Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

Air Fryer Meatball Sliders are the perfect combo of crispy golden on the outside and cheesy-saucy inside. Whether it's game day, a party, or a simple weeknight dinner, these appetizers disappear just as quick as they are to make! With easy prep and a handful of ingredients, you'll get hot, mouthwatering sliders in no time. You can also store leftovers in the fridge or freezer and reheat them anytime, making them as convenient as they are freshly delicious.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 23

Servings:

Calories: 214kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

1 pound lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon Parsley flakes dried
1 tablespoon Fresh parsley chopped
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce

To assemble:

12 pack Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
12 mozzarella cheese slices
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1-2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, parsley, egg, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs. Mix lightly until well combined. Shape into 12 meatballs.
1 pound lean ground beef, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon Parsley flakes, 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, 1 egg, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Grease a heavy skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides.
Without separating the rolls, use a serrated knife to cut them in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9x13-inch pan. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce over the buns.
2 cups marinara sauce, 12 pack Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
Place a meatball on each slider. Spoon another ½ cup of sauce over the meatballs, reserving the remaining sauce for dipping. Layer the slices of cheese on top, then place the top half of the buns on top.
12 mozzarella cheese slices
Brush the top of the sliders with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning and parsley.
Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) uncovered for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1-2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use a mix of meats for extra flavor: While ground beef works great, mixing in ground pork or Italian sausage adds even more flavor to the meatballs.

Don’t overmix the meat: Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough. Gently combine everything until just mixed.

Brown the meatballs first: Searing them in a skillet before baking locks in juices and adds a deeper flavor.

Toast the bottom rolls slightly: If you like a crispier base, lightly toast the bottom half of the rolls before assembling.

Make it extra cheesy: For a cheesier bite, add shredded mozzarella between the layers before topping with cheese slices.

Air fry without cover: Cooking the sliders without a cover allows the tops to crisp up while the cheese melts perfectly. Covering them would trap steam, making the rolls too soft instead of slightly golden and toasty.

Check your air fryer: Cooking times can vary between different air fryer models, so keep an eye on the sliders in the last couple of minutes.

Let them rest before serving: Giving the sliders a minute to cool helps the cheese set and makes them easier to handle and eat without mess.

Nutrition

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