Air Fryer Black Currant Smashburger Sliders

Ingredients

For the sliders:
1 lb ground beef, 80/20
1 tablespoon McCormick Sweet & Smoky Naturally Flavored Black Currant Seasoning, divided
8 slider buns, potato or Hawaiian
4 slices American cheese, halved
2 tablespoons butter, softened (for toasting buns)
½ small yellow onion, very thinly sliced (optional)
Dill pickle chips, for serving (optional)

For the black currant special sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon McCormick Sweet & Smoky Black Currant Seasoning

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket gives you the crispiest edges.

Form the beef into 8 equal balls, about 2 ounces each. Don’t overwork the meat.

Place the balls in the air fryer basket (use a fitted parchment round for easy cleanup) and press each one flat with a spatula or burger press into a thin patty slightly wider than your buns. Work in batches if needed so they aren’t crowded.

Season the tops of the patties generously with about 2 teaspoons of the black currant seasoning.

Air fry for 5–6 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Top each patty with a half-slice of cheese during the last minute to melt.

While the patties cook, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and 1 teaspoon black currant seasoning in a small bowl.

Butter the cut sides and toast in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes, or in a skillet, until golden.

Spread sauce on the bottom buns, add a cheesy patty, then pickles and onion. Cap with the top bun and serve hot.