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Crispy Air Fryer Chili Recipe with Sweet Maple Dijon Glaze

crispy air fryer chili - featured image

A quick and easy crispy chili recipe made in the air fryer, featuring a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze that delivers nostalgic comfort with a modern twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean works best)
  • 2 tbsp chili seasoning mix (with smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray or light cooking oil
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup (Grade A preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with chili seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the meat into small patties or bite-sized pieces about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
  6. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C for beef).
  7. While cooking, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika to make the glaze.
  8. Brush the glaze generously over the hot chili pieces and return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to caramelize the glaze.
  9. Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness; cook in batches if needed. Brush glaze only after initial cooking to prevent burning. Let chili rest a few minutes after cooking for best flavor and texture. For vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with crumbled firm tofu or textured vegetable protein and increase chili seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chili, crispy chili, maple Dijon glaze, quick snack, easy appetizer, sweet and spicy, gluten-free, family-friendly