Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 mix for juiciness)
- Finely chopped onions
- Slices of pickle
- American cheese
- Small slider buns, quartered
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Mustard and ketchup for serving
For substitutions:
- Try ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for something lighter.
- If you’re avoiding dairy, there are some great non-dairy cheese options that melt beautifully.
Instructions
1. Preparation of Ingredients:
- Start by taking your ground beef out of the fridge. It should be a nice 80/20 mix for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Finely chop your onions. You want them small enough to blend seamlessly into each bite.
- Cut your American cheese into quarters that will fit snugly on the slider buns.
- Quarter the slider buns so they’re ready to hold all that deliciousness.
- Lastly, slice your pickles thinly. These will add a nice crunch and tang.
2. Selecting the Right Ingredients:
- The key to a great White Castle Cheeseburger Bite is the beef. Opt for fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- When choosing your buns, look for soft ones that’ll crisp up nicely in the air fryer without becoming too hard.
3. Seasoning the Beef:
- In a bowl, season your ground beef with salt and pepper. This is where you can get creative—add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for an extra flavor kick.
- Mix well, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the beef.
4. Forming the Patties:
- Using a spoon or a small scoop, form the beef into small patties that are about the size of your slider buns.
- Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
5. Prepping the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This is the sweet spot for cooking the burger bites to perfection.
- While it’s heating up, arrange your patties in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching; air flow is key here.
6. Cooking:
- Slide the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for about 8 minutes. Halfway through, flip the patties to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a quarter of cheese on each patty and let it melt beautifully.
7. Assembling the Bites:
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the air fryer.
- Place each patty on a quartered bun, top with a slice of pickle, and if you like, a dab of mustard and ketchup.
8. Serving Ideas:
- Serve these delightful bites on a platter with extra pickles and condiments on the side. They’re great as is or with a side of crispy air-fried fries.
Notes
- Seasoning Options: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. A dash of onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or even a sprinkle of your favorite grill seasoning can make these bites your own.
- Cooking Temperature and Time: Sticking to the recommended temperature and cooking time is crucial for getting that perfect exterior crispness while keeping the inside juicy.
- Arranging Patties: Proper placement in the air fryer basket is not to be overlooked. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
- Flipping Halfway Through: This step is key to ensuring that your cheeseburger bites cook evenly from all sides. Don’t skip it!
- Cheese Placement: Adding the cheese in the last minute of cooking ensures it melts just right—not too early, or it could harden; not too late, or it won’t melt sufficiently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Air Fryer White Castle Cheeseburger Bites