These Air Fryer Cheeseburger Sliders are a quick, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your burger cravings! Juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and soft buns come together in the air fryer, giving you perfect sliders with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, game night, or a party, these mini burgers are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
✔ Juicy & Flavorful – The air fryer locks in moisture, creating perfectly cooked patties.
✔ Less Mess – No need for a stovetop or grill; everything is cooked in one appliance.
✔ Customizable – Easily switch up the toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the sliders:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy burgers)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 6 slider buns
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for brushing buns)
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For toppings (optional):
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape them into round, slightly flattened patties, about ½ inch thick.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the patties in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers. (For medium, cook to 145°F.)
- In the last 30-60 seconds, place a slice of cheese on each patty and let it melt.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- While the patties are cooking, brush the slider buns with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Place the buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to lightly toast them.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
- Spread your favorite sauces on the bottom buns.
- Add the cooked cheeseburger patty.
- Top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or any other preferred toppings.
- Place the top bun and serve immediately!
Tips & Tricks
✅ Use 80/20 ground beef – The higher fat content keeps the sliders juicy. Avoid lean beef, as it can dry out.
✅ Don’t overwork the meat – Gently mix the beef for tender patties. Pressing too hard can make them tough.
✅ Adjust cooking time for thickness – If your patties are thicker, add 1-2 more minutes.
✅ Cheese placement tip – For extra melty cheese, add it in the last 30 seconds of air frying and close the basket.
✅ Crispier buns – Air fry with butter for a golden, slightly crisp bun texture.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders – Add crispy bacon on top for extra flavor.
- Spicy Sliders – Mix in chopped jalapeños or add hot sauce to the beef.
- Mushroom Swiss Sliders – Swap cheddar for Swiss and top with sautéed mushrooms.
- Hawaiian Sliders – Use Hawaiian rolls and add grilled pineapple.
Serving Suggestions
These cheeseburger sliders pair perfectly with:
🍟 Air Fryer French Fries – Classic combo with crispy fries.
🥒 Pickles or Coleslaw – Adds crunch and tanginess.
🧀 Mozzarella Sticks – For an extra cheesy meal.
🥗 Side Salad – A lighter option to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers
- Store cooked patties separately from the buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well, but since it’s leaner, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or mayonnaise to keep it juicy.
Do I need to flip the burgers?
Yes, flipping helps them cook evenly. If using a rotating air fryer, flipping may not be necessary.
Can I freeze the patties?
Absolutely! Freeze raw patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Cook the patties ahead, store them in the fridge, and assemble the sliders when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Cheeseburger Sliders are a fun and easy way to enjoy classic burgers in mini form! With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try different toppings, experiment with flavors, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Nutritional Information (Per Slider with Cheese and Bun)
✅ Calories: ~320 kcal
✅ Protein: ~18g
✅ Fat: ~19g
✅ Carbohydrates: ~22g
✅ Fiber: ~1g
✅ Sugar: ~3g
✅ Sodium: ~450mg
Macronutrient Breakdown:
- Protein: Comes primarily from the beef and cheese.
- Fat: From the ground beef, cheese, and butter on the buns.
- Carbohydrates: Mainly from the buns.
How to Make It Healthier
💡 Use leaner beef (90/10) – Reduces fat but may be slightly drier.
💡 Swap regular buns for low-carb or whole wheat – Cuts down on carbs and increases fiber.
💡 Use a lettuce wrap instead of a bun – Great for keto and low-carb diets.
💡 Choose reduced-fat cheese – Lowers saturated fat while keeping the cheesy goodness.
Would you like me to add more variations, like keto-friendly sliders? 😊