Air-Fryer Sliders: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or pan-frying, offering a convenient and crispy way to cook your food. In this article, we will be discussing how to make delicious, juicy sliders in an air fryer. Sliders are a perfect snack for any occasion, be it a family dinner or a game-day party.

Choosing your ingredients

When it comes to choosing your ingredients for air fryer sliders, the options are endless. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select the best ingredients for this delicious dish:

Meat Options:

• Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80/20 ratio, to ensure your sliders are juicy and flavorful.
• Alternative Proteins: You can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a healthier option.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: You can use either fresh or frozen meat for your sliders. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them first; simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Seasonings and Flavorings:

• Basic Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the meat. You can also add garlic powder for a simple yet tasty flavor boost.
• Onion: Dried minced onion adds a subtle savory flavor to the meat. You can also use fresh red or white onions, thinly sliced, as a topping.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce brings a complex, tangy flavor to the sliders.
• Mesquite Seasoning: Adding mesquite seasoning to your meat mixture is optional but can give your sliders a unique smoky flavor.

Cheese Options:

• Cheddar: Thin slices of cheddar cheese are a classic option for sliders. You can place them on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking to let them melt.
• American: Sliced American cheese folded over into a cube and stuffed into the center of the patty melts nicely.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella, preferably pre-sliced, is a great choice for stuffed cheeseburger sliders. It melts beautifully and stretches with each bite.
• Gouda: Gouda cheese cubes work well for stuffed burgers, as they can be a bit hard to slice.

Buns and Toppings:

• Slider Buns: Soft and slightly sweet slider buns, such as Hawaiian rolls, complement the savory beef patties perfectly.
• Lettuce Wraps: If you prefer a gluten-free or low-carb option, you can serve your sliders in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
• Classic Toppings: Cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and special sauces like "In-N-Out" sauce or a chipotle lime mayo are always a hit.
• Creative Toppings: Get adventurous with toppings like avocado, bacon, caramelized onions, or unique sauces like tzatziki or marinara.

Mixing and forming the patties

To make the perfect sliders in an air fryer, mixing and forming the patties is a crucial step. Here's a detailed guide:

Firstly, gather your chosen ingredients. You can use ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork. For a lighter option, opt for ground turkey or chicken. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try vegetarian options like black bean or falafel sliders. Combine your chosen meat with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you prefer. You can also add an egg to help bind the mixture together. Some recipes suggest adding breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture and provide structure to the patties.

Next, divide the mixture into small portions, each about the size of a golf ball. This size will ensure your sliders are the perfect mini size. Flatten each portion into a patty, making them slightly larger than your slider buns as they will shrink during cooking. You can use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to portion out the meat, but be careful not to pack the meat too tightly.

If you want to get creative, you can make cheese-stuffed sliders. To do this, roll the meat mixture into a ball, then use your thumb to press an indentation into the centre. Add a small piece of cheese, about 1/2 inch in size, then fold the meat over to enclose it. Gently flatten the patty again, ensuring it's about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches wide.

Once you've formed your patties, it's essential to let them rest before cooking. This helps the meat hold its shape and ensures juicy, tender sliders. You can even prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the slider-making process. It ensures that the airflow is at the right levels for optimum cooking and gives your burgers a great sear. Depending on your air fryer model, you can either use the preheat setting or set it to air fry at 370°F for 4 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply let it run for 5 minutes before adding your sliders. This step should only take a couple of minutes and will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your sliders.

Once preheated, you can then place your slider patties into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. This is crucial for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your sliders in batches.

Cooking the sliders

Now that you've shaped your patties and preheated your air fryer, it's time to cook your sliders! Place your patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sliders in batches. Set the timer for 8-10 minutes, flipping the sliders halfway through, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you're adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking so it can melt.

For a medium-rare burger, air fry your sliders at 380°F for 4 minutes, then flip and air fry for an additional 2 minutes. If you prefer your burgers more well-done, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Once the sliders are cooked to your liking, it's time to assemble them! Place each patty on a slider bun and add your desired toppings and sauces. Serve the sliders hot for the best taste and enjoy your delicious, juicy, and evenly cooked meal!

Adding toppings and serving

Once your sliders are cooked, it's time to add your toppings and serve. The great thing about sliders is that you can get creative with your toppings and experiment with different combinations. Classic toppings include cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauces like ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or mayonnaise. But feel free to mix it up with ingredients like avocado, bacon, or sliced pickles.

If you're serving your sliders for a game day party or get-together, you can set up a build-your-own slider station with a variety of toppings and sauces for your guests to choose from. This way, everyone can customize their sliders according to their preferences.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can also toast the slider buns in the air fryer for a minute before assembling the sliders. This adds a bit of texture and makes the buns slightly crisp.

When it comes to serving, sliders are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal with sides. They are also great for parties, family dinners, or even a fun cooking session with friends or family. You can serve them on a platter or arrange them on a board with the toppings on the side, allowing everyone to build their own.

Sliders are best served hot, so make sure to serve them fresh out of the air fryer. If you're making a large batch, you can keep the cooked sliders warm in the oven at a low temperature until you're ready to serve them.

Now you have delicious, juicy sliders ready to be enjoyed!

Frequently asked questions