Air Fryer King’s Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders (10 Min)

Air Fryer King’s Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate 10-minute crowd-pleaser. Sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls are stuffed with deli ham and melty Swiss cheese, brushed with a poppy seed garlic butter, and air-fried until golden brown on top and gooey in the middle. They’re the perfect game-day appetizer, easy weeknight dinner, or potluck contribution — and they disappear faster than you can pull the next batch out of the air fryer.

What Are Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders?

Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders are mini sandwiches made with sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls, deli ham, and Swiss cheese, brushed with a buttery poppy seed glaze and baked or air-fried until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden. The air fryer version cooks in under 10 minutes and gives the rolls a crispier top than the traditional oven method.

If you love mini sandwiches, also try my Air Fryer Bagel Breakfast Sliders, Air Fryer Chicken Pesto Sliders, Air Fryer Italian Beef Sliders, and Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 10 minutes — faster than the oven and no long preheat
• Crispier tops, gooier middles — air fryer circulation browns the tops perfectly while the cheese melts
• Crowd-pleaser — one pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls makes 12 sliders, ideal for parties, game day, or family dinner
• Make-ahead friendly — assemble up to 24 hours in advance, then air fry just before serving
• Simple pantry ingredients — just rolls, ham, Swiss, butter, and a few spices

Ingredients You’ll Need

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls: sweet, fluffy rolls that crisp up beautifully on top
• Deli Ham: thinly sliced for the perfect savory, salty layer
• Swiss Cheese: nutty, mild flavor that melts into gooey perfection
• Mayonnaise: adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling
• Salted Butter: melted to coat the tops for golden, crispy browning
• Dijon Mustard: tangy bite that balances the sweet Hawaiian rolls
• Worcestershire Sauce: adds deep umami flavor to the buttery glaze
• Garlic Powder: gives the butter sauce a savory, aromatic kick
• Onion Powder: rounds out the glaze with subtle savory depth
• Poppy Seeds: classic finishing touch for crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Make the Poppy Seed Garlic Butter. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls. Keeping the rolls connected as a single slab, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire pack in half horizontally. Place the bottom slab on parchment paper or foil cut to fit your air fryer basket.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders. Spread the mayonnaise evenly across the bottom half. Layer the deli ham (2 slices per slider) evenly across the surface, then top with the Swiss cheese. Place the top half back on.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls. Don’t be shy, this is what gives the sliders their golden, flavorful crust.

Step 5: Air Fry. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F. Carefully transfer the sliders (still on the parchment) into the basket. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If the tops brown too quickly before the cheese melts, tent loosely with foil for the last 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese sets. Sprinkle with extra poppy seeds, Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, or chopped parsley. Slice between the rolls and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Sliders

• Keep the rolls connected: slicing the entire pack as one slab keeps assembly fast and the middles softer
• Use parchment or foil: prevents the bottoms from getting too dark and makes lifting them out clean
• Don’t skip the butter: the poppy seed garlic butter is what makes these taste restaurant-quality
• Watch the cheese, not the clock: air fryers vary, so pull them the moment the cheese is fully melted and the tops are deep golden
• Cook in batches if needed: most 5-quart air fryers fit 6 sliders at a time, and the second batch cooks 30 to 60 seconds faster
• Let them rest: two minutes of resting keeps the cheese from squeezing out the sides

Ingredient Substitutions

• Meat: turkey, roast beef, pastrami, prosciutto, or plant-based deli slices
• Cheese: cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, gouda, mozzarella, or dairy-free slices
• Bread: brioche slider buns, pretzel rolls, potato rolls, or gluten-free slider buns
• Mustard: honey mustard for sweet, spicy brown for heat, yellow for milder
• Add brown sugar: 1 tablespoon in the butter for a sweeter, more caramelized crust
• Seeds: sesame seeds or Everything But the Bagel Seasoning work in place of poppy seeds

Oven Instructions (No Air Fryer Needed)

Assemble the sliders in a 9×13 baking dish lined with parchment. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are versatile, so serve them as appetizers, lunch, or dinner. Great pairings include:

• Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad
• Air Fryer Copycat Chick-Fil-A Waffle Fries
• Copycat Tony Tomas Coleslaw
• A bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort lunch
• Honey mustard, au jus, or extra mayo for dipping

Storage, Make-Ahead & Freezing

Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders (without brushing on the garlic butter), wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with butter and air fry as directed when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but the rolls will be softer.

Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked sliders (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, brush with butter, and air fry as directed. You can also freeze fully cooked sliders and reheat from frozen at 320°F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the sliders (without the butter glaze), wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush on the butter and air fry just before serving for the best texture.

Can I cook a whole pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls at once? It depends on your air fryer’s basket size. A standard 5-quart air fryer typically fits 6 sliders at a time. For a 12-pack, plan to cook in two batches or use the oven.

Why do my sliders get too dark on top before the cheese melts? This happens with stronger air fryers. Tent loosely with foil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, or drop the temperature to 300°F.

Can I freeze ham and cheese sliders? Yes. Freeze assembled, unbaked sliders wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, brush with the butter glaze, and air fry as directed.

What’s the best cheese for Hawaiian sliders? Swiss is the classic choice because of its nutty flavor and excellent melt. Provolone, cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack are all great alternatives.

How do I keep sliders warm for a party? Transfer cooked sliders to a 200°F oven and cover loosely with foil. They’ll stay warm and gooey for up to 30 minutes without drying out.

More King’s Hawaiian Slider Recipes

• Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
• Air Fryer Sliders
• Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
• Air Fryer Loose Meat Sandwiches

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Air Fryer King’s Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders

4.78 from 9 votes

Author: Laurie Fleming

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 6 minutes mins

2 minutes mins

Total Time: 13 minutes mins

Servings: 12 Servings

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Description

Buttery, cheesy Air Fryer King's Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders are ready in just 10 minutes! Sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with deli ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a poppy seed garlic butter make the perfect party appetizer, game-day snack, or easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients 

For the Sliders:

• 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls, one 12-pack
• 24 slices deli ham, thinly sliced
• 12 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

For the Poppy Seed Garlic Butter:

• 4 Tbsp salted butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp poppy seeds, plus more for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
• Keeping the rolls connected as a slab, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom slab on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket.
• Spread the mayonnaise evenly across the bottom rolls. Layer the deli ham (2 slices per slider), then the Swiss cheese (1 slice per slider). Place the top slab back on.
• Generously brush the tops of the rolls with the poppy seed garlic butter.
• Carefully transfer the sliders, still on the parchment, to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320°F for 5 to 6 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the final 1 to 2 minutes.
• Remove from the air fryer, sprinkle with additional poppy seeds, and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing between each roll. Serve warm.

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Parchment paper or foil,
• Pastry Brush,
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Long serrated knife

Notes

• Cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Six sliders at a time works for most 5-quart baskets.
• Oven option: Bake covered with foil at 350°F for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes.
• Make-ahead: Assemble without the butter glaze up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then brush and air fry just before serving.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze assembled unbaked sliders for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, brush with butter, and air fry as directed.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 300°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 374kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 870mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 263IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 170mgIron: 1mg