Meatball Sliders
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
354 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Italian
Meatball Sliders
Description
Meatball Sliders feature ground chicken meatballs mixed with onion, Parmesan, herbs, and spices, formed into evenly sized balls and cooked in an air fryer until fully cooked with a moist interior. The dinner rolls are hollowed slightly, brushed inside with a garlic butter mixture containing red pepper flakes and parsley, then toasted in the oven until crisp. A layer of marinara sauce goes inside each roll before inserting the meatball, topped with mozzarella and parsley for added richness and color. These sliders balance the soft, juicy meatballs with the crisp garlic buttered rolls and creamy melted cheese.
The garlic butter coating and the added red pepper flakes give a subtle spice and depth to the overall flavor profile, complementing the mild chicken meat. Cooking the meatballs in an air fryer helps them stay juicy and develop a slight crust, while the toasted rolls add texture contrast. This recipe uses familiar ingredients and straightforward techniques, resulting in a snack that is filling and well-seasoned.
These sliders can be served warm as part of a party platter, or alongside a simple salad or soup for a casual meal. The recipe includes options for different ground meats if preferred, and the leftovers keep well refrigerated or frozen for future reheating.
To reheat, bake the sliders on a sheet pan at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the bread's crispness and the melty cheese. Using panko breadcrumbs gives extra texture to the meatballs, and fresh parsley brightens the dish. The garlic butter is a key element that enhances both aroma and moisture inside the rolls.
Ingredients
For Garlic Butter
- 8 tablespoons butter unsalted and melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
For Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs I used Panko
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 egg
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
For Rolls
- 12 dinner rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce I used store bought
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl whisk together all the garlic butter ingredients.
- Using a sharp knife, cut holes in the top of each dinner roll, big enough to stuff a big meatball in it. Using a pastry brush, generously brush some of the garlic butter inside the rolls. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake the rolls for 10 minutes or until they just start to brown and crisp up.
- In a large bowl combine all the meatball ingredients together and shape the meat mixture into 12 equal size meatballs.
- Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of cooking spray. Place the meatballs into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the meatballs as well with a bit of cooking spray. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the center of the meatball reaches 165°F degrees.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce into each dinner roll, then place a meatball inside each roll. Spoon another tablespoon or so of marinara sauce over each meatball then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the rolls.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbly. Garnish the sliders with parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked sliders for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until warmed through.
- Ground chicken can be substituted with turkey, beef, or pork based on preference.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 354 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1roll | |
| Calories | 354kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 708mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 399mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 877IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 232mg | 23% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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