Sonic is admittedly one of my guilty pleasures, but when I don’t feel like going out, I make these copycat Sonic chili cheese dogs right at home! They’re savory, cheesy, and hit the spot perfectly for a quick meal, made even easier since you can make them right in the air fryer!
What Are Sonic Chili Cheese Dogs?
Sonic’s chili cheese coney is a signature menu item at the iconic Sonic drive in fast food restaurant featuring an all-beef hot dog in a warm bakery bun, topped with hearty chili and melted cheddar cheese. This classic combination offers a savory flavor profile that has become a fan favorite!
You can customize your dog with add-ons like diced onions, jalapeños, pickles, or tomato slices. While I don’t think it’s needed, feel free to add ketchup, mustard, or relish to make your own flavor combos!
The best part about making it at home is not having to leave home in the first place of course! These loaded hot dogs make for a quick, easy, and tasty dinner, and you can dress them up just the way you like – no car required!
Katie’s tip
Love chili cheese? Try my easy loaded Air Fryer Chili Cheese Fries too!
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Ingredients List
- 4 all beef hot dogs (I use Hebrew National)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or to taste)
- 4 hot dog buns (side split)
- 10 ounce can Hormel no beans chili
- 1-2 Tbsp water
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- Sonic uses their own brand of all beef hot dogs, so you can just use your favorites. Nathan’s or Hebrew National are two popular choices
- The closest tasting chili to Sonic’s signature chili I’ve found is Hormel, specifically with no beans. I add a little water to thin the consistency to be more similar (but you can also skip this if you prefer a thicker and heartier chili texture)!
- You can add other toppings as desired – I like a little diced white onion on top of my dogs!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the hot dogs to your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, with air space between each one. Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re hot, sizzling, and browned at the ends. While the hot dogs are cooking, mix the chili with the water until you have a saucy consistency (or omit the water for a thicker topping if preferred)
- Once the hot dogs are heated, transfer each one to a bun. Top the dog in the bun with about 2 Tbsp of the chili sauce, and then ⅛ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or as much as you’d like). I try to push the cheese down into the chili a little so it doesn’t fly around in the air fryer
- Return the loaded chili cheese dogs to the air fryer and cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted
- Add toppings if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Pairing Suggestions
Classic Sides
- Tater Tots – Crispy and golden, perfect for scooping up extra chili or cheese. Make Air Fryer Sonic Tater Tots for the ultimate pairing!
- French Fries – Whether plain or loaded, fries are a classic pairing
- Onion Rings – Their crunchy coating and sweet onion flavor contrast nicely with the savory chili. My easy Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings are a great quick side
Lighter Options
- Side Salad – A simple green salad helps balance the richness of the chili and cheese
- Pickle Spear or Pickled Veggies – Adds a tangy, refreshing bite that cuts through the heaviness
Drinks
- Cherry Limeade – A Sonic classic that adds a sweet, citrusy contrast, or try a Sonic Ocean Water for a refreshing treat!
- Root Beer or Cola – Bold and fizzy flavors that match the heartiness of the hot dog. For a boozy twist, try my Root Beer Float Shots for a party!
- Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing and light, especially for hot summer meals. Cool down with a Frozen Vodka Lemonade (for the adults)!
Desserts
- Milkshake (Vanilla or Chocolate) – A rich, creamy treat that rounds out the meal. Try my S’mores Milkshake (which is also like Sonic’s)!
- Sundae or Ice Cream Cone – Great for a casual, fast food–style finish!
Recipe FAQs
Are Sonic’s Hot Dogs All Beef?
Sonic’s hot dogs, including the chili cheese coney and the all-American dog, are made with 100% pure beef.
What’s the Difference Between Hot Dog Chili and Regular Chili?
Hot dog chili is typically thicker, smoother, and beanless, designed specifically as a topping. It’s made with a more finely ground beef, tomato paste or ketchup, and has a slightly sweeter taste.
In contrast, regular chili (chili con carne) is chunkier, may contain beans, and is spicier, intended to be eaten as a standalone dish.
What’s the Difference Between a Coney Dog and a Chili Dog?
While both are hot dogs topped with meat sauces, a coney dog traditionally features a beef frankfurter topped with a beanless meat sauce, yellow mustard, and diced onions.
The term “coney” is associated with regional styles, such as Coney Island hot dogs. A chili dog, on the other hand, is more generic, typically featuring a hot dog topped with chili con carne, which may include beans and varies in spiciness.
Recipe Tips For the Best Chili Cheese Dogs
- If your cheese is flying off the hot dogs, you can also add it afterwards! Just heat the chili on the dogs for 2-3 minutes, then add the cheese, leave the basket in the air fryer, and it will melt within a minute or so
- Feel free to customize the amount of toppings if you like your dogs meatier, cheesier, or sloppier – the sky’s the limit here! You can also use footlong dogs if your air fryer can fit them!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover chili cheese dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to separate the hot dogs, buns, and chili if possible to avoid sogginess
- Freeze components separately: You can freeze the cooked hot dogs and chili (not the buns) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Reheating
- Microwave (quickest): Reheat hot dogs and chili separately on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Assemble on a fresh or lightly toasted bun
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place assembled chili cheese dogs on a baking sheet, loosely cover with foil, and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until hot
- Air Fryer: Reheat assembled dogs at 350°F for 5–6 minutes. To prevent the bun from getting too crispy, wrap lightly in foil (or just heat the dogs and chili on a piece of foil and add to a fresh bun)!
More Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes
Final Thoughts
Now you can enjoy Sonic’s chili dog right at home with this easy air fryer chili cheese dog recipe! It’s all the savory flavors you love, without ever leaving home!
It’s topped with meaty warm chili sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and finished with a soft bun with crispy edges for the perfect comforting meal.
Katie’s tip
Looking for some limited time seasonal offerings? Try my Sonic Witch’s Brew copycat for a delicious Halloween drink!
Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs (Sonic Style)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 all beef hot dogs
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 white hot dog buns (side split)
- 1 can Hormel no beans chili (I use the 10 ounce and have some leftover)
- 1-2 Tbsp water *optional; see notes
Instructions
- Add the hot dogs to your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, with air space between each one. Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re hot, sizzling, and browned at the ends. While the hot dogs are cooking, mix the chili with the water until you have a saucy consistency (or omit the water for a thicker topping if preferred)4 all beef hot dogs, 1 can Hormel no beans chili, 1-2 Tbsp water
- Once the hot dogs are heated, transfer each one to a bun. Top the dog in the bun with about 2 Tbsp of the chili sauce, and then ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. I try to push the cheese down into the chili a little so it doesn’t fly around in the air fryer4 white hot dog buns, ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Return the loaded chili cheese dogs to the air fryer and cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted
- Add toppings if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Notes
- The closest tasting chili to Sonic’s signature chili I’ve found is Hormel, specifically with no beans. I add a little water to thin the consistency to be more similar and it can be adjusted to preference, but you can also skip this if you prefer a thicker and heartier chili texture. You will have some leftover chili assuming you use a 10-ounce can, so save it for another recipe!
- Sonic uses their own brand of all beef hot dogs, so you can just use your favorites. Nathan’s or Hebrew National are two popular choices
- You can add other toppings as desired – I like a little diced white onion on top of my chili cheese dogs!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces, toppings, or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
