kidney beans or other types of beans like black beans or pinto beans. If you want to add a unique touch, you can include Henderson's Relish (but only if you're from Sheffield!). Now you are all set to start cooking your delicious chilli con carne in your air fryer!
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Cook the vegetables
To cook the vegetables, start by peeling and chopping your onion(s) and adding them to a mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil. Deseed and chop a pepper and add it to the bowl. You can also add garlic cloves to the mix. Place the vegetables in the air fryer and cook at 190°C for 5 minutes or until they start to soften.
While the onions and peppers are cooking, grate your carrot and garlic cloves (if you haven't already). Add the grated carrot and garlic to the air fryer, stir the ingredients well, and cook for another 3 minutes until all the vegetables are soft and starting to brown.
You can also cook the meat and vegetables together. Place the cubed meat, onion, and garlic in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the meat is browned. Add the pepper and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
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Add the meat
When adding the meat to your chilli con carne, you can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. If using beef, it is recommended to use lean minced beef with 5% fat. If you are using a different type of meat, cut it into small, bite-sized cubes to ensure quicker and more even cooking.
If you are using mince, you can add the aromatics (onion and garlic) to the meat and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. If you are cooking cubed meat, the aromatics should be added after the meat is browned.
After the meat is cooked, you can add the spices and seasoning. A basic blend of spices includes ground coriander, cumin, paprika, and chilli powder. You can also add ground turmeric, chilli flakes, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. If you like your chilli hot, add more chilli powder or include a fresh red chilli pepper, seeded and chopped.
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Stir in the spices
Once you've prepared your aromatics and vegetables, it's time to stir in the spices. This is where you can really make the dish your own, tailoring the spice blend to your taste preferences.
For a classic chilli con carne, you'll want to use a combination of ground cumin, paprika, and chilli powder. Cumin brings an earthy, warming flavour, while paprika adds a subtle sweetness and chilli powder, of course, adds heat. You can also add a teaspoon of ground coriander, turmeric, and chilli flakes, as well as a dash of olive oil to the bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add even more depth of flavour, consider adding smoked paprika, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or even cocoa powder.
If you're using an air fryer basket, be sure to stir the spices thoroughly into the vegetable mixture. If you're using a silicone pan or dish, simply mix the spices in with a spoon or spatula. Remember, the more thoroughly you combine the spices, the more flavourful your chilli will be.
At this stage, you can also add your tomato puree (also known as tomato sauce or passata) and beef stock. Stir these in with the spices until everything is well combined. If you're using wine in your recipe, this is also the time to add it.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook chilli in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 180-190°C. Then, add your ingredients to a silicone basket or pan that fits in your fryer. You can cook the aromatics (onion, garlic, etc.) and meat together, or you can brown them first in a pan on the hob. After that, add your spices and other ingredients, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To prevent drying out, make sure to use enough liquid, such as beef broth or water. You can also cover the chilli if your air fryer has a lid, or use foil to cover the dish while cooking.
Browning the meat and aromatics takes about 10-15 minutes. Simmering the chilli will take an additional 20-30 minutes. The total time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
