Eating a delicious burger can often feel like a treat. But if you are like me and feel overwhelmed by the size of what arrives on your plate, then these air fryer mini burgers are exactly what you need. I had some meatballs left over from the previous night’s dinner and the crusts of a loaf of bread. Instead of wasting them, I turned them into these air-fried mini burgers. I absolutely abhor food waste, and most of the time, it’s completely unnecessary. You just need to get creative and use your imagination! And you can still whip up star-worthy dishes. These air-fried sliders are incredibly simple to prepare and are ready in just ten minutes. Making them the perfect quick and delicious meal.
This dish is fantastic for any occasion and for all ages. The mini burgers make a perfect bite-sized snack. Or they can be part of a buffet when entertaining friends or family. Because they’re cooked in the air fryer, you use little to no fat, and the patties turn out perfectly crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
These air fryer mini burgers feel like an indulgence, but with their miniature size, you can enjoy them without feeling guilty. The combination of savoury meatballs, melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce creates a flavour explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Plus, the homemade burger buns made from slices of bread add a rustic touch that takes these sliders to the next level. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack or serving them at your next gathering, these sliders are sure to be a hit!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air fryer and a small bowl.
Ingredients for air fryer mini burgers
3 Meatballs
2 slices of bread
Cheese, sliced
Tomatoes, sliced
Lettuce
Method
These air fryer mini burgers are not only fun to make but also incredibly delicious to eat. Whether you are hosting a party or just fancy something bite-sized and satisfying, this recipe delivers big flavour in a small package.
I began by shaping my meatballs into evenly sized burger patties. It is important to press them firmly so they hold their shape while cooking. Once shaped, I popped them into my air fryer basket leaving the crisper plate in. Set the temperature to 180°C and cook them for around 10 minutes. The beauty of using the air fryer is how it crisps the outer edges of the patties while locking in the juicy flavour on the inside.
While the burgers were cooking, I prepped my buns. I took slices of fresh bread and used a small bowl to cut out circles. Thus creating the perfect mini burger bases. If you’re short on time, store-bought mini burger buns work just as well. But I love that homemade softness from freshly cut bread.
Next, I turned to the toppings. I sliced some ripe, juicy tomatoes, selected both cheddar and mozzarella for that dreamy melt factor, and washed a handful of crisp, green lettuce leaves.
When the patties were ready, it was time to assemble the mini burgers. I started with the bottom bun, then added the patty. I layered on the cheese so it could slightly melt from the heat, followed by a tomato slice and a lettuce leaf. Then I gently pressed the top bun on each one.
These mini burgers are great served as party sliders, for family dinners, or even lunchbox treats. You can customise them with sauces like ketchup, mayo, or even a spicy sriracha for extra kick. However you serve them, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
Tips for Air Fryer Mini Burgers
1. Choose the right mince
Use beef mince with at least 15 to 20% fat content for juicy, flavourful sliders. Leaner mince tends to dry out, especially in the air fryer.
2. Keep patties small and even
Roll into small, even-sized balls and flatten slightly (around 5 to 6cm wide). Uniform size ensures even cooking, and smaller patties cook faster.
3. Don’t overwork the meat
Handle the mince gently. As mixing too much will make the burgers dense. Add a little salt and pepper just before forming the patties to keep them tender.
4. Preheat your air fryer
It is optional to first give the air fryer around 2 to 3 minutes to warm up at 180°C (356°F) before cooking. As a hot basket will help the patties start browning right away.
5. Avoid overcrowding
Cook in a single layer with space between each mini burger. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than searing, so you won’t get that nice crispy edge.
6. Flip halfway for even browning
Turn them over around the halfway point, so about 4 minutes into an 8 minute cook. This ensures an evenly golden crust on both sides.
7. Add cheese at the end
If you are making cheeseburgers, add cheese during the last 1 or 2 minutes of cooking. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly without overcooking the meat.
8. Rest before serving
Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes so the juices redistribute, this is especially important for such small patties.
9. Serve slider-style
Use mini brioche buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles, or your favourite sauces for the ultimate slider experience. Great for a build-your-own burger night!
Mini burgers in the air fryer mean maximum flavour with minimal fuss!
Similar recipes
If you love these easy air fryer mini burgers, then you will also like my tasty air fryer sausage burgers or the healthy air fryer halloumi burger recipe.
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