Air Fryer Sliders: Perfect Timing For A Quick Bite

Air fryer sliders are a quick, convenient, and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. They are perfect for game-day parties, family dinners, or a fun cooking session. The compact size of these sliders makes them ideal for serving as appetisers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal. The air fryer's consistent and even cooking ensure that the sliders are perfectly done, with a juicy interior and a nicely browned exterior.

How to make sliders in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Worcestershire sauce
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
• Slider buns
• Toppings of your choice (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sauces, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Butter
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Dried minced onion

Steps:

• Combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and seasonings in a bowl. You can also add an egg and breadcrumbs for binding and dried minced onion for extra flavor.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into a patty that is slightly larger than your slider buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F (180°C).
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes at 360-390°F (180°C), flipping halfway through, until they reach your desired level of doneness.
• If desired, add a slice of cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking to let it melt.
• While the patties are cooking, you can toast the slider buns in a skillet or in the air fryer for extra flavor and texture.
• Assemble your sliders by placing the cooked patties on the buns and adding your desired toppings.

Tips:

• Bring the meat to room temperature about an hour before cooking.
• Use good quality ground beef with a higher fat content (such as 80/20) for juicier and more flavorful sliders.
• Avoid overworking the meat when forming the patties to prevent them from becoming tough.
• Preheat your air fryer for the best results and to ensure a nice sear on the patties.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
• Flip the sliders halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sliders to ensure they are cooked to your desired doneness.
• Allow the sliders to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices and keep them juicy.

Air fryer slider ingredients

Meat

For the perfect slider patty, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80/20 mix. This will ensure your sliders stay juicy and flavourful. If you're making multiple batches, leaner beef is a better option as it shrinks less. You can also experiment with ground turkey, chicken, lamb, or plant-based alternatives.

Seasonings

The right seasonings will add depth of flavour to your patties. Try a combination of dried minced onion, salt, and black pepper. You can also include an egg and breadcrumbs to bind the mixture and add structure to the patties. For extra tang, add Worcestershire sauce and a hint of liquid smoke to evoke that charcoal grill flavour.

Buns

Select soft and slightly sweet slider buns, such as Hawaiian rolls. Toasting the buns is a must for some, adding a crunchy texture to the overall bite. Butter your buns and toast them on a pan on the stove, or lightly toast them in your air fryer.

Toppings and Sauces

The beauty of sliders is their customisability. Classic toppings include cheese, lettuce, tomato, deli ham, onion, and pickles. For an extra punch of flavour, experiment with toppings like avocado, bacon, or caramelised onions.

For the sauce, a simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, garlic salt, and chili powder will do the trick. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try something different like gochujang, BBQ sauce, or aioli.

Cooking Tips

When preparing your patties, shape them slightly larger than your buns as the meat will shrink during cooking. Avoid overworking the meat to prevent tough sliders. Preheat your air fryer for a nice sear, and cook your patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Now you're all set to make some mouth-watering air fryer sliders!

Air fryer slider cooking times and temperatures

Air fryer sliders are a quick and convenient way to make juicy and tasty mini burgers. The cooking time for sliders in an air fryer will depend on the number of patties you are cooking at once, the type of meat used, and your desired level of doneness.

Cooking Times

The cooking time for sliders in an air fryer can vary from 7 to 10 minutes. This is a relatively short cooking time, making air fryer sliders a quick and convenient option for a meal or appetizer.

When cooking at 380°F/193°C, it is recommended to air fry for 5 minutes, flip the patties, and then cook for an additional 1-3 minutes. This will result in a total cooking time of 6 to 8 minutes.

At a higher temperature of 390°F, the cooking time is around 5 minutes, followed by an additional 1-2 minutes after flipping the patties and adding cheese.

For a lower temperature of 350°F, the cooking time is 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through.

It is important to note that the more patties you cook at once, the slower they will cook. Therefore, if you are cooking a large batch, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

Temperatures

The ideal temperature for cooking sliders in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness and the type of meat used.

