Looking for a quick and delicious way to make a crowd-pleasing snack or meal? This Meatball Sliders Recipe is a breeze to make in the air fryer! With perfectly melted cheese, savory meatballs, and buttery rolls, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor in just minutes.
Want to make the meatballs from scratch? Check out my easy meatball recipe here.
Why Meatball Sliders Recipe?
These sliders combine the best of comfort food with modern convenience. The air fryer cooks them quickly, ensuring the rolls stay crispy, the cheese melts beautifully, and the meatballs are perfectly heated. Whether for a family dinner, party appetizer, or game-day treat, this recipe is versatile and always a hit.
PRO TIPS for the Best Meatball Sliders Recipe
- Use fresh rolls: Soft, fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness.
- Preheat your air fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and faster results.
- Don’t overfill the rolls: Leave enough space for the cheese to melt over the meatball without spilling out.
Ingredients
- Meatballs – The centerpiece of the sliders, these provide hearty flavor and texture. Use your favorite frozen or homemade meatballs.
- Butter, melted – Adds a rich, golden flavor to the rolls and helps achieve crisp tops.
- Garlic salt – Elevates the buttery flavor with a savory, garlicky kick.
- Spaghetti or marinara sauce – Adds a tangy, flavorful base to complement the meatballs.
- Slices of mozzarella cheese – Melt beautifully to bind all the flavors together.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls – Sweet and pillowy, these rolls are ideal for sliders.
- Parsley, for garnish – Brings a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.
How to Bake Meatball Sliders Recipe
Prepare the butter mixture: Combine melted butter and garlic salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
Hollow out the rolls: Slice the tops off the rolls and remove a small amount of bread from the center to create space for the meatballs.
Brush the rolls: Generously brush the inside and tops of each roll with the butter mixture for extra flavor.
Assemble the sliders: Place a meatball into each hollowed roll, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and layer with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
Bake
Air fry: Arrange the sliders in your air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden brown.
Oven: Place the sliders in your Oven. Cook at 360°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden brown. If using frozen meatballs, heat them thoroughly according to package instructions before adding to the sliders.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Note: If using frozen meatballs, heat them thoroughly according to package instructions before adding to the sliders.
How to Store Leftovers
Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside crispy air fryer potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
- Add a dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or marinara, for extra flavor.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this recipe with homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and can be customized with your favorite seasonings.
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake these sliders in a conventional oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
3. Can I freeze the sliders?
It’s best to freeze the meatballs separately and assemble the sliders fresh before cooking. This ensures the rolls don’t become soggy.
Easy Meatball Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 Meatballs
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- ½ C Spaghetti or Marinara Sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese divided into 12 slices
- Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the butter mixture: Combine melted butter and garlic salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Hollow out the rolls: Slice the tops off the rolls and remove a small amount of bread from the center to create space for the meatballs.
- Brush the rolls: Generously brush the inside and tops of each roll with the butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Assemble the sliders: Place a meatball into each hollowed roll, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and layer with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
Bake
- Air fry: Arrange the sliders in your air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden brown.
- Oven: Air fry: Arrange the sliders in your oven. Cook at 360°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
Enjoy the ease and flavor of these Air Fryer Meatball Sliders, a surefire way to make any meal or gathering unforgettable!
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!