Best Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders

Looking for a crowd-pleasing lunch or dinner option that won’t keep you trapped in the kitchen all day? We all know the struggle of getting a satisfying meal on the table, especially during those busy weeknights when after-school activities and homework help eat up most of your evening. That’s where these air fryer ham and cheese sliders come to the rescue – they’re quick to put together, impossible to mess up, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re perfect for those times when you need to feed a hungry group without breaking a sweat.

What Kind of Ham Should I Use?

For these sliders, you’ve got several good options when it comes to ham. Deli-sliced ham works perfectly here – you can choose between honey ham, Black Forest, or Virginia ham depending on your taste preferences. If you’re getting it from the deli counter, ask them to slice it medium-thin rather than shaved or too thick. You could also use leftover holiday ham sliced at home, which adds great flavor and helps reduce food waste. Just make sure whatever type you choose isn’t too wet or it might make your sliders soggy – pat the ham slices with paper towels if needed before assembling your sandwiches.

Options for Substitutions

These sliders are pretty flexible and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Sweet Hawaiian rolls: While Hawaiian rolls give these sliders their signature sweetness, you can use regular dinner rolls, slider buns, or even brioche rolls. Just keep in mind that different rolls might need slightly adjusted cooking times.
• Swiss cheese: Not a fan of Swiss? No worries! Provolone, cheddar, or Havarti work great too. You could even mix different cheeses for extra flavor.
• Ham: Any deli ham works well here, but you can also use turkey, roast beef, or even leftover holiday ham sliced thin. For a different twist, try using salami or other deli meats.
• Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works in a pinch, or try honey mustard for extra sweetness. Stone ground mustard is another good option that adds nice texture.
• Poppy seeds: You can skip these if you don’t have them, or swap them with sesame seeds. They’re mostly for looks and a bit of crunch.
• Worcestershire sauce: If you’re out of Worcestershire, try soy sauce or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to add that savory depth.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making air fryer sliders is overcrowding the basket, which prevents the rolls from getting that perfect golden-brown crust – work in batches if needed and leave some space between the sandwiches for proper air circulation. A common mistake is not securing the sliders with toothpicks before air frying, which can lead to the tops flying off or ingredients spilling out when the air starts circulating. To get that perfectly melted cheese without burning the rolls, cover the sliders loosely with foil for the first few minutes of cooking, then remove it to allow the tops to brown during the final minutes. For the best flavor and texture, let the melted butter mixture (with seasonings) sit for about 5 minutes before brushing it on the rolls – this allows the flavors to blend together and ensures even distribution.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders?

These warm, cheesy sliders are perfect party food and pair really well with simple sides that balance out their richness. A crispy coleslaw or potato salad adds a cool, crunchy contrast that works great with the melty cheese and warm ham. If you’re serving these at a gathering, put out some pickle spears and potato chips – they’re easy crowd-pleasers that everyone loves. For a healthier option, a fresh green salad or some cut-up raw veggies with ranch dip will help balance out these indulgent little sandwiches.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty sliders will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Though honestly, they’re best enjoyed fresh while the cheese is still melty and the rolls are perfectly crispy! If you need to store them, I recommend keeping any leftover sauce separate to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Make Ahead: You can prep these sliders up to 24 hours in advance! Just assemble them without the butter sauce, wrap well in plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, add the sauce and pop them in the air fryer.

Warm Up: To bring back that fresh-made magic, pop your leftover sliders in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also wrap them in foil and warm them in a regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid over-toasting!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-12 minutes
Total Time	20-27 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2400
• Protein: 85-95 g
• Fat: 130-150 g
• Carbohydrates: 200-220 g

Ingredients

• 1 package of sweet rolls (hawaiian style)
• 1 pound ham
• 10 to 12 slices of swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Line your air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper, or lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking.

This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents the rolls from sticking.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Using a serrated knife, split the dinner rolls lengthwise to form a top and bottom half while keeping the individual pieces connected.

Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan.

Create an even layer of cheese using 5-6 deli slices, then layer with ham, followed by another layer of cheese.

Cover with the top half of the rolls to encase the fillings.

Step 3: Make and Apply the Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.

Add mustard, onion powder, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter and mix well.

Brush the tops of the assembled rolls generously with the butter mixture.

If you have extra glaze, make light scores between the rolls with a sharp knife and drizzle the glaze to allow it to seep in between the rolls for added flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Sliders

Place the assembled and glazed sliders into the air fryer.

Air fry them for 10 minutes at 325°F.

The goal is to warm the ham, melt the cheese, and achieve a lovely browned top.

Depending on your air fryer and preference for crispiness, you may add another minute or two.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sliders are done to your desired level of browning and the cheese is melted, carefully remove them from the air fryer.

These sliders are best enjoyed warm, so serve immediately and delight in their warm, gooey goodness!