For a well-done burger, cook the patties to an internal temperature of 160°F. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F.

If you are using an oven-style air fryer with multiple racks, it is recommended to alternate the racks halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

For a preheated air fryer set at 380°F/193°C, the cooking time is shorter, and you may only need to cook the patties for a total of 6 to 8 minutes.

Tips for Optimal Cooking

• Bring the meat to room temperature before cooking by removing the raw patties from the fridge about an hour beforehand.
• Preheat your air fryer briefly before adding the sliders to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the patties.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking the sliders in batches if necessary. This will ensure proper air circulation and promote even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Flip the sliders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sliders and ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Allow the sliders to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices and keep the meat juicy.
• Get creative with your toppings to add extra flavor and make your sliders even more delicious!

Air fryer slider toppings

Sliders are a great option for a quick, fun meal, and an air fryer is a convenient way to cook them. The best part about sliders is that you can get creative with toppings and sauces to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for air fryer slider toppings to elevate your mini burgers:

Classic Toppings:

• Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, American, or blue cheese.
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Onion: Red, white, or dried minced onion.
• Pickles
• Deli Ham
• Bacon
• Garlic Butter

Sauces:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Barbecue Sauce
• Special Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, garlic salt, and chili powder.
• Gochujang
• Aioli
• BBQ Sauce
• Hot Sauce

Other Topping Ideas:

• Avocado
• Fried Onions
• Speciality cheeses: Blue cheese, feta cheese.
• Cucumber slices
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings and sauces to find your perfect slider recipe! You can also try different variations, such as cheeseburger sliders, BBQ-style sliders, spicy sliders, or even breakfast sliders.

Air fryer slider alternatives

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they use hot air to cook food quickly and evenly, resulting in a healthier and crispier dish. Sliders are miniature hamburgers that are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick meal. Here are some alternatives to the classic slider recipe:

Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps for Keto Sliders:

If you're on a keto diet or prefer a low-carb option, you can replace the bun with a crisp, crunchy lettuce wrap. Use iceberg, romaine, or green leaf lettuce as a low-carb alternative. This way, you can enjoy the slider without the starchy calories from the bun.

Cheeseburger Sliders:

Add a small chunk of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese, to the centre of each patty before cooking. As the sliders cook, the cheese will melt, creating a delicious, gooey centre.

BBQ-Style Sliders:

Add a smoky and tangy flavour to your sliders by mixing your favourite BBQ sauce into the beef mixture. You can also brush the patties with extra sauce before serving for an extra kick of flavour.

Spicy Sliders:

For those who like it hot, add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chilli powder to the beef mixture. Top the sliders with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Greek-Style Lamb Sliders:

Take a trip to Greece with these lamb sliders. Swap the beef for ground lamb and add minced garlic, oregano, and feta cheese. Serve these sliders with tzatziki sauce and cucumber slices for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Turkey or Chicken Sliders:

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Add some finely chopped onion and herbs to enhance the flavour.

Veggie Sliders:

For vegetarians, veggie sliders are a great option. Use mashed beans or lentils mixed with breadcrumbs, finely chopped veggies, and spices. These patties may be softer, so handle them gently during cooking.

Breakfast Sliders:

Make smaller patties and serve them on mini biscuits with a slice of bacon and a fried egg for a breakfast twist. This option is perfect for a hearty morning meal.

Asian-Style Sliders:

Add Asian-inspired flavours to your sliders by mixing soy sauce, minced ginger, and garlic into the beef mixture. Serve these sliders with a cabbage and carrot slaw and a sesame vinaigrette for a unique and tasty dish.

Mexican-Style Sliders:

Bring some Mexican flair to your sliders by mixing in taco seasoning. Top the cooked sliders with avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also add some chopped jalapeños for extra spice.

Italian Sliders:

Add some Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the beef mixture for an Italian twist. Top the sliders with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and you've got yourself a tasty Italian treat.

Frequently asked questions