These air fryer mini chicken sliders are one of my favorite healthy lunchbox recipes to make for my kids — they’re quick, light, and perfectly sized for little hands. Honestly, though, I find myself packing a few for my own lunch, too! The air fryer makes them juicy on the inside, with a lightly crisp outside — and they’re done in just about 20 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings when you want something wholesome but still fun.
I love how the air fryer keeps things healthier by using just a light spritz of oil instead of pan-frying. You still get that golden, flavorful chicken patty without the grease. Plus, making them mini means kids can grab one or two without feeling overwhelmed, and you can even pack them with different toppings to keep it exciting!
These little sliders are seasoned just enough to be flavorful for kids while still mild and approachable. The texture is tender but holds together really nicely in a lunchbox — no crumbly mess! You can even make them ahead and reheat in the air fryer in just a few minutes.
All you need is about 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time. Even on a rushed school morning, you can whip these up, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re sending them off with a protein-packed, satisfying lunch. Let’s get into it!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mini chicken sliders — nothing fancy, just simple, healthy ingredients you probably already have.
- Ground chicken — I like using lean ground chicken breast to keep things light, but you can use ground chicken thigh for a little extra juiciness if you prefer.
- Breadcrumbs — Just a few tablespoons help the patties hold together. Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a little fiber boost.
- Egg — Helps bind everything and keep the patties from falling apart.
- Seasonings — I stick with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to keep the flavors kid-friendly.
- Mini slider buns — Whole wheat if you’d like, or even lettuce leaves if you’re going lower carb.
- Optional toppings — Cheese slices, lettuce, tomato, pickles, or even a little ketchup or yogurt-based ranch dressing.
Pro Tip: If you’re making these gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the buns for your favorite GF mini rolls or lettuce wraps!
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the chicken patties. In a bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.
2. Shape the patties. Divide the mixture into 8–10 equal portions and shape into mini patties about 2–2.5 inches wide. Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
3. Preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F and let it heat up for 2–3 minutes.
4. Air fry the patties. Lightly spray the basket with oil, place the patties in a single layer (don’t overcrowd), and air fry at 375°F for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach 165°F internally.Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket — air circulation is key to even cooking and crispy edges!
5. Assemble the sliders. Place each patty on a mini bun and add your desired toppings. Serve warm or let cool and pack into lunchboxes.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the chicken mixture — it can make the patties tough.
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed.
- Skipping the oil spray — a light spritz helps them brown nicely.
- Using too much breadcrumb — it can dry out the patties.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
You can easily customize these mini chicken sliders to fit your kids’ tastes (or yours!). Mix a little shredded zucchini into the chicken mixture for extra veggies, or try adding a teaspoon of mild smoked paprika for more depth of flavor. If your kids like a little kick, stir in a dash of mild chili powder.
For toppings, go beyond lettuce and tomato — try thinly sliced cucumber, avocado, or even a dollop of hummus for a fun twist. You can also swap the buns for whole-grain crackers to make mini “open-faced” bites for smaller appetites.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
You can prep the raw patties up to a day in advance — just cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Cooked patties will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
You can also freeze the uncooked patties for up to 2 months — freeze them flat on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the air fryer time.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
These mini chicken sliders are high in protein and lower in fat than traditional beef sliders. Using whole wheat buns and adding veggie toppings gives a nice fiber boost, too!
Air Fryer Mini Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape into 8–10 mini patties about 2–2.5 inches wide.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Spray basket lightly with oil, arrange patties in a single layer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway, until patties reach 165°F.
- Assemble sliders with buns and toppings. Serve warm or cool for lunchboxes.
Notes
I hope you love these air fryer mini chicken sliders as much as we do — they’ve become a regular in our lunchbox routine! They’re healthy, fun, and easy enough to whip up even on busy mornings. If you give them a try, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. You can also tag me on social with your creations — I’d love to see them! Looking for another kid-friendly lunchbox idea? Check out my air fryer veggie tots — crispy, colorful, and perfect for little hands!
