Air-Fryer Sliders: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook sliders in an air fryer! Sliders are mini burgers that are perfect for a fun, easy-to-make meal. They are a great option for a family dinner or an appetizer. The hot circulating air cooks the mini burger patties to perfection, and you can cook multiple slider patties at once if your air fryer is large enough. The holes in the air fryer basket allow grease to drain away from the meat as it cooks, making it a healthier option.

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking sliders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy, delicious burgers. The cooking time and temperature will depend on how well-done you like your burgers and how many you are cooking at once.

Most recipes recommend cooking your sliders at around 350-390°F/176-198°C. One source suggests preheating your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Another recommends 380°F/193°C.

The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of doneness. For a well-done burger, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C. This will take around 8-10 minutes at 350°F/176°C, flipping the burgers halfway through. If you are cooking at 380°F/193°C, this will take around 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-3 minutes. If you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the timing by a few minutes.

If you are using lean ground beef, your patties will shrink less. If you are using beef that is 85% or fattier, make your patties extra wide to accommodate for shrinkage. The more patties you cook at once, the slower they will cook. If you are using an oven-style air fryer with multiple racks, alternate halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

You can toast your buns in the air fryer at the same temperature for 1-2 minutes while your patties are resting.

Preparing the meat

Next, prepare your ground beef by mixing in your desired seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper is always a good choice, but you can also get creative and experiment with other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, or Dijon mustard. Don't be afraid to give your burgers a little kick! Once you've mixed the seasonings into the beef, divide the mixture into equal portions—aim for about eight portions to make sliders.

Now, it's time to shape your meat into patties. Roll each portion into a loose ball, and then flatten them out. A helpful tip is to make the patties slightly wider than your slider buns because they will shrink a bit during cooking. If you're using leaner beef, they'll shrink less, so keep that in mind when shaping your patties. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent them from puffing up in the middle during cooking.

Finally, rub the patties with olive oil and place them in the preheated air fryer. If you're making cheeseburger sliders, add the cheese slices about a minute before the patties are done cooking so that the cheese has time to melt. Cook the patties to your desired doneness, whether you prefer them rare, medium, or well-done. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties, which should reach 150°F for medium doneness.

Preparing the buns

If you are on a keto or low-carb diet, you can opt for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. You can use a crisp, crunchy lettuce such as iceberg, romaine, or green leaf. This option allows you to enjoy the sliders without the extra starch and calories from the bun.

For those who prefer a more traditional slider, the type of bun you choose can make a difference. Slider buns are typically small and soft, and you may want to select a variety that complements the size and flavour of your patties. You can find slider buns at most bakeries or grocery stores, or you could even make them from scratch if you're feeling adventurous.

To ensure your buns are fresh and soft, it is advisable to store them properly. Keep them in an airtight container or bag at room temperature. If you need to freeze them, ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Properly stored buns will maintain their texture and taste, making your sliders more enjoyable.

Preparing toppings and sauces

Sliders are a great option for a fun and tasty meal, and you can get creative with toppings and sauces to elevate your dish.

For a classic slider, you can opt for the usual toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. However, if you're looking for something more indulgent, you can add a slice of cheese and a slice of bacon to each patty. You can also top your slider with mayonnaise, mustard, and barbecue sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different sauces like gochujang, aioli, or even a spicy-sweet peanut sauce.

If you want to add some crunch to your slider, consider toppings such as sliced avocado, shredded cheese, crema Mexicana, black olives, or jalapeños. You can also add a tangy twist with quick-pickled red onions or tangy cucumber slices. For a fun twist on a classic, try adding grilled pineapple or even a splash of lime to your slider.

For a more sophisticated slider, you can create a special sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, garlic salt, and chili powder. This sauce will add a nice kick to your slider. If you're serving a crowd, you can offer a variety of toppings and sauces so that everyone can customize their slider to their taste.

When preparing toppings and sauces, it's important to consider the flavour profile you want to create. Think about the balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy elements to craft a delicious combination. You can also prepare some toppings and sauces in advance, like a tzatziki sauce, to allow the flavours to develop and mingle.

Serving suggestions

Sliders are a fun and easy meal to make in an air fryer, and they are perfect for a family dinner or an appetizer. You can serve them in slider buns or lettuce wraps, with a variety of toppings and sauces to suit your taste.

If you are serving your sliders in buns, you can toast them on a pan on the stove with a thin layer of butter. You can also warm the buns in the air fryer for about a minute. For a simple sauce to go with your sliders, you can combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, garlic salt, and chili powder. You can also add Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and garlic powder to your sauce. If you are serving your sliders with lettuce wraps, you can use iceberg, romaine, or green leaf lettuce as a low-carb alternative to buns.

When it comes to toppings, you can stick to the classics like tomato, lettuce, and ketchup, or get creative with fried onions, onion jam, barbecue sauce, or fancy condiments. You can also add different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or Cheddar, and other toppings like bacon, pickles, or arugula. If you want to keep everything in the air fryer, you can make potato wedges, roasted Marmite potatoes, or sweet potato fries as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions