There’s something magical about watching my girls gather around the kitchen island with their friends, laughing and talking over plates piled high with food. Last weekend, my youngest had her volleyball team over after a tournament, and I whipped up these Chicken Sliders Air Fryer style in about twenty minutes. The way those sliders disappeared, you’d have thought I’d been cooking all day!
That’s the beauty of making chicken sliders in the air fryer — they taste like you fussed, but honestly, they’re one of the easiest things I make. The air fryer gives you that perfectly golden, slightly crispy bun while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. Whether you’re feeding a crowd of hungry teenagers or just want a quick weeknight dinner that feels special, these air fryer chicken sliders are about to become your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sliders Air Fryer Recipe
Let me tell you why these chicken sliders air fryer beauties have earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation. First off, they’re incredibly fast — we’re talking dinner on the table in less than half an hour.
The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, crisping up those slider buns to golden perfection while warming the chicken through beautifully. You don’t need to heat up your whole kitchen with the oven, which is a blessing during our warm North Carolina summers.
These sliders are also wonderfully versatile. You can make them as simple or as fancy as you like, depending on what’s in your fridge. I’ve made air fryer chicken sliders with leftover rotisserie chicken, deli chicken, or even chicken tenders I’ve cooked myself. The flavor possibilities are endless — go classic with pickles and mayo, try a spicy buffalo version, or add some barbecue sauce for a Southern twist.
Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion. Game day? Check.
Quick dinner? Absolutely. Girls’ night?
You bet. The individual slider size makes them fun to eat and easy to customize for picky eaters. My older daughter loves hers with extra cheese, while my younger one goes heavy on the pickles. Everyone gets exactly what they want, and there’s no arguing at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about making chicken sliders in the air fryer is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably have most of these items already sitting in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 delicious sliders:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls | 12 buns |
| Cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite) | 1½ cups |
| Butter, melted | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Pickles, sliced | ½ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
The beauty of these air fryer chicken sliders is that they’re forgiving. Don’t stress if you need to swap something out — that’s what makes home cooking so wonderful.
Substitutions & Variations
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best recipes are the ones you can make your own. Here are some wonderful ways to customize your chicken sliders air fryer recipe:
For the chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut, but leftover grilled chicken, chicken tenders, or even store-bought chicken strips work beautifully. If you’re starting from scratch, simply season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook them in your air fryer at 375°F for about 12 minutes.
Cheese options: While cheddar is classic, try pepper jack for some heat, Swiss for a milder flavor, or provolone for an Italian twist. My younger daughter swears by mozzarella on hers.
Bun choices: Hawaiian rolls are wonderfully sweet and soft, but regular slider buns, dinner rolls, or even small ciabatta rolls work great. Just adjust your cooking time slightly based on the size.
Flavor variations: For buffalo chicken sliders in the air fryer, toss your chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles. For BBQ sliders, mix your chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce. Ranch lovers can add a drizzle of ranch dressing along with the mayo mixture.
Making it lighter: Use whole wheat buns, Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and reduced-fat cheese. The air fryer chicken sliders will still taste amazing, I promise.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best recipes are the ones you can make your own. If you’re looking for another quick and tasty chicken dish, check out this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry: Quick Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these chicken sliders air fryer style is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing this all along. Let me walk you through it, just like I would if you were standing in my kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Mix together your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl — this creates a delicious spread that adds so much flavor to your sliders.
Step 2: Slice the buns. Carefully slice your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible. This makes assembly so much easier. If you’re using a package of Hawaiian rolls, you can often slice the entire sheet at once.
Step 3: Build your sliders. Spread the mayo-mustard mixture on the bottom half of the buns. Layer on your chicken, spreading it evenly across all the sliders.
Add your cheese, then the pickles. Place the top buns over everything.
Step 4: Add the butter topping. In a small bowl, mix your melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of your sliders. This step is what gives your air fryer chicken sliders that irresistible golden, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Air fry. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches. Place the sliders in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Check them halfway through — every air fryer is a little different.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Let the sliders cool for just a minute or two before separating them. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Success
After making these chicken sliders in the air fryer countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make them turn out perfect every single time.
Don’t skip the butter mixture. That garlic butter brushed on top is what transforms these from good to absolutely amazing. It creates a beautiful golden color and adds incredible flavor.
Use parchment paper or foil. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers (the kind with holes) or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents any cheese from sticking to your basket. Trust me on this one — I learned the hard way!
Watch them closely. Air fryers vary quite a bit in how they cook. Start checking your air fryer chicken sliders at the 5-minute mark. You want golden tops and melted cheese, not burnt buns.
Keep the chicken moist. If your chicken seems a bit dry, mix it with a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or even a little extra mayo before assembling. No one wants a dry slider!
Warm your chicken first. If you’re using cold leftover chicken, warm it slightly in the microwave before building your sliders. This helps everything heat through more evenly in the air fryer.
