Low on time but still want to make a warm, comforting meal to please everyone at the table? I've been there - checking the clock, kids running around, stomachs grumbling, and me all out of ideas. These Chili Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer are one of the best side dishes around!
These potatoes are more than just a side dish, they are the whole dang meal! And why wouldn't they be when you have fluffy potatoes combined with a hearty and cheesy chili? This dish is a game-changer - and will take your air fryer recipes to the next level.
Potatoes are the ultimate side dish like our Parmesan Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe.
Jump to:
- Air Fryer Chili Baked Potatoes
- Ingredients for Chili Baked Potatoes In the Air Fryer
- How to Make Chili Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Can I Use Homemade Chili In This Recipe?
- FAQs for Air Fryer Chili Potatoes
- Tips for Making Chili Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- More Potato Recipes
- The Best Air Fryer Tools
- Air Fryer Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chili Baked Potatoes
I love baked potatoes! They cook up quickly and are filled with lots of nutrients. They are a yummy vessel just waiting to be filled with all sorts of savory toppings. When you add chili to the humble baked potato you have a match made in culinary heaven.
What can make chili potatoes even better? Make them in the air fryer! Air fryer recipes cut down cooking time dramatically. Plus, you get that delightful, crispy skin on the potatoes that would typically take an oven and much more time. Quick and delicious is a win in this busy mom's book!
Ingredients for Chili Baked Potatoes In the Air Fryer
- Potatoes - Russets are my favorite choice when baking potatoes since they turn out fluffy inside and crispy outside when baked.
- Chili -Whether it's homemade from last night's dinner or your favorite canned brand, chili gives these potatoes a hearty filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese - I like a sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but Pepper Jack or even Mozzarella also works.
- Salt & Pepper - To taste.
- Green Onion - Adds some color as a garnish and a subtle, spicy crunch.
- Cooking Spray - To keep everything from sticking to the deep fryer pan and also helps with cleanup.
How to Make Chili Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Okay, potato lovers, we are about to make dinner time easy thanks to the air fryer. So preheat your air fryer to a cozy 375 degrees and get those potatoes ready. You'll want to give the potatoes a few jabs here and there with a fork. These holes will allow steam to escape from the potato while it is cooking so you don't end up with splattered potatoes everywhere.
To get that potato skin extra crispy, give them a spritz of cooking spray. Don't forget to add some salt! These spuds then cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes and when they are done, they are ready to be topped with chili and cheese.
Cut the potatoes open (careful, steam's hot!) and fluff them up with a fork. Scoop on your favorite chili and heap on some cheese.
After a few more minutes in the air fryer, these will be ready to top with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chopped green onions.
Can I Use Homemade Chili In This Recipe?
When it comes to this air fryer baked potato recipe, you have two choices: homemade chili or the oh-so-convenient canned chili. No judgment either way! Using homemade chili is great since you can control the spice level. If you are using homemade chili, prepare it ahead of time or use leftovers. This way you don't have spend a lot of time before dinner making the chili.
If canned chili is how you roll, simply heat it according to the directions on the can before adding it to the potato. We will be placing the potato with the chili and cheese back in the air fryer for a few minutes, but that is mostly for the cheese to melt.
FAQs for Air Fryer Chili Potatoes
If you don't have an air fryer, no problem. Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F and get the potatoes ready just like we outlined in the directions in the recipe card. Spray them, salt them, and poke them with a fork. Slide them onto a baking tray and into the oven they go. Set your timer for 45-55 minutes, but, keep an eye on them. Ovens can be a bit finicky, and we want the baked potatoes to come out golden and crispy, not burnt to a crisp.
Once they're done, follow the same steps to top them with chili and cheese. Trust me, they'll be every bit as good as the air-fried versions. The big difference is that they take almost double the time to make. But hey, if you're not in a rush, neither are the potatoes!
Got leftover chili cheese baked potatoes? No problem! Place them in an airtight container and pop them into the fridge. They'll keep fresh for about 3-4 days.
When you are ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees until warmed through. I like to add an extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating. These air fryer baked potatoes taste just as good the next day!
Tips for Making Chili Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Tip 1: Feel free to get creative with the chili. Whether you're all about beef, chicken, or a veggie option, it all works. Do you prefer a heartwarming veggie chili, packed with beans, tomatoes, and all those spices, or a chicken chili sprinkled with your favorite seasonings? The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Experiment with different types of chili and transform that potato into a mouth-watering feast.
Tip 2: Try a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or chives on this baked potato.
More Potato Recipes
This potato party is just getting started! If you love potato recipes as much as I do, you're in for a treat. I am always amazed at how easy it is to transform a plain potato into a dish that will make your heart and belly sing. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, there is a potato recipe for everyone. Enjoy some of my favorite ways to cook potatoes!
- Air Fryer Cajun Potatoes
- Instant Pot Red Baked Potatoes
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes from Wanderlust and Wellness
The Best Air Fryer Tools
If you're going to be an air frying expert, you're going to need the right tools. An air fryer is essential. So are a solid set of tongs, air fryer mats, and different accessories for all your air frying needs. Finding this gear is easy-peasy - just hop over to Amazon. I have added some of my "must haves" below, so you can cut straight to the chase and grab the best-rated stuff.
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, Roasts, Bakes, Reheats and Dehydrates, with 5.5 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish, Grey
Elite Gourmet EAF-3218BL Personal 1.1Qt Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker, Timer & Temperature ControlsAir Fryer Parchment disposable Paper Liners: 200PCS 8.5 inch Square Perforated parchment paper, Premium Bamboo Steamer Liner for Air Fryers Baking Cooking OvenAir Fryer Magnetic Cheat Sheet Set, Air Fryer Accessories Cookbook, Airfryer Accessory Magnet Sheet Quick Reference Guide for Cooking and Frying (Black)Air Fryer Accessories Set 12pcs Compatible for 4, 4.2, 5, 5.5, 5.8 QT Gowise Cosori Phillips Ninja Cozyna Air FryerTribal Cooking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tips - Stainless Steel tongs for cooking - 9
Air Fryer Recipes
📖 Recipe
Chili Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Video
Ingredients
- 4 Russet Potatoes baked
- 2 cups Chili cooked
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- ⅛ cup Green Onion chopped
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees.
- Use a fork to poke some holes into the potatoes.
- Spray the potatoes with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer cut each potato open on top. .
- Add ½ cup of cooked chili and ¼ cup of shredded cheese to each potato.
- Return the potatoes to the air fryer for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with chopped green onions and salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Try a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess or top the potato with bacon bits for crunch.
- This versatile recipe can be made with beef, chicken or veggie chili.
Tiffany says
These are a family pleaser over here! I am able to pre bake the potatoes and then have dinner ready really quick for busy nights! Thanks!
Renee says
This is a perfect solution for hectic evenings - quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious!
Angela says
What a great way to make baked potatoes! So simple and delicious. Love a good air fryer recipe!
Greta says
This was a really nice comforting lunch I made today. So simple yet flavorful. We all loved it. Thanks x
Charah says
Absolutely delicious! This potato recipe is a true comfort food classic, easy to make and healthy snack! Thanks for sharing.