Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal with these Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders. Perfectly crispy, packed with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, they make a quick and easy post-holiday treat!
Thanksgiving is over, but that doesn’t mean the leftovers must be. These air fryer leftover Thanksgiving sliders are a great way to use up all of those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers.
Plus, they’re easy to make, and they taste amazing! So don’t let those leftovers go to waste – check out this recipe and enjoy some delicious Thanksgiving sliders!
If you are looking for easy ways to use your Thanksgiving Leftovers, look no further than my Air Fryer Mashed Potato Egg Rolls, Air Fryer Cheesy Ham & Pickle Egg Rolls, or Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy – These sliders come together in minutes, making them the perfect solution for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers without the hassle.
- Crispy Perfection – The air fryer ensures a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the filling warm and flavorful.
- Full of Flavor – Packed with all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, these sliders are a flavor-packed bite.
- Customizable – You can easily adjust the fillings to match your leftover favorites, whether it’s mashed potatoes, gravy, or green beans.
- Great for Leftovers – A creative way to repurpose your holiday meal and enjoy it in a whole new form.
- Kid-Friendly – These mini sliders are the perfect size for little hands and make a fun, easy meal for kids after the holiday feast.
Ingredients Needed
- Hawaiian Rolls: You can also use either potato or regular slider rolls.
- Grated Monterey Jack Cheese: Blue or goat cheese are other options.
- Turkey: If you do not have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, you can use sliced turkey meat from the deli. (Making this a year-round treat)
- Cranberry Sauce: Use either homemade or store-bought. I love using cranberry sauce with whole berries for this recipe.
- Butter: Coat the tops of the rolls frequently, as they help create a golden brown color.
- Poppy Seeds: Add some great flavor to the sandwich.
- Parsley: Adds some color to the tops of the rolls. Option, you can omit.
How To Make Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders
Step One: Measure the Hawaiian rolls while keeping them attached to see how many will fit in your air fryer basket at once. Tear off any rolls that don’t fit and set them aside for a second batch or save them for another use.
Step Two: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and line the basket with aluminum foil. Slice the sheet of rolls in half, setting the top portion aside. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the air fryer basket, resting on the foil. Top the rolls with grated jack cheese (or any cheese of your choice; freshly grated cheese melts quicker than slices). Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted evenly across the rolls.
Step Three: Add another layer of turkey slices and cranberry sauce over the melted cheese.
Step Three: Place the tops of the rolls over the prepared sliders. Use a pastry brush to brush melted butter generously over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and parsley if desired. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 additional minutes until the tops brown and the sliders are heated through.
Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Rolls: For the best texture, opt for fresh slider rolls or soft dinner rolls that will hold the ingredients together well and toast evenly in the air fryer.
- Add More Flavor: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your leftovers! Try adding a bit of mustard, mayo, or a drizzle of gravy to boost the flavor of your sliders.
- Layer Carefully: Make sure to layer the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and cheese evenly to prevent the sliders from falling apart during cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: To ensure the sliders cook evenly, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each slider for proper air circulation.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar or jack cheese works great, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to separate any stacked sliders with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat the sliders in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the bread is crisp again. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30-45 seconds, though the bread may not be as crispy.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders
Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Try serving them with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potato fries for a balance of savory and sweet.
A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce adds a festive touch, while green bean almondine offers a fresh, crunchy contrast. For an extra indulgence, pair the sliders with creamy mashed potatoes or a refreshing coleslaw to cut through the richness.
Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders Recipe Faqs
Can I use any type of bread for these sliders? Yes, while Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice for their sweetness and softness, you can use any type of bread rolls, such as dinner rolls, slider buns, or even sourdough, depending on your preference.
Can I use other cheeses for these sliders? Absolutely! While jack cheese is great, you can swap it out for cheddar, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese based on your preference.
Can I add other ingredients like veggies or extra condiments? Definitely! Feel free to add extras like sautéed onions, pickles, spinach, or a drizzle of mustard or gravy for more flavor. The beauty of these sliders is how customizable they are!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Lobster Grilled Cheese
- Easy Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese
- Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
Don’t Forget To Pin:
Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders
Description
Ingredients
- 1 package King Hawaiian Rolls, may not use all
- 2 ounces grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 ounces turkey, cooked and sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 3-4 tablespoons butter, salted and melted
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon parsley, diced or dried
Instructions
- Keeping the Hawaiian rolls attached, measure to determine how many will fit into the basket of your air fryer at once. Tear off any rolls that won’t fit and use in a second batch or set them aside for another use. (My air fryer basket held a neat square of 9 rolls.)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Line the basket of the air fryer with aluminum foil. Slice the sheet of rolls in half and set the top section aside.
- Place the bottoms of the rolls into the air fryer basket on top of the aluminum foil. Cover the roll bottoms with grated jack cheese (or use whichever cheese you prefer. You can also use cheese slices, but freshly grated cheese seems to melt faster.) Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted across the rolls:
- Add another layer of turkey slices and cranberry sauce over the melted cheese.
- Place the tops of the rolls over the prepared sliders. Use a pastry brush to brush melted butter generously over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and/or parsley if desired. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 additional minutes until the tops begin to brown and the sliders are heated through.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Foil, optional
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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