‘I’ve developed hundreds of recipes but one is a weekly staple for my family’

Bestselling cookbook author Clare Andrews has shared one of her go-to recipes that has become a weekly staple in her household

Talya Honebeek Content Editor – Spare Time

01:05, 18 Jan 2026

‘I’ve developed hundreds of air fryer recipes and I’ve been cooking this dish for my family for years.'(Image: fcafotodigital via Getty Images)

Planning your weekly menu can feel like a daunting task. Should you experiment with something different or stick to a reliable favourite that you could practically prepare with your eyes closed?

Everyone has their tried-and-tested recipes they love revisiting time and again, and bestselling cookbook author Clare Andrews is no exception. Having created countless air fryer dishes throughout her career, Clare specialises in meals that are quick, straightforward and, crucially, delicious.

In her newest publication, The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: 15-Minute Feasts, Clare shares a straightforward recipe that has become a weeknight essential in her home, reports the Express.

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

This recipe loved by cookbook author Clare Andrews makes for the perfect midweek meal(Image: Getty)

“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 serve two people and require just 10 minutes of preparation time. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate it in your own kitchen.

Chilli con carne meatballs recipe

This makes for the perfect midweek meal(Image: Danielle Wood)

Ingredients400g 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)Method

To begin, preheat your air fryer to 200°C for three minutes and take out the crisper plate.

In a large bowl, combine the mince with all the spices and seasonings until thoroughly mixed, then shape into bite-sized meatballs. You should be able to make approximately 12.

Lightly spray with oil and place the meatballs in the air fryer basket or your ovenproof dish in a single layer, ensuring there’s a bit of space between each one. Cook for three to five minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through, or turning if using a dish, until the meatballs start to turn golden.

In the meantime, prepare your sauce by blending all the ingredients except the beans until smooth. Pour the sauce over your meatballs and give it a stir.

Add the kidney beans and stir again. Cook for an additional eight to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

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