Sliders, those irresistible mini burgers, are a perfect fit for the air fryer, delivering juicy patties with a crispy exterior in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Whether you’re whipping up cheeseburger sliders for a game-day party or ham and cheese sliders for a quick dinner, the air fryer makes the process fast, easy, and mess-free.
Cooking Beef Sliders in an Air Fryer
Air fryer sliders cook in under 10 minutes! These yummy mini burgers are simple to whip up a batch, perfect for a family dinner or appetizer! Ground beef – We often cook with lean beef, but when it comes to burgers we always recommend 80/20. The extra fat in the beef makes for a juicy burger. Seasonings – We use common ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Prepare the burgers – Add the beef and seasoning to a bowl and combine well. Portion into 8 balls and smash them into patties just a bit larger than your buns. They’ll shrink a bit as they cook. Cook the patties – Arrange the patties in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. 10 minutes is well done for us, but check with an internal thermometer and cook to your preferred temperature. Melt the cheese – To melt the cheese over the patties, turn the air fryer off, add half a slice of cheese to each patty, and let it sit in the hot air fryer for a minute to melt the cheese.
Assemble the sliders – If you are cooking in batches then you should wrap them in foil and let them rest on a plate while waiting on the next batch to finish. Arrange the burgers on slider buns and top with desired toppings. We make a simple sauce for air fryer sliders that really takes them to the next level! You’ll combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, garlic salt, and chili powder and just stir to combine. We like our sauce a bit on the tangy side. Adds such a nice flavor to the burgers!
Cooking Ham and Cheese Sliders in an Air Fryer
Air fryer ham and cheese sliders are the perfect mini sandwich for a snack, lunch, or appetizer on game day. Besides an air fryer, the ingredients you need to make these sliders are:
- Hawaiian Style Rolls: Sweet, soft rolls add a delicate sweetness. Slices of Ham: Savory, salty ham provides a rich, hearty flavor.
- Cheese Slices: Creamy, melty cheese adds richness and tang. Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo enhances moisture and richness. Honey Mustard: Tangy and sweet mustard gives a sharp, zesty bite. Butter: Rich butter adds an indulgent, savory flavor to the seasonings.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an extra kick to the glaze. Onion Powder: Subtle onion flavor enhances savory depth. Garlic Powder: Mild garlic adds warmth and aroma. Poppy Seeds: Nutty poppy seeds add texture and crunch. (optional) Lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls before making this dish at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- STEP 1: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- STEP 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.
- STEP 3: Cut the rolls in half horizontally (try not to break them apart). In a small bowl, mix together the mayo and mustard and spread it evenly over the top and bottom halves of the rolls. Place the bottom layer of the rolls in the air fryer basket. Arrange the ham slices on top of the rolls in an even layer, and then layer on the cheese slices. Place the top of the rolls on top of the cheese. Brush over the top of the rolls with the butter mixture.
- STEP 4: Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Wattage and size of air fryer may change the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time as needed until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Cooking Frozen Sliders in an Air Fryer
This recipe for juicy White Castle cheeseburgers is so easy! All you need to do is put frozen White Castle sliders into your air fryer and they will be cooked perfectly in minutes! Remove sliders from packaging. Place in single layer upside down in the air fryer. Set air fryer temperature to 390F for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the basket and flip the sliders over to the other side so they are right side up. Return basket to the air fryer and let it finish cooking. When the time is done and sliders are cooked, you will take them out and transfer to a serving plate. You can use a spatula here if you like. Serve warm and enjoy! If serving to young children, you may want to cut the sliders in half first and let cool slightly!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sliders
- Use high-quality meat: A ground beef mix with higher fat content, like 80/20, is ideal for juicy and flavorful sliders. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a healthier option.
- Don’t skip preheating: Preheating your air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior for your sliders.
- Avoid overcrowding: Place the patties in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. It’s important to allow enough space for the hot air to circulate and cook the sliders evenly.
- Flip halfway: It’s recommended to flip the sliders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Use a meat thermometer: For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sliders before removing them from the air fryer basket. For beef sliders, 160°F is recommended for well-done.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook frozen sliders in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen sliders like White Castle burgers can be cooked in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.
2. What temperature should I use for beef sliders?
Most recipes recommend 350°F to 380°F for beef sliders. Cooking times range from 6 to 10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired doneness.
3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is highly recommended to achieve a crispy exterior and even cooking. Preheat to the recipe’s specified temperature, usually around 350°F to 400°F, for 3-5 minutes.
4. How do I prevent sliders from drying out?
Use a higher-fat ground beef (like 80/20) for juicier patties, and avoid overcooking. Covering patties with foil after cooking or letting them rest briefly can also help retain moisture.
5. Can I toast the buns in the air fryer?
Yes, you can toast slider buns in the air fryer at 300°F to 380°F for 1-3 minutes. This adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess, especially for ham and cheese sliders.