Secure larger batches. If you’re making a full pan of connected sliders, you can place a piece of foil loosely over the top if they’re browning too quickly, or even set another air fryer-safe pan on top to keep them together while cooking.
After making these chicken sliders in the air fryer countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make them turn out perfect every single time. For more comforting chicken recipes, don’t miss this The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup for a Cozy Night In.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While these chicken sliders air fryer treats are absolutely best fresh and hot, I understand that sometimes you need to plan ahead or save leftovers. Here’s how to handle both situations.
Storing leftovers: If you happen to have any sliders left over (rare in my house!), wrap them individually in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The buns might soften a bit, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Reheating: The air fryer is perfect for bringing these back to life. Place refrigerated sliders in your air fryer at 320°F for about 3-4 minutes, just until warmed through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they’ll still be tasty.
Make-ahead option: You can absolutely assemble these air fryer chicken sliders ahead of time. Put them together completely, brush with the butter mixture, then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time since they’re starting cold.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled sliders, as the buns can get soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the seasoned, cooked chicken separately for up to 3 months, then assemble fresh sliders whenever you need them.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These chicken sliders in the air fryer are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes them a complete meal. Here are some of my family’s favorite accompaniments.
Classic sides: You can’t go wrong with crispy air fryer french fries or sweet potato fries. They cook right alongside your sliders, making dinner even easier. A simple bag of potato chips works too — sometimes simple is best!
Fresh and light options: Balance out the richness of the sliders with a crisp coleslaw or a simple garden salad. I love making a vinegar-based slaw that cuts through the butter and cheese perfectly. Cucumber salad or pickled vegetables are also refreshing choices.
Comfort food pairings: Mac and cheese, baked beans, or potato salad turn these sliders into a proper comfort food feast. This is what I serve when we’re having folks over for a casual gathering.
Veggie options: Air fryer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make healthy, easy sides. Just toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and cook them before or after your sliders.
Soup pairings: During cooler months, I love serving these air fryer chicken sliders with a warm bowl of tomato soup or chicken noodle soup. It’s like a grown-up version of grilled cheese and soup, and it’s absolutely comforting.
These chicken sliders in the air fryer are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes them a complete meal. For a delicious side option, try this How to Make the Best Southwest Chicken Salad (Meal Prep Friendly!).
FAQs
Can you make sliders in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Making sliders in an air fryer is not only possible, it’s one of my favorite ways to prepare them. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy, golden tops while melting the cheese and warming everything through evenly.
It’s faster than using an oven and doesn’t heat up your whole kitchen. Just be mindful of your air fryer’s size and work in batches if needed.
How long do you cook chicken sliders in the air fryer?
For these chicken sliders air fryer style, you’ll cook them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. The exact time depends on your specific air fryer model and how crispy you like the tops. Start checking at 5 minutes — you’re looking for melted cheese and golden brown tops. If you’re working with cold ingredients straight from the fridge, add an extra minute or two.
What temperature should I air fry sliders?
I’ve found that 350°F is the perfect temperature for air fryer chicken sliders. This temperature is hot enough to crisp the buns and melt the cheese without burning the tops. Some people prefer 375°F for extra crispiness, but watch them carefully at that temperature. If your sliders are browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature to 325°F and cook for a bit longer.
Can I use frozen chicken for air fryer sliders?
I don’t recommend using frozen chicken directly in assembled sliders. However, you can absolutely cook frozen chicken breasts or tenders in your air fryer first, then use that cooked chicken for your sliders. Cook frozen chicken breasts at 360°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach 165°F internally. Let them rest, then shred or slice for your sliders.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for sliders?
While preheating isn’t absolutely necessary for these chicken sliders in the air fryer, I do recommend it for the most consistent results. Preheating for just 2-3 minutes at your cooking temperature helps the sliders cook more evenly and develop that lovely golden crust on top. If you’re short on time, though, you can skip this step and just add a minute to your cooking time.
Chicken sliders made in an air fryer are a popular choice for quick and easy meals, combining the convenience of air frying with the deliciousness of sliders. These bite-sized sandwiches can be customized with various toppings and sauces, making them a versatile option for any gathering or weeknight dinner, as detailed in this article.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one slider. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 48mg |
| Sodium | 385mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 15g |
These chicken sliders air fryer treats offer a nice balance of protein from the chicken and cheese, along with carbohydrates from the buns. They’re satisfying without being overly heavy, especially when paired with lighter sides like salad or vegetables. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the salt in the butter mixture and choose low-sodium cheese and chicken options.
Chicken Sliders Air Fryer
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare your ingredients. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or chop it into small pieces. Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Slice the buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible.
- Spread the mayo-mustard mixture on the bottom half of the buns. Layer on chicken, cheese, and pickles. Place the top buns over everything.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the sliders.
- Place the sliders in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Let the sliders cool for a minute before separating and serving warm.