Air Fryer Friendly Meatball Sliders
Taming the dinner hour with toddlers can feel like wrangling tiny dragons… especially when healthy and exciting options are needed. But fear not, parents! Today we're unleashing the power of fun foods with a recipe for kid-approved meatball sliders on pillowy Hawaiian bread rolls. Get ready for messy smiles, happy tummies, and maybe even a few stolen bites from grown-ups (we won't judge!).
Equipment
- Air Fryer (optional)
- Mini Ice Cream or Cookie Scooper
- Sheet pan & parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, chicken, or a blend - I did 50/50 turkey/chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion optional
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce or your favorite
- 1 package Hawaiian bread rolls
Instructions
- For the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For the Air Fryer: Preheat the fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion (if using), egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a sticky mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 12-15 small meatballs.
- For the Oven: Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- For the Air Fryer: Spray the tray with non-stick spray and place the meatballs in the air fryer tray. Fry for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and a golden brown color.
- While meatballs bake or fry, slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Toast lightly in the oven if desired.
- Warm marinara sauce in a saucepan or microwave.
- Assemble sliders! Place a cooked meatball on each roll bottom. Spoon sauce over the meatballs, and add cheese slices or shredded veggies if desired.
- Top with the roll tops and serve immediately.
Notes
Fun Food Twists:
- Mini Veggie Kebabs: Thread cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and cooked meatballs onto skewers for a colorful and healthy side.
- Dipping Delight: Offer a variety of fun dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
- Cookie Cutter Fun: Use cookie cutters to transform cheese slices into fun shapes like stars, hearts, or animals.
- Sweet Sliders: For a dessert twist, use mini cinnamon rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls and fill with Nutella or cream cheese and fruit spread.