Name: Air Fryer Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 8 slider buns; 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 8 pickle slices; olive oil spray

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Get ready to fall in love with the Air Fryer Sliders Recipe — the perfect answer for when you want juicy, flavorful mini burgers in record time, with minimal mess! These little crowd-pleasers are loaded with melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and all your favorite burger fixings, all nestled into soft slider buns. Whether you’re hosting game night, looking for an easy weeknight crowd-pleaser, or just craving something delicious, this Air Fryer Sliders Recipe delivers unbeatable taste and endless smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple and irresistible by combining classic, accessible ingredients that really bring out the best in every bite. Each component adds something unique, whether it’s a juicy mouthfeel, a savory punch, or that authentic cheeseburger essence we all crave.

Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20): For ultimate juiciness and a rich, classic burger flavor, 80/20 beef is your best friend.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the beef.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of zesty depth for each slider.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Gives the patties a subtle garlicky warmth that keeps every bite interesting.
Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Delivers that hint of oniony sweetness without any actual chopping involved.
Slider Buns (8 buns): Soft, fluffy slider buns provide the perfect handheld base for your mini burgers.
Cheddar Cheese Slices (4, halved): Melty, tangy cheddar hugs the patties and brings everything together.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Creamy and luscious, mayo adds moisture and classic burger taste.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): That unmistakable sweet-tangy topping — it’s just not a burger without it!
Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon): For a punch of sharp, vinegary flavor that wakes up all the other ingredients.
Pickle Slices (8): Bright, tangy pickles cut through the richness and give each slider a juicy crunch.
Olive Oil Spray: A quick mist makes sure your patties stay juicy and don’t stick in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. This small step makes a big difference in getting an even sear on your patties and helps them cook through perfectly. A hot air fryer means your sliders start sizzling the second they hit the basket!

Step 2: Mix and Season the Beef

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix until the seasoning is just combined — don’t overwork the meat, or you’ll lose that tender, juicy texture we love in this Air Fryer Sliders Recipe.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 8 equal portions, then shape each into a patty that’s slightly larger than your buns. Remember, they’ll shrink a little as they cook, so give them a bit of extra width for a perfect slider-to-bun ratio.

Step 4: Prep for Air Frying

Lightly spray both sides of your patties with olive oil spray. This ensures a juicy interior and a nicely caramelized outside. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed for the best airflow and even cooking.

Step 5: Cook and Add Cheese

Air fry the patties for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they brown on both sides. When they’ve almost reached 160°F inside (a digital meat thermometer is super handy here), top each with half a slice of cheddar cheese and air fry for 1 more minute until irresistibly melty.

Step 6: Build Your Sliders

While the patties rest briefly, spread mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard on your slider buns. Layer on the cheesy beef patty, add a pickle slice (or two if you’re a pickle fan), and pile on any extra toppings you crave. Serve warm and let the smiles begin!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

Take your sliders to the next level with fresh lettuce for crunch, juicy tomato slices for color and flavor, or even caramelized onions for a savory twist. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on the buns can also give your Air Fryer Sliders Recipe a bakery-fresh look and extra appeal.

Side Dishes

The best companions for sliders have to be crispy fries, onion rings, or even sweet potato wedges — all of which can also be made in the air fryer! For a lighter option, serve your Air Fryer Sliders Recipe with a snappy coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the burgers.

Creative Ways to Present

For party fun, arrange your sliders on a platter with little food picks or colorful flags. Stack them on a tiered tray for a playful display, or build a slider bar with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their mini burgers — it’s interactive, memorable, and perfect for gatherings of all sizes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extras (which doesn’t happen often at my house!), wrap the cooled sliders individually in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making for the tastiest quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cooked slider patties for future cravings! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. Use within three months for best flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their former glory, pop sliders into the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add a minute or two as needed. The air fryer keeps them juicy inside with a touch of crispness outside — just how they should be!

FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Sliders Recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Both turkey and chicken are fantastic lighter swaps for beef. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as leaner meats can dry out more quickly. Consider adding a dash of olive oil or a bit more seasoning to boost flavor and moisture.

Can I toast the slider buns in the air fryer?

Yes, and it’s a game-changer! Simply pop your slider buns into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes at 375°F. They’ll come out perfectly warm and lightly crisp, ready to hug your juicy slider patties.

Are there any extra toppings that work well with this Air Fryer Sliders Recipe?

The sky’s the limit! Layer on crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even your favorite BBQ sauce for a twist. This recipe is so flexible — feel free to get creative and let everyone build their dream slider.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes! Shape your patties and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. This can make party prep or busy weeknight dinners even simpler. Just add about a minute to the cook time if you’re starting with chilled patties.

How do I know when the sliders are cooked through?

A digital meat thermometer is the easiest way to check — you’ll want the internal temperature to reach 160°F for beef. If you don’t have one, pierce the patties and make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.

Final Thoughts

There’s something delightfully satisfying about hot, melty, homemade sliders fresh from the air fryer. This Air Fryer Sliders Recipe is my go-to for easy, happy meals and fun gatherings with friends or family. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with laughter, good smells, and requests for seconds!

Air Fryer Sliders Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 8 sliders 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. Juicy beef patties topped with melted cheese, pickles, and condiments, all sandwiched between soft slider buns. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Patties:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Additional Ingredients:

8 slider buns
4 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
8 pickle slices
olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
Mix Beef: In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shape into 8 patties.
Cook Patties: Lightly spray patties with olive oil, air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add Cheese: Add half a slice of cheese on each patty in the last minute of cooking to melt.
Assemble Sliders: Spread condiments on buns, add patties, pickles, and toppings. Serve warm.