Air fryers have become one of the hottest kitchen appliances for making quick, delicious meals and appetizers One of my personal favorite air fryer recipes is turkey sliders These mini turkey sandwiches are so easy to throw together and taste amazing when cooked in the air fryer.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my tips for making the best turkey sliders in an air fryer, from choosing the right turkey to topping and serving suggestions. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or game day snack, air fryer turkey sliders should be on your must-make list!
Benefits of Cooking Sliders in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the key benefits of using an air fryer for turkey sliders:
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Fast cook time – Sliders cook in just 15-20 minutes in an air fryer, compared to over an hour in the oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Crispy edges – The hot circulating air makes the slider buns crispy on the top and edges
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Juicy turkey – The turkey stays moist and tender, not dried out.
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Less mess – With little to no oil, air fryer cleanup is a breeze.
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Convenient – Make sliders from start to finish in one appliance.
Picking the Right Turkey
One important step is choosing the right turkey for your sliders:
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Deli turkey – Pre-sliced deli turkey lets you skip cooking the meat. Go for roasted or smoked for best flavor.
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Ground turkey – Burgers made from ground turkey allow you to control seasonings and texture.
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Leftover turkey – Leftover roasted or smoked turkey from a previous meal makes an easy option.
Opt for good quality, fresh turkey for the juiciest results.
Top 3 Air Fryer Turkey Slider Recipes
Here are my favorite air fryer turkey slider recipes to try:
1. Hawaiian Turkey Sliders with Guava Glaze
Sweet Hawaiian rolls topped with turkey, Swiss cheese, pineapple, and tangy guava glaze.
Cook time: 15 minutes
2. Pesto Turkey Burger Sliders
Savory pesto mayo, tomato, and mozzarella on juicy turkey patties for an Italian-inspired flavor.
Cook time: 18 minutes
3. BBQ Turkey Slider Melts
Smoky turkey, gooey cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, and zesty BBQ sauce.
Cook time: 20 minutes
Find the full instructions for making each of these amazing turkey slider options below!
Helpful Tips for Air Fryer Success
Follow these tips for perfect air fryer turkey sliders every time:
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Cover buns with foil or parchment paper while cooking to prevent burning.
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Brush bun tops with butter or oil before air frying for extra crispiness.
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Don’t overfill the fryer basket. Cook in batches for even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure ground turkey reaches 165°F.
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Let cooked patties rest for 5 minutes before assembling into sliders.
Creative Serving Suggestions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving up your air fryer turkey sliders:
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On mini burger buns for bite-sized appetizers.
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In lettuce wraps instead of buns for low-carb.
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On pretzel rolls for a hearty crunch.
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Open-faced on flatbread or crostini for a twist.
Get creative with toppings too – guacamole, grilled onions, slaws, sriracha mayo, etc. The options are limitless!
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly
What sides go best with turkey sliders? Here are some of my favorites:
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French fries or sweet potato fries
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Homemade air fryer chips
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Pasta salad or potato salad
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Coleslaw or broccoli slaw
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Fresh fruit salad
With quick and easy side dish ideas like these, you can have a complete meal on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Satisfy Your Slider Craving the Easy Way
With an air fryer, you can skip the traditional slider cooking mess and fuss, while still enjoying hot, juicy, crispy-edged sliders in record time. Simply pick up some good quality turkey, slider buns, and your desired toppings, and you’re ready to satisfy your slider craving the easy way!
So go ahead, try one of my favorite air fryer turkey slider recipes today. Your family will love them!
FAQ
What temperature to cook turkey burgers in an air fryer?
Place 4 turkey patties on a rack, evenly spaced apart. Set the air fryer temperature to 400˚F and set the timer to 20 minutes. Close the door and press start.
How to make a slider in the air fryer?
- Remove sliders from packaging.
- Place in single layer upside down in the air fryer.
- Set air fryer temperature to 390F for 10 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, remove the basket and flip the sliders over to the other side so they are right side up.
- Return basket to the air fryer and let it finish cooking.
How to cook turkey drummers in an air fryer?
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Whisk together olive oil, poultry seasoning, parsley, salt, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl until evenly combined.
- Brush 1/2 of oil mixture on all the sides of the turkey legs and place into the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25 minutes.
How long to cook frozen slider patties in an air fryer?
- Preheat your air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the frozen patties.
- Flip halfway through: For even cooking, flip the sliders halfway through the cooking process.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for a well-cooked burger.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the size and thickness of your slider patties, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.