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Home » Appetizers » Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders

Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders

by Eric Wychopen

Published

Cook: 8 minutes

Total: 13 minutes

Temp: 325 degrees Fahrenheit

These air fryer ham and cheese sliders are a crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together quickly.

The soft rolls, melty cheese, warm deli ham, and melted butter mixture are a tasty flavor combo. And if you like your sliders to get slightly crispy, the air fryer is perfect. You can make them for a small group as an appetizer or quick meal – and watch them disappear fast!

Our version uses Italian seasoning in the butter mixture for a slight flavor twist. I really like this version, while Lisa slightly prefers the classic version made with Worcestershire sauce. Try both and let us know which one you prefer!

ham and cheese sliders on plate on wooden board.

Ingredients

ingredients to make ham and cheese sliders on counter with labels.
  • Slider Buns – We use King’s Hawaiian rolls, but you can use other slider buns of your choice.
  • Deli ham – We like black forest or honey ham, but you can use any deli ham of your choice.
  • Swiss cheese – Use sliced cheese to make it easier. If you’re not a fan of Swiss Cheese, you can also use Provolone or Havarti slices.
  • Dijon mustard – We like Dijon mustard for some tang. If you prefer, you can also use honey Dijon mustard (especially if you’re not using King’s Hawaiian rolls, which are kind of sweet)
  • Butter – Use salted butter if you have it on hand. If using unsalted butter, just add some salt to the mixture.
  • Italian seasoning – For some extra flavor.
  • Salt – To mix in with the butter. Adjust the amount to taste.
  • Garlic powder – For extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

  • Use connected rolls for ease. They are easier to assemble and less likely to fly around in the air fryer.
  • Make sure you add two layers of cheese (with the ham in the middle). The melted cheese will act like glue that holds the sliders together.
  • Don’t pile the ham and cheese too high, or they might take longer to melt/get hot while the tops get too dark.
  • Instead of the garlic herb butter, you can also try the classic mixture with butter and Worcestershire sauce (skip the Italian seasoning).
  • Don’t rush the cooking time and temperature – a low and slower approach helps to heat the sliders evenly. Too much heat may burn the tops and leave the ham and cheese inside cold.
  • You can use a toothpick or two to ensure the top buns don’t move around in the air fryer. It’s not always necessary, but some air fryers have strong air circulation.
  • Watch the sliders closely towards the end, since you don’t want them to burn and every air fryer cooks slightly differently.
  • The sliders are best when they are warm and fresh, but they are also tasty cold.
illustration of air fryer with orange handle.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

hand cutting block of slider buns in half on counter.

Keep the rolls connected and slice them in half horizontally.

hand with knife spreading mustard on slider buns on cutting board.

Then spread the bottom half of the rolls with mustard.

folded deli ham on cheese on slider buns sitting on counter.

Next, add half of the cheese slices and the folded-over ham.

slices of swiss cheese on ham on slider buns.

Then add the remaining cheese and place the top half of the rolls back on top.

hand mixing butter and spices in small ramekin on counter.

Mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.

hand using silicone brush to spread butter mixture onto slider buns in air fryer.

Preheat air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). When it’s hot, carefully place the sliders into the air fryer basket and brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.

crispy brown ham and cheese sliders in air fryer basket.

Air fry the sliders for 6-9 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

The exact cooking time can vary, so keep an eye on them.

hand cutting crispy ham and cheese sliders with large knife on cutting board.

When they are done, remove the sliders from the air fryer and cut them.

hand picking ham and cheese slider up from pile of sliders on plate.

Serve them warm and enjoy!

Storage Tips

These sliders are best when they’re hot out of the air fryer, but they do store and reheat pretty well. You can store them in a sealed container or wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheat them in the air fryer or oven (depending on how many you have left) at a lower temperature until heated through again. Be careful not to burn the tops, though.

We don’t recommend the microwave because it can make the sliders soggy.

Related Recipes

If you liked these sliders, here are some other air fryer recipes with bread that make a tasty, quick meal or tasty side dish:

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ham and cheese sliders stacked on plate on wooden board with cloth behind.

Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders

These air fryer ham and cheese sliders are a great appetizer or quick meal when you're short on time. The soft rolls, melty cheese, deli ham, and garlic herb butter come together fast- and they disappear quickly, too!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 6 sliders

Ingredients

  • 6 King’s Hawaiian rolls, or other slider buns
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4-6 slices Swiss cheese, alternatively provolone or havarti (about 3 ounces / 85 grams total)
  • 6 slices deli ham, thinly sliced (about 3.5 ounces / 100 grams total)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, preferably salted; melted
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt, more to taste (if using unsalted butter)

Instructions

  • Keep the rolls connected and slice the block of rolls in half horizontally.
    6 King’s Hawaiian rolls
  • Spread the Dijon mustard onto the bottom half of the rolls, then add half the cheese slices and the folded-over ham slices, followed by the remaining cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on top.
    1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 4-6 slices Swiss cheese, 6 slices deli ham
  • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt (go easy on the salt if using salted butter or skip completely).
    1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Preheat air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
  • Place the sliders into the air fryer basket, and brush the tops of the rolls evenly with the melted butter mixture.
  • Air fry the sliders at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for about 6-9 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. The exact cooking time can vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
  • Remove the sliders from the air fryer, cut them, and serve them warm.

Video

Notes

  • Use connected rolls for ease. They are easier to assemble and less likely to fly around in the air fryer.
  • Add two layers of cheese (with the ham in the middle). The melted cheese acts like glue that holds the sliders together.
  • Don’t pile the ham and cheese too high, or they might take longer to melt/get hot while the tops get too dark.
  • Instead of the garlic herb butter, you can also try the classic mixture with butter and Worcestershire sauce (skip the Italian seasoning).
  • Don’t rush the cooking time and temperature – a low and slower approach helps to heat the sliders evenly. Too much heat may burn the tops and leave the ham and cheese inside cold.
  • If needed, use a toothpick or two to ensure the top buns don’t move around in the air fryer.
  • Watch the sliders closely towards the end. You don’t want them to burn, and every air fryer cooks slightly differently.
  • The sliders are best when they are warm and fresh, but they are also tasty cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 444mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 1mg

This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.

Course Appetizer, Lunch, Quick Meals
Cuisine American

This recipe was contributed by
Eric is the co-founder of Simply Air Fryer, expert food sampler, and trusty husband to Lisa. He brings our recipes to life through food photography and recipe videos on our YouTube channel. He knows that after a long photography session, it’s time to eat whatever has been created!

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