‘I’ve developed hundreds of air fryer recipes — I make one every week’

Deciding what to cook each week can be an arduous process. Do you try something new or instead opt for a go-to recipe you could almost make in your sleep?

We all have our favourite recipes we enjoy returning to again and again, and bestselling cookbook author Clare Andrews is no different. Having developed hundreds of air fryer recipes over the years, quick, easy and, most importantly, tasty meals are Clare’s forte. In her latest book, The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: 15-Minute Feasts, Clare shared a simple recipe she describes as a midweek staple in her household. 

“I’ve developed hundreds of air fryer recipes and I’ve been cooking this dish for my family for years,” she explained. “This recipe is a fiery twist on the comfort food classic and is such a gorgeous dish!

“These scrummy air-fried chilli con carne meatballs blend the rich, smoky flavours of traditional chilli con carne with the satisfying bite of tender, juicy meatballs. This recipe is both hearty and hassle-free, thanks to the air fryer, and a perfect midweek staple in our house.

“It’s a great dish you can prepare the night beforehand too. Just prep your meatballs and sauce the night before and make dinners even easier! Honestly, they are so addictive, you’ll be making these every week like me!”

Clare’s chilli con carne meatballs recipe serves two, and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Here’s everything you need to know to make it yourself at home.

400g beef mince2 tsp ground cumin1 tsp each onion powder, garam masala, chilli powder and dried chilli flakesSea salt and ground black pepper

For the sauce

1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes, plus one quarter of a tin of water2 jarred roasted red peppers1 tsp paprika1 tsp sugar1 tsp ground coriander2 tsp Worcestershire sauce1 x 400g tin of kidney beans, drained and rinsedSea salt and ground black pepper

To serve

250g packet of microwavable rice2 tbsp soured creamA handful of fresh corianderA handful of grated Cheddar cheese1 tbsp jalapeñosAvocado slices (optional)

To start, preheat your air fryer to 200°C for three minutes and remove the crisper plate.

In a large bowl, mix the mince with all the spices and seasonings until fully combined, then form into bite-sized meatballs. You should be able to make about 12.

Lightly spray with oil and arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket or your ovenproof dish in a single layer with a little space between each. Cook for three to five minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or turning if using a dish, and cook until the balls are starting to turn golden.

Meanwhile, make your sauce by blitzing all the ingredients except the beans in a blender until smooth. Pour the sauce over your meatballs and stir. Add the kidney beans and stir again. Cook for a further eight to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through, and the sauce is thick.

Cook the rice according to the packet instructions. Serve the meatballs with the rice, soured cream, fresh coriander, grated cheddar, jalapeños and avocado (if using).