Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders

Equipment

• Air fryer (5-quart / 4.7 L or larger recommended)
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Pastry brush
• Aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Serrated knife

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian sweet rolls preferred), left connected in a slab
• ¾ lb (340 g) deli ham, thinly sliced
• 8 slices Swiss cheese (about 6 oz / 170 g), or Gruyère for a nuttier flavor
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for moisture)

For the Butter Glaze

• 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

• Thinly sliced red onion
• Pickles or pickle relish
• Sliced tomato (pat dry to avoid sogginess)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls (Time: 2 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Without separating them, slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Keep the top half intact and set it aside. If your air fryer basket is small, cut the slab into two halves (6 rolls each) so they fit comfortably — you may need to cook in two batches.

Step 2: Make the Butter Glaze (Time: 3 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. In a small saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts), melt the butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan, poppy seeds, black pepper, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Bottom Half (Time: 3 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Place the bottom slab of rolls into the air fryer basket, cut side up. If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise across the bread for extra moisture and flavor. Layer half the ham evenly over the rolls, followed by all the Swiss cheese slices, then the remaining ham. Add any optional toppings (onion, pickles) now.

Step 4: Add the Top and Glaze (Time: 2 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Place the top slab of rolls over the filling, cut side down. Brush the entire top generously with about two-thirds of the butter glaze, letting it seep into the seams between the rolls. Reserve the remaining glaze for a finishing brush.

Step 5: Air Fry — First Pass (Time: 8 minutes | Intensity: Medium)

1. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8 minutes. The rolls should be golden brown on top, and the cheese should be visibly melting at the edges. Tip: If your air fryer tends to blow the top roll around, secure the sliders with a toothpick in each corner or tent them loosely with foil for the first 5 minutes.

Step 6: Check and Adjust (Time: 1 minute | Intensity: Low)

1. Carefully open the basket (watch for steam). If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil. If the cheese isn’t melted, continue cooking in 2-minute increments.

Step 7: Air Fry — Second Pass (Time: 3–4 minutes | Intensity: Medium)

1. Brush the remaining butter glaze over the tops and cook for another 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until deeply golden and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Note: Total cook time is 11–12 minutes for most air fryers; thicker ham or larger batches may need 2–3 extra minutes.

Step 8: Rest and Serve (Time: 3 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 3 minutes — this allows the cheese to set slightly so the sliders hold together when cut. Slice along the seams with a serrated knife and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: ~230 kcal · Protein: 11 g · Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 6 g) · Carbohydrates: 20 g (Dietary · Saturated Fat: 6 g) Cholesterol: 35 mg · Fiber: 1 g; · Sugar: 5 g) · Sodium: 480 mg