Okay, how adorable are these Mini Monster Sliders?! These are one of those party snacks that bring a ton of giggles and zero leftovers. I made a batch for my niece’s Halloween sleepover last year, and the kids lost it when they saw the olive eyeballs staring back at them!

Besides being absolutely hilarious, these sliders are perfect for air frying. The patties come out juicy on the inside, with that nice little crisp on the edges. No flipping, no grease splatter, no fuss — just quick, consistent cooking every time.

They taste like classic cheeseburgers but with a playful twist: gooey cheese “teeth,” olive “eyeballs” on toothpicks, and slider buns to hold it all together. You can even customize them with your favorite burger toppings or sauces.

The best part? They’re ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or just want a spooky family dinner, these little monsters are guaranteed to steal the show.

🥕 Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you need to bring these tasty little monsters to life:

Ground beef (or turkey): Stick to 80/20 ground beef for juicy sliders, or use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Slider buns: Look for mini buns that are soft but sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
Cheddar cheese slices: Cut into jagged strips for those monster-y teeth. American cheese works too!
Green olives with pimentos: These become the eyes! Use toothpicks to hold them in place.
Ketchup or mustard: For that burger zing. Add mayo or a spooky sauce if you’d like.
Optional toppings: Lettuce, pickles, or even a mini slice of bacon.

Pro Tip: If you want to make these gluten-free, just use GF slider buns. For dairy-free, swap the cheese for a plant-based slice.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Form the patties. Roll the ground beef into 8 small balls and flatten into mini patties about 2.5 inches wide. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
Cook the patties. Place patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be browned and cooked through.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed.
Toast the buns (optional). Add the slider buns (cut-side up) to the air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes.
Assemble the monsters. Add cheese strips to the bottom bun so they stick out like teeth. Top with the patty and ketchup or mustard. Add the top bun.
Make the eyeballs. Skewer two olives onto a toothpick and insert into the top of each slider. Boom — monster eyes!

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the patties — they’re small and cook fast!
Skipping the cheese teeth — it’s the best part visually.
Forgetting to pat the olives dry — too much juice makes them slide off.
Using buns that are too flimsy — go for soft but sturdy.
Overcrowding the air fryer — it’ll steam, not crisp.

🎨 Variations & Add-Ons

Healthier twist: Use ground turkey or plant-based patties, low-fat cheese, and whole grain buns.
Gluten-free: Swap in GF slider buns and double-check your condiments.
Extra spooky: Add a dab of ketchup oozing from the mouth or use edible eyes instead of olives.
Cheesy overload: Layer a second cheese strip on top or inside the patty.
Spicy monsters: Add jalapeños or spicy mayo inside for heat.

📦 Make Ahead & Storage

You can make the patties a day in advance — just store them in the fridge and air fry when ready. Leftover sliders (without eyeballs) can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Avoid storing with olives on top — they get soggy. Assemble the monster faces right before serving for best results.

🥗 Highlights

Each slider (with cheese and bun) is approximately 230–270 calories depending on beef fat content and toppings.