How To Make Creamy Chili Oil Mayo In 5 Minutes (So Addictive!)
It started on a cozy Friday night when I needed something fun for our snack board. I tossed a batch of golden fries into the air fryer (you know I’m a fries girl through and through). While they crisped, I spotted my little jar of chili crisp garlicky, toasty, a little smoky and a lightbulb went off: mix it with mayo. Five minutes later, I had the silkiest, zingiest creamy chili oil mayo.
We dipped everything into it fries, crunchy carrots, leftover chicken bites and the bowl vanished. Since then, this has become my “house sauce” for game-day trays, weeknight Air Fryer French Fries, and even Chili Cheese Hot Dog nights (don’t knock it till you try it). If you love Spicy Mayo, you’re about to fall hard for this creamy, crunchy, chili-flecked dream.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chili oil mayo takes simple air-fried bites and turns them into restaurant-style snacks fast.
- 5 minutes, big flavor: No cooking, no blender. Just whisk and serve perfect for Beginner-Friendly Air Fryer Recipes.
- Velvety heat: Cooling mayo meets warm chili crunch for that balanced aioli dip vibe.
- Ultra-versatile: Drizzle over Air Fried Chicken, dunk fries, swipe on burgers or Fried Hot Dogs even thin it for a salad dressing.
- Pairs with everything: Try it with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes, or snack platters from Best Air Fryer Snacks.
SEO note: This easy air fryer dipping sauce doubles as a quick homemade dip, ideal for air fryer sauces collections.
Creamy Chili Oil Mayo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add 1/2 cup mayo to a bowl as your base.
- Stir in 1–2 tbsp chili crisp (include crunchy bits).
- Whisk until silky and evenly blended into a glossy orange sauce.
- Add lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce (if using), and honey or maple (if desired).
- Taste and adjust heat, sweetness, and salt. Rest in fridge for 15 mins (optional).
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – classic, Japanese, or vegan (use vegan mayo if desired).
- Chili oil / chili crisp – adjust to taste; the crunchy bits add texture and a lovely toasted note.
- Garlic – ½ tsp minced or a light sprinkle of powder (for a mellow, sweet vibe, try it with Air Fryer Roasted Garlic).
- Acid – 1–2 tsp lemon juice or rice vinegar for brightness.
- Soy sauce (optional) – a dash for umami and salt.
- Honey or maple (optional) – ½–1 tsp to round the heat.
- Salt & pepper – to taste.
Make it lighter: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier creamy recipe spin.
Step-By-Step Instructions Creamy Chili Oil Mayo
- Measure the Base
Add ½ cup mayo to a bowl. This is the creamy canvas for your chili oil magic. - Stir in Chili Crisp
Add 1–2 Tbsp chili oil/chili crisp. Include some crunchy bits for texture. Start small and build the spice. - Mix Until Silky
Whisk gently until the mayo turns a glossy orange-red and everything looks evenly blended. - Brighten & Boost
Add 1 tsp lemon juice (or rice vinegar), ½ tsp minced garlic, and ¼ tsp soy sauce if using. Mix to combine. - Taste & Tweak
Taste with a fry. Want more heat? Add chili crisp. Too spicy? Stir in a touch of honey. - Chill (Optional but Great)
Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to marry the flavors. Then serve and swoon.
Best Brands of Chili Crisp or Chili Crunch
Let’s be honest not all chili crisps are created equal.
Some bring bold smoky heat, others have crunchy garlic that pops in every bite, and a few are silky smooth with just the right amount of fire. Over the past few months, I’ve tested several popular chili crisp and chili crunch jars with my air fryer recipes from crispy fries to chicken bites and these are the ones I keep buying again and again.
Here are my top picks for when you’re ready to make your creamy chili oil mayo truly unforgettable:
Pro Tips For Creamy Chili Oil Mayo
- Turn up the heat: Use extra chili crisp or add a pinch of gochugaru. Serve with Spicy Roasted Air Fryer Chickpeas for an all-spice snack board.
- Make it milder: Blend in 1–2 Tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream. This is clutch when serving alongside Air Fryer Chicken Bites for kids.
- Choose good chili crisp: Look for jars with visible garlic/onion/sesame bits for more character amazing with Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Tots.
- Use as marinade/dressing: Thin with lemon juice and brush on Air Fryer Chicken Thighs before cooking, or whisk with a splash of water for a spicy salad drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
- Air Fryer French Fries: The classic pairing try with Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes.
- Wings & Chicken: Dunk Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings or Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
- Veggie Platters: Serve with Air Fryer Broccoli, Garlic Butter Air Fryer Mushrooms, or Air Fryer Asparagus.
- Burgers & Sandwiches: Spread on sliders or drizzle over Chili Cheese fries (hi, loaded snack night!).
- Fun extras: A thin drizzle over Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps = instant bistro vibes.
Hosting a platter? Add it to your Best Air Fryer Snacks lineup or pair with Air Fryer Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs for a cheesy-spicy duo.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store in a sealed jar for up to 7 days.
- Flavor improves: It’s even better the next day as the chili infuses the mayo.
- Remix: Stir before serving chili oil may settle.
- Freezing: Not recommended (mayo can split).
Closing
That’s it your 5-minute ticket to snack bliss. Whisk up this creamy chili oil mayo, grab a tray of Air Fryer French Fries or Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, and dive in. Try it and tell me in the comments: what did you dip first?
Craving more dips? Browse our air fryer sauces inside Best Air Fryer Snacks and save your favorites for next time.
FAQs about Creamy Chili Oil Mayo
Can I make chili oil mayo without chili crisp?
Yes. Use plain chili oil plus minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper. It won’t have the same crunchy texture, but the flavor is still spot-on.
Is it spicy?
It’s pleasantly warm. Start with 1 Tbsp chili crisp and build from there. For milder palates, add a spoon of Greek yogurt.
How long does it last in the fridge?
About 1 week in a clean, airtight jar.
Can I use this as a dip for shrimp or tofu?
Absolutely. It’s fantastic with air-fried shrimp and crispy tofu, and dreamy as a side for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon or Crispy Air Fryer Falafel.
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