Air Fryer American Lamb & Arugula Sliders
Quick and juicy mini lamb patties seasoned with classic American flavors, air-fried to perfection. Served on slider buns with fresh arugula and a simple 'special sauce' for a fun, easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 oz ground lamb
Substitute: Ground beef or turkey
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Substitute: Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 cup arugula
Substitute: Leaf lettuce or spinach
- 4 slider bun
Substitute: Regular burger buns (make 2 larger patties)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumb
Substitute: Crushed oats or almond flour (for gluten-free)
- 1/2 large, beaten egg
Substitute: 1 tbsp milk or water (as binder)
- as needed olive oil spray
Substitute: Any cooking spray
- 1 tsp pickle relish optional
Substitute: Finely diced pickle
Equipment Needed
- • Air fryer
- • Mixing bowl
- • Measuring spoons
- • Spatula
- • Small bowl (for sauce)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
550
Protein
34g
Carbs
45g
Fat
28g
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the lamb patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, beaten egg (or substitute), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined; do not overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: mixing
- 2
Form the patties: Divide the lamb mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a small, flat patty, about 1/2 inch thick and slightly wider than your slider buns. Make a small indentation (dent) in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: forming
- 3
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a nice crust.
⏱️ 5 minutes
Technique: preheating
- 4
Air fry the patties: Lightly spray the lamb patties on both sides with olive oil spray. Place the patties in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (you may need to cook in two batches). Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium-well, or until desired doneness.
⏱️ 8 minutes
Technique: air frying
- 5
Prepare the special sauce and buns: While the patties cook, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish (if using). Lightly toast the slider buns in a toaster or a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: mixing, toasting
- 6
Assemble the sliders: Place a cooked lamb patty on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Top with a spoonful of the special sauce and a small handful of fresh arugula. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
Technique: assembling
💡 Chef's Tips
For cheeseburger sliders, add a small slice of cheese on top of the patties during the last minute of air frying. Don't overmix the lamb; this keeps the patties tender and juicy.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the patties from browning properly; cook in batches if needed.
- • Overmixing the lamb can lead to tough, dense patties.
- • Skipping the preheating step can result in unevenly cooked food and less crispy results.
Why Easy?
✓ What makes it easier:
- • Simple mixing and forming of patties.
- • Air fryer cooking is largely hands-off and precise.
- • Minimal chopping or complex techniques required.
