Family-Friendly Air Fryer BBQ Meatball Sliders -

- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 8 slider buns - Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, or cheese

Family-Friendly Air Fryer BBQ Meatball Sliders

Discover the ultimate family-friendly meal with Air Fryer BBQ Meatball Sliders! These delicious sliders feature juicy meatballs coated in rich barbecue sauce, all nestled in soft buns for the perfect bite. Quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, they're great for game nights, gatherings, or cozy dinners at home. Enjoy a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that everyone will love—perfect for family fun around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use Italian seasoned or plain)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth of flavor

For Assembly:

8 slider buns

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, spicy, or tangy)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for extra flavor)

Optional toppings: creamy coleslaw, dill pickles, or sliced jalapeños for heat

Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer:

- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures an even cook for your meatballs.

Make the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

- Mix gently just until the ingredients are incorporated—overmixing can result in tough meatballs.

Shape the Meatballs:

- Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Repeat this step until all mixture is shaped into meatballs.

Air Fry the Meatballs:

- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. If necessary, cook in batches.

- Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring they're thoroughly cooked.

Add BBQ Sauce:

- Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the hot meatballs and gently toss to coat each meatball evenly.

Prepare the Sliders:

- Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking tray. On each bottom half, arrange 2-3 BBQ-coated meatballs.

Add Cheese:

- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs on each slider to create a melty topping.

Melt the Cheese:

- Place the open sliders back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously gooey texture.

Top and Serve:

- Carefully remove the sliders from the air fryer. If desired, add your choice of toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or spicy jalapeños for added texture and flavor.

- Finally, place the top halves of the buns on each slider to complete them.

Enjoy!

- Serve the sliders warm, accompanied by extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4-6.

- Presentation Tips: For a fun and festive presentation, serve the sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, and include small bowls of extra toppings to let everyone customize their own sliders.