Meatball Sliders

Directions: 

  1. Place olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat to start the meatballs.  
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden, about 3 minutes.  
  3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for another minute. 
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool to room temperature. 
  5. Transfer the cooled onions and garlic to a large bowl.  
  6. Add the beef, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and mix with your hands until well combined. 
  7. Shape all of the mixture into 2-inch balls. 
  8. Select the Preheat function on the Cosori Smart Air Fryer, then press Start/Pause. 
  9. Place the meatballs into the preheated air fryer and lightly spray the tops with oil spray.  
  10. Set temperature to 400°F and time to 12 minutes, then press Start/Pause. 
  11. Remove the meatballs when done and transfer to a plate. Note: Clean the air fryer basket before continuing.  
  12. Place butter in a small skillet over medium heat to start the sliders.  
  13. Add the minced garlic once the butter is sizzling, then turn off the heat. Let the garlic infuse the butter for 5 minutes.  
  14. Cut a 2-inch-diameter circle into the top of each roll without cutting all the way through, creating a well. Discard the removed bread.  
  15. Brush the garlic butter over the outside and inside of each roll.  
  16. Line the air fryer basket with foil that goes up the sides of the basket.  
  17. Place the rolls into the air fryer basket.  
  18. Set temperature to 400°F and time to 5 minutes, then press Start/Pause 
  19. Remove the rolls when golden brown and lightly toasted. 
  20. Place 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce into the bottom of each well, then place the meatballs on top.  
  21. Top each meatball with another tablespoon of tomato sauce and sprinkle cheese over the whole roll.  
  22. Set temperature to 400°F and time to 2 minutes, then press Start/Pause 
  23. Remove the sliders when done and the cheese is melted and golden.  
  24. Serve the sliders warm, topped with fresh basil.