These Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs bring the ballpark favorite right to your kitchen in just 17 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings, they offer that irresistible combination of a crispy-edged hot dog smothered in warm chili and melty cheese.
Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but they’re also a budget-friendly meal that both kids and adults will devour. With just 229 calories per serving, you can enjoy this classic comfort food without any of the deep-fryer guilt.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs
- Hot Dogs: 4 pieces – choose from beef, turkey, or veggie options
- Chili: 1 can, ready to use
- Cheese: Shredded, amount as needed for topping
- Red Onion: Diced, for garnishing
- Hot Dog Buns: 4 regular or gluten-free buns
- Additional Condiments: Optional, as per preference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Hot Dogs: Make small scores on each hot dog using a knife or fork
- Initial Cooking: Place scored hot dogs in air fryer basket and cook at 390°F for 4-5 minutes, turning halfway through
- Assembly: Place cooked hot dogs in buns, then generously top with chili, shredded cheese, and diced red onion
- Final Heating: Return assembled dogs to air fryer basket at 390°F for 2 minutes until cheese melts and chili warms through
- Finishing Touch: Remove from basket, add your favorite additional condiments if desired
Smart Scoring Tips
Scoring your hot dogs isn’t just for looks! Those little cuts help the hot dogs cook evenly and get a nice crispy outside. Make 4-5 small diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep on each hot dog. This also lets the flavor of the chili seep in better!
Mix & Match Toppings
While this recipe uses chili, cheese, and red onions, you can totally make it your own! Try adding:
- Diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Crispy bacon bits
- Pickled onions instead of raw
- Different cheese types (cheddar, pepper jack, or nacho cheese sauce)
- A squirt of mustard or hot sauce Your air fryer chili dog can be as simple or loaded as you like!
Serving Tips
These chili cheese dogs are best enjoyed right away while everything’s hot and melty! Grab some napkins – they’re deliciously messy. For a complete meal, pair them with:
- A handful of potato chips
- Quick air fryer french fries
- Simple coleslaw
- Pickle spears on the side
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep some parts ahead of time to make assembly faster:
- Keep cooked hot dogs in the fridge for 3-4 days
- Store warmed chili separately for up to 5 days
- Chop onions and store in an airtight container When ready to eat, just warm everything up in your air fryer following the recipe steps!
Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs beef, turkey, or veggie
- 1 can chili
- Shredded cheese for garnish
- Diced red onion for garnish
- 4 hot dog buns regular or gluten free, optional
Instructions
- Score each hot dog with a knife or fork and place into air fryer basket.
- Cook hot dogs 4 to 5 minutes at 390 degrees F (198 degrees C), flipping hot dogs halfway through cooking.
- Place hot dogs into buns and top with chili, cheese, and red onion. Place loaded chili dogs back in air fryer basket for another 2 minutes at 390 degrees F (198 degrees C) until cheese is melted and chili heats through.
- Remove from basket and top with any other condiments you’d like. Serve and enjoy!
