Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe: Gooey, Crispy, and Crowd-Pleasing

Sometimes, you just want something fast, hot, and cheesy. That’s where these Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders come in. They’re buttery, melty, savory, and easy to make. And because they’re cooked in the air fryer, they come out golden and crisp in a matter of minutes.

These sliders are perfect for game day, quick dinners, after-school snacks, or party platters. They use simple ingredients and take very little effort. Just layer, brush, and cook.

Let’s build the best sliders ever.

Ingredients (With Measurements)

This makes 12 sliders.

For the Sliders:

• 12 Hawaiian rolls (or any soft slider buns)
• 12 slices deli ham (thin-cut)
• 6 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite melting cheese), halved

For the Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-ons:

• Poppy seeds (sprinkle on top)
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Sliced pickles or jalapeños
• Extra cheese between the layers

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer (basket or oven style)
• Pastry brush or spoon
• Sharp knife or bread knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 300°F.

If your model needs preheating, give it 3–5 minutes to warm up.

Lower heat is best for melting cheese without burning the buns.

2. Prep the Rolls

Use a sharp knife to slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally.

Keep them connected. You want a top and bottom sheet.

Place the bottom half on a cutting board or tray.

3. Layer the Ham and Cheese

Evenly layer the ham over the bottom buns.

Then add the cheese slices.

Make sure you cover the surface edge to edge.

Place the top half of the rolls back on.

4. Make the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Melted butter
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt

Taste and adjust to your liking.

5. Brush the Sliders

Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat the tops of the rolls generously with the butter mixture.

Let it drip into the cracks for extra flavor.

Optional: Sprinkle with poppy seeds or everything seasoning.

6. Air Fry the Sliders

Carefully transfer the whole set of sliders into your air fryer basket or tray.

Use parchment paper under them if needed.

Air fry at 300°F for 7 to 9 minutes.

They’re done when the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.

Check at 6 minutes to avoid over-browning.

7. Slice and Serve

Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes.

Use a sharp knife to slice between the rolls.

Serve warm. They pull apart beautifully and taste even better.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are fast. They give you a crisp top and hot center in less than 10 minutes.

You don’t need to heat the oven or dirty a baking dish.

It’s also great for small batches or quick meals.

These sliders come out warm, buttery, and perfect every time.

Best Buns to Use

Soft, sweet rolls are the classic choice.

Top options:

• Hawaiian rolls
• Brioche slider buns
• Potato rolls

You can also try:

• Mini ciabatta buns (for crunch)
• King’s Hawaiian savory butter rolls (for balance)

Just avoid dry or crumbly breads—they don’t hold up well.

Best Cheese Options

Swiss is traditional. It’s nutty and melts perfectly.

Other good choices:

• Provolone
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Havarti
• American

Go bold with pepper jack for heat or gouda for extra richness.

Mix cheeses for even more flavor.

Make It Sweet or Savory

Want sweet and smoky?

• Use honey ham
• Add a drizzle of maple syrup
• Use sweet rolls and Dijon

Want savory and sharp?

• Use sharp cheddar
• Add pickled jalapeños
• Sprinkle with garlic and Parmesan

These sliders adapt easily to your cravings.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

You can prep them in advance.

To prep:

• Assemble the sliders
• Brush with the butter topping
• Cover and refrigerate overnight

To cook:

• Let sit at room temp for 10 minutes
• Air fry as normal (maybe add 1–2 more minutes)

Great for party prep, brunch, or busy nights.

Storage and Reheating

To Store:

Cool completely and wrap tightly.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Air fry at 300°F for 4–5 minutes.

Or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Avoid the microwave—it softens the bread.

You want crispy tops and gooey cheese.

Perfect Serving Ideas

Serve them with:

• Potato chips
• Pickles
• Fresh fruit
• Side salad
• Soup or chili

They’re also great with breakfast sides like scrambled eggs or hash browns.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, and late-night snacks.

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FAQs

1. Can I use other meats?

Yes. Turkey, roast beef, or pastrami all work well. Just slice thin for easy layering.

2. Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and load up cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers. Add pesto or mustard for extra flavor.

3. How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?

Use parchment paper and don’t overload with sauce. Also, avoid stacking too many layers of cheese and meat.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Just cook in batches or use an oven-style air fryer. Keep the cooked batch warm in foil while the next one cooks.

5. Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes. Assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw in the fridge overnight and air fry as usual. Or bake at 350°F for 20 minutes from frozen.

6. Can I use shredded cheese?

Yes, but slices stay neater. If using shredded, sprinkle evenly and press down gently so it doesn’t fall out.

7. Can I use mustard without butter?

You can. But the butter mixture adds flavor and moisture. Use olive oil for a lighter version.

8. What air fryer temp works best?

300°F is ideal. It melts the cheese without burning the tops. Higher temps cook faster but risk over-browning.

9. Can I use a different sauce?

Yes. Try spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or honey mustard. Just spread a thin layer inside the buns before layering the meat and cheese.

10. How long do leftovers last?

Up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture. They’re still great the next day.