Air Fryer Sliders Recipe

If you’re after a weeknight showstopper that’s both bite-sized and magical, these Air Fryer Sliders are about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation! Juicy, impossibly tender beef patties, melty cheese, and a zippy homemade burger sauce—all layered onto soft, buttery buns and ready in barely 15 minutes. It’s everything you crave in a classic burger, just much cuter and far less messy (but just as addictive)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Sliders? The ingredients are everyday staples, but each one plays a crucial role in building juicy, flavor-packed sliders you’ll crave again and again. Here’s why every component counts—and a couple tips to make them shine!

• Ground beef (1 pound): Go for 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest, most flavorful patties that won’t dry out in the air fryer.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds classic umami richness that makes your sliders taste unmistakably burger-y.
• Liquid smoke (1 teaspoon, optional): A smoky secret ingredient for that freshly grilled flavor (even without stepping outside!).
• Seasoned salt (1 teaspoon): The seasoned base that elevates the beef and brings everything to life.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For delicious depth of flavor in every bite.
• Deli style American cheese (4 slices): Melts like a dream and gives that gooey slider experience.
• Slider buns (8): Soft, pillowy buns keep your sliders handheld and mess-free (look for sweet Hawaiian rolls for extra fun!).
• Butter (2-3 tablespoons): For golden, toasty buns that send these sliders over the top.
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base for your tangy, craveable burger sauce.
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons): For sweet, tomatoey punch in the sauce.
• Mustard (1 tablespoon): Balances the sauce with just enough zip.
• White vinegar (1 teaspoon): A splash of acidity brightens and balances the sauce.
• Garlic salt (1/2 teaspoon, more or less to taste): Adds a kick of garlicky goodness to the sauce.
• Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon, more or less to taste): Just enough heat to wake up your tastebuds! Adjust for your spice preference.

Variations

My favorite part about Air Fryer Sliders? They’re made to be creative! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or catering to your crew’s cravings, here are a few fabulous ways to make these sliders your own.

• Make it Spicy: Stir a spoonful of sriracha or diced jalapeños into your burger sauce for a fiery kick.
• Swap Out the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or even a smoky provolone to change the flavor profile.
• Stuffed Sliders: Tuck a tiny square of cheese or sautéed onions right inside each patty before air frying for a gooey, flavorful surprise.
• Turkey or Veggie Sliders: Sub out the beef for ground turkey or your favorite plant-based ground for a lighter (but still delicious) option.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve your slider patties in lettuce wraps with sauce drizzled over the top for a fresh, lighter presentation.

How to Make Air Fryer Sliders

Step 1: Mix and Shape Your Patties

Combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), seasoned salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Get in there with clean hands and gently mix until just combined—overmixing can make patties tough! Next, divide the mixture evenly into 8 balls and flatten each one slightly larger than your buns, since they’ll shrink a bit as they cook.

Step 2: Air Fry the Patties

Arrange the patties in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you’ll probably need two batches, depending on your air fryer size). Cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For well done sliders, aim for a 160°F internal temperature. Adjust time if you like them a little pink in the middle!

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Cut your cheese slices in half and drape each patty with a half slice as soon as they’re cooked. Pop the basket back in the (turned-off) air fryer for a minute, letting the residual heat do that irresistible gooey magic.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

While your sliders cook, spread the slider buns with a thin layer of butter and toast them in a hot skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp at the edges. It’s a little extra step, but the buttery crunch totally transforms your Air Fryer Sliders experience!

Step 5: Make the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar. Sprinkle in garlic salt and chili powder, adjusting both to your taste. This sauce is next-level as a burger topping, but trust me—it’s also a killer dip for your fries!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Now for the fun: Place each cheesy patty onto a toasted bun, top with a spoonful of that dreamy sauce, and add any of your favorite fixings. Pop on the top bun, wrap in a napkin (juiciness alert!), and devour your sliders while still warm.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sliders

Garnishes

Give your sliders the ultimate finish with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, thinly shaved red onions, and crunchy dill pickles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on the buns always makes them look extra special, and don’t forget an extra drizzle of that homemade burger sauce for a pop of flavor!

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Sliders with classic crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a zesty coleslaw for a refreshing balance. For a party spread, lay out waffle fries, onion rings, and a platter of fresh veggies with extra burger sauce for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your sliders in rows on a wooden serving board, layered with pickles and mini flags for game day flair, or let everyone build their own with a DIY slider bar loaded with toppings. For a picnic or tailgate, wrap each slider in wax paper and tuck them into a basket—they’ll be the star of the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover sliders individually in foil or store the cooked patties and buns separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them an easy lunchbox upgrade or speedy snack.

Freezing

Want to get ahead? Freeze cooked, unassembled patties tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have mini burgers on demand!

Reheating

Pop chilled patties back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes, just until heated through, then refresh the buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes for that good-as-fresh texture. Add cheese during the last minute for the ultimate gooey melt.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe that makes every night feel a little special, you have to try these Air Fryer Sliders. They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and so much fun to share—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself whipping up a second batch before you know it!

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