Looking for the perfect snackable party food or weeknight dinner upgrade? Waffle Fry Sliders are the answer. These craveable little bites combine the bold flavor of mini cheeseburgers with the irresistible crunch of waffle fries as buns. They’re fast, fun, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re hosting friends, planning game-day food, or just want a new twist on sliders, these crispy creations are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Looking for more ideas? Try Kenzrecipes Lunch.
Table of Contents
Print Recipe
Waffle Fry Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook waffle fries according to package, using air fryer or oven until crispy (approx. 12–15 min air‑fryer at 400 °F).
- Meanwhile, season and cook ground meat in skillet over medium-high heat, break into small pieces, until browned and cooked through (~8 min). Season with salt & pepper.
- To assemble each slider, place one waffle fry as “bottom bun,” top with seasoned meat, a cheese piece, a pickle, sauce, and another waffle fry.
- Arrange on baking sheet or air-fryer rack and warm at 350 °F for 3–5 min to melt cheese and heat through.
- Serve warm—insert a toothpick to hold together, and enjoy!
Notes
Why Waffle Fry Sliders Work
The Bun Is the Fry
Instead of traditional slider buns, waffle fries become the star. These crispy, golden fries act as the top and bottom of your mini burger, giving each bite that perfect contrast of soft meat and crunchy potato.
Ideal for Sharing
These sliders are bite-sized and stackable, which makes them the perfect food for entertaining. Set up a build-your-own slider bar or serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen waffle fries
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (cut into quarters)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced pickles
- Jalapeños
- Lettuce or arugula
- Diced tomatoes or cherry tomato halves
- Your favorite sauces: ketchup, mustard, chipotle mayo, ranch
Step-by-Step: How to Make Waffle Fry Sliders
Step 1: Cook the Waffle Fries
Bake or air fry the waffle fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy. This takes about 15–20 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven or 12 minutes in an air fryer. Crispiness matters—they need to hold your slider!
Step 2: Make the Patties
Mix the ground beef with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into 12–14 mini patties, about 2 inches wide and ½ inch thick.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through. In the final minute, place a quarter slice of cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sliders
To assemble, place one waffle fry down, stack a cheesy patty on top, add your chosen toppings, and finish with another fry. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Pro tip: Build them just before serving to keep the fries crispy.
Flavor Variations for Crispy Snacks
These sliders are endlessly customizable. Here are a few fun twists:
Spicy Jalapeño Waffle Sliders
- Add pickled jalapeños
- Use pepper jack cheese
- Top with spicy ranch or chipotle mayo
Breakfast Slider Version
- Swap beef patties for sausage patties
- Add a scrambled egg round
- Use maple syrup or hot honey as the sauce
Vegetarian Waffle Sliders
- Use black bean, lentil, or veggie patties
- Top with avocado and roasted red peppers
- Try hummus or sriracha aioli as your spread
Best Ways to Serve Waffle Fry Sliders
These mini burgers are great for:
- Game day spreads
- Movie nights
- Kids’ sleepovers
- BBQ parties
- Holiday appetizers
Pair them with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Mini mac and cheese cups
- Corn salad or slaw
- Fruit skewers for a fresh bite
For dipping: Offer ketchup, mustard, ranch, BBQ, or a zesty burger sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Can You Make These Ahead?
You can pre-cook the patties and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer. Waffle fries are best fresh but can be reheated briefly in an air fryer to re-crisp.
Freezer-Friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper. You can also freeze fully assembled sliders and reheat them at 375°F in the oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potato waffle fries?
Yes! They add a sweet-savory flavor and pair beautifully with spicy toppings.
What’s the best meat for the sliders?
Beef is classic, but ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based blends work great.
Can I grill the patties?
Yes. Grill them over medium heat and melt the cheese during the final minute.
Are waffle fry sliders gluten-free?
Check your brand of fries and seasoning to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
How many sliders does this make?
About 12–14, depending on fry size and how full you stack them.
Conclusion
Waffle Fry Sliders are more than just fun—they’re delicious, filling, and incredibly easy to make. With crispy fries in place of buns and juicy mini patties at the center, they bring flavor, crunch, and creativity to any table. Whether you make them for a party or a fun dinner night at home, these sliders are sure to impress.
Looking for more Recipes? Check out our Air Fryer Frozen French Fries or browse our Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for inspiration.