Air-Fryer Pecan Chicken Sliders

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 10 min./batch

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Oct. 18, 2023
I love coating chicken in pecans instead of breadcrumbs because it gives you such a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. The sweet berry-bourbon truly pops on these fun sliders—they feel like fancy party fare! —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
Air-Fryer Pecan Chicken Sliders Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 12 small boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 4 cups finely chopped pecans
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 to 3 dashes hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
  • Cooking spray
  • BOURBON BERRY JAM:
  • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen unsweetened mixed berries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • SLAW:
  • 1 package (16 ounces) tri-color coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 packages (12 ounces each) Hawaiian sweet rolls, split

Directions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°. Flatten chicken to 1/2-in. thickness; cut each thigh in half. Place pecans in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, whisk together egg, milk, salt, pepper and pepper sauce. Dip chicken into egg mixture, then coat with pecans. In batches, arrange chicken in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, turning once, 8-10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, combine jam ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until thick, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; crush berries to desired consistency. For slaw, in a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, sugar and lime juice. To assemble, spoon 1 heaping tablespoon jam onto bottom of each roll. Layer with hot chicken and slaw; replace tops.

Nutrition Facts

1 slider: 335 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.