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Heavenly Spiced Air Fryer Italian Sliders

In the world of culinary delights, few things can match the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a deliciously crafted slider. When you combine the rich flavours of Italian cuisine with the convenience of an air fryer, you’re in for a truly heavenly experience. Air Fryer Italian Sliders are not only mouth-wateringly delectable, but they are also quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for a casual family meal or a lively gathering with friends. Let us delve into this scrumptious recipe that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

• 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for added flavour)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 small slider buns
• 8 slices of mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Sauce:

• 1 jar (about 300g) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Toppings (optional):

• Sliced olives
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh arugula or rocket

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Small saucepan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slider Patties

Begin by combining the ground beef, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix until all ingredients are evenly blended. Shape the mixture into eight small patties, ensuring they are slightly larger than the slider buns, as they will shrink during cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior on your sliders.

Step 3: Cooking the Sliders

Carefully place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch so that they can cook evenly. Cook the sliders for approximately 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, which should register at an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F) for ground beef.

Step 4: Warm the Marinara Sauce

While the sliders are cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over a low flame. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Once the sliders are cooked, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the patties from the air fryer, and stack them on the slider buns.

Step 6: Add the Sauce and Toppings

Generously spoon the warm marinara sauce over the cheesed sliders and add your desired toppings, such as sliced olives or grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavour and colour.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Air Fryer Italian Sliders warm with a side of crispy potato chips or a fresh salad. They make for a fantastic starter or a delightful main course that everyone will love.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Italian Sliders are the perfect solution for those craving a taste of Italy without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. Their quick preparation and cooking times make them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or impromptu entertaining. With a perfect balance of savoury flavours and delightful textures, these sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

So, grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a glorious feast that’s both hearty and comforting — it’s time to enjoy the heavenly flavours of Italian cuisine with your very own sliders! Happy cooking!