Air Fryer Cheeseburger Sliders
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Air Fryer Cheeseburger Sliders are what I make when I want something that tastes like a really great burger but feeds a whole crowd at once. Juicy mini patties, melty American cheese, and golden toasted buns with that creamy, tangy, savory sauce smeared on every single one. The air fryer gets them perfectly toasted and cheesy fast.
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I make these for game day, backyard gatherings, and even potlucks because they are the kind of pull-apart crowd food everyone loves. They also work perfectly as a weeknight dinner the whole family will devour. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheeseburger Sliders with Step-By-Step Instructions
Getting these sliders on the table is faster and easier than you’d think, and the homemade burger sauce is what takes them over the top.
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Cook the Patties
Season your mini patties with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet until done. I always use my large nonstick skillet here for an even sear on every patty.
Set them aside while you prep everything else.
Mix the Burger Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, grated onion, mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. I use stainless steel measuring spoons for precise measuring every time.
Stir everything together and taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
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Assemble the Sliders
Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish, then arrange the slider bun bottoms in a single layer. Spread an even layer of the burger sauce over the buns, then place the cooked mini patties on top.
Add the cheese slices, then drizzle on the ketchup and mustard. If you want a shiny, golden top, brush the bun tops lightly with a little oil or milk before placing them on.
Air Fry the Sliders
Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden and crispy. I rely on my instant-read thermometer to confirm the patties are fully cooked through before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sliders warm straight from the dish and enjoy while the cheese is still gooey and the buns are at their crispiest. Enjoy!
If you’re bringing these to a gathering, cover the baking dish tightly with foil and tuck it into an insulated casserole carrier to keep the heat in. They’re best eaten within 30 to 45 minutes of cooking, so time your bake as close to your arrival as possible.
Ingredients
- 1 package slider buns 12 count
- 12 mini patties burgers around 1 pound
- 6-8 slices American cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup
- Mustard
For the Big Mac sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon onion grated
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the patties in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.12 mini patties burgers, Salt and pepper
- In a small bowl, mix the burger sauce ingredients, adjusting the seasoning to taste.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon onion, 2 tablespoons mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Place the bottoms of the slider buns in the dish and spread an even layer of the burger sauce on them.1 package slider buns
- Arrange the mini patties on top of the buns, then add the cheese, ketchup and mustard. (Optional: brush the buns with a little oil or milk before baking for a shiny look).6-8 slices American cheese, Ketchup, Mustard
- Bake in the air fryer at 350ºF (180°C) for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden and crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a large-capacity or oven-style air fryer: A standard basket air fryer won’t fit a 9×13 dish. Make sure yours has the space before you start.
- Don’t skip the sauce: The Big Mac-style burger sauce is what sets these apart from a plain slider. It takes about two minutes to mix and makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Grate the onion finely: A finely grated onion blends right into the sauce without any harsh texture or large pieces. A box grater works perfectly for this.
- Overlap the cheese for full coverage: With 12 patties and only 6 to 8 slices of cheese, slightly overlapping ensures every slider gets a good cheesy pull when you serve them.
- Brush the tops for a bakery finish: That optional oil or milk brush before baking is worth it. It gives the bun tops a glossy, golden look that makes them look like they came from a restaurant.
- Flash freeze for make-ahead sliders: If you want to prep ahead, assemble the sliders without baking, wrap the dish tightly in plastic, and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and air fry as directed.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
How to Store Leftovers
Let the sliders cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 325°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and the buns crisp back up. For longer storage, wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Cheeseburger Sliders
Classic sides are always a win here. Crispy French fries, onion rings, or a simple coleslaw work perfectly alongside these sliders and keep the whole meal feeling like a proper burger night.
For drinks, an ice-cold lemonade, a root beer float, or even just a sparkling water with citrus keeps things refreshing. If you’re serving these at a party, set up a little condiment station with extra sauce, pickles, and jalapeños so guests can build their own exactly how they like.
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You’ll also love these other easy air fryer appetizer recipes.
