When it comes to enjoying a hearty bowl of chili, choosing the right side dishes can elevate the meal to new heights. Here are 27 of the best accompaniments to serve with your chilli:
- Cornbread – A classic pairing, its slightly sweet flavour and crumbly texture perfectly balance the spiciness of the chilli.
- Rice – Fluffy white or brown rice can help mellow out the heat and provide a pleasing contrast.
- Tortilla Chips – Crunchy and satisfying, they’re ideal for scooping up chilli or enjoying on their own with a dollop of guacamole.
- Baked Potatoes – The softness of a baked potato complements the robust flavour of chilli. Top it off with cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw can add a much-needed crispness to the meal, cutting through the richness of the chilli.
- Nachos – Topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and other toppings, nachos are a fantastic way to turn a simple chilli into a fun meal.
- Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover chilli.
- Fried Plantains – Their sweetness provides an interesting contrast to the savoury and spicy notes of the chilli.
- Corn on the Cob – A classic summertime favourite that pairs well with the bold flavours of chilli.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Crispy and gooey, a grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food alongside a bowl of chilli.
Whether you prefer a crowd-pleasing feast or a quiet meal at home, these side dishes will suit any chilli enthusiast and bring warmth and delight to your table.
Crispy Leftover Turkey Meatballs
After the festive feasting has come to an end, there’s no need to let leftover turkey languish in the fridge. Turn that extra turkey into something truly delicious with these crispy leftover turkey meatballs.
Begin by finely chopping any leftover turkey and mixing it with breadcrumbs, a handful of grated cheese, some finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme, and an egg to bind it all together. Season generously with salt and pepper for a burst of flavour. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls before coating them in a light dusting of seasoned flour.
Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan and gently fry the meatballs until they’re golden and crisp on the outside. They’ll develop a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender turkey within. Serve them hot alongside a zesty dipping sauce—perhaps a tangy cranberry relish or a simple garlic aioli—and watch them disappear in no time. It’s the perfect way to give a second life to your festive leftovers while treating yourself to a scrumptious meal.
Indulge in the delightful crunch of Quick & Tasty Air Fried Potato Skins, the perfect snack or side dish. Begin by selecting fresh, firm potatoes; after thoroughly scrubbing them, pierce each one with a fork, then pop them in the microwave until tender yet firm. Once cool enough to handle, slice them in half and scoop out a little of the flesh, creating a perfect vessel for toppings.
Next, brush the skins with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt for that irresistible crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer and nestle the skins inside, cooking them until golden and perfectly crunchy. As they crisp away, consider piling them high with your favourite toppings—perhaps a generous sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even crispy bacon bits. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll have beautifully cooked potato skins that are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavour. Enjoy them hot, and savour every delectable bite!
Air fryer butternut squash is a delightful side dish that captures the essence of autumn on your plate. To prepare, simply peel and dice the butternut squash into even chunks, ensuring they cook uniformly. Toss the pieces with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for added warmth.
Place the seasoned squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing hot air to circulate evenly around the vegetables. Set the temperature to around 200 degrees Celsius and let the magic happen for about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote an even crispiness.
The result is a beautifully caramelised exterior with a tender, buttery interior—perfect for serving alongside roasted meats or as a vibrant addition to salads. A final dusting of dried herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish even further. Enjoy this nutritious and scrumptious treat that embodies the comforting flavours of the season!
Irresistible pork belly burnt ends are a culinary delight that perfectly encapsulate the art of slow cooking. The succulent chunks of pork belly are seasoned generously with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each bite bursts with flavour. Slowly smoked to perfection, they develop a tantalising caramelised crust while remaining melt-in-the-mouth tender inside. Finished off with a glossy glaze of sweet barbecue sauce, these morsels of goodness are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for a sophisticated gathering or a weekend treat. Served alongside a crisp coleslaw or fluffy brioche buns, it’s a dish that promises to leave everyone coming back for more.
The Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic French favourite, marrying the richness of ham and cheese with a sweet dusting of powdered sugar. Crafted using layers of smoked ham and gooey Swiss cheese nestled between slices of brioche, this indulgent treat is elegantly dipped in a silky egg batter before being air-fried to golden perfection. The result is a beautifully crisp exterior that gives way to a warm and melty core, perfectly complementing the subtle sweetness that the dusting of sugar provides. Serve it with a side of tangy raspberry jam for that quintessential balance of flavours, and you have a sophisticated brunch option that’s both easy to prepare and utterly delicious.
If you're seeking a delicious and nutritious snack or main dish, look no further than these Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets. Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully crunchy, they offer a satisfying bite that’s perfect for dipping or simply enjoying on their own.
To begin, press a block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture, ensuring that your nuggets achieve the desired crispiness. Once drained, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and marinate them in a blend of soy sauce, garlic powder, and a splash of sesame oil for added depth of flavour. After allowing the tofu to soak up the marinade for at least 30 minutes, it's time to coat them.
Create a crunchy exterior by dipping each nugget in a mixture of breadcrumbs (panko works wonderfully for extra crisp), nutritional yeast, and your choice of herbs and spices. Place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and crisp—typically around 25-30 minutes.
Serve these delightful nuggets warm, paired with your favourite dipping sauce—be it sweet chilli, tahini, or a spicy mayo. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavours, proving that plant-based eating can be both exciting and utterly delicious!
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish, perfect for busy evenings when you crave something indulgent but want to keep it a bit lighter. The steak, typically a tenderised cut of beef, is generously seasoned and coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture before being air-fried to crispy perfection. The air fryer delivers that much sought-after crunch without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option.
Served with a rich, velvety cream gravy and perhaps a side of fluffy mashed potatoes or fresh greens, this dish brings a taste of comfort food straight to your dinner table with a fraction of the fuss. Whether you're serving it for a family meal or a cosy dinner for two, Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak promises to be a satisfying and delicious experience.
Air Fryer Lasagne Puff Pastry Triangles
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty twist on a classic favourite, these Air Fryer Lasagne Puff Pastry Triangles are a must-try. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful snack, they’re packed with all the delicious flavours of traditional lasagne but in a crispy, golden pastry shell.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of ready-made puff pastry
- 300g minced beef or vegetarian alternative
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 100g ricotta cheese
- 50g grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: In a frying pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the minced beef and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the ricotta and parmesan until well combined.
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Roll Out the Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to your desired thickness and cut into squares of about 10cm x 10cm.
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Fill and Fold: Place a spoonful of the lasagne filling in the centre of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing down with a fork.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Brush the tops of the triangles with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish. Cook in batches for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. These delicious triangles can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your scrumptious Air Fryer Lasagne Puff Pastry Triangles—perfect for satisfying those cravings with a fraction of the effort!
Air-fried Brussels sprouts with pancetta and maple syrup offer a delightful twist on a classic side dish. The Brussels sprouts, expertly trimmed and halved, achieve a golden crispness in the air fryer, while the pancetta adds a savoury depth of flavour. As they cook, the rich, smoky notes of the pancetta meld beautifully with the natural sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a perfect balance. Once plated, a final drizzle of maple syrup elevates the dish, inviting a satisfying contrast between the salty and sweet. This quick and easy recipe not only highlights the versatility of Brussels sprouts but also promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.

