Air Fryer Sloppy Joes
Ready in about 21 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
Tangy, saucy beef piled into soft toasted buns, an American diner favourite kids adore. The air fryer toasts the buns while you simmer the filling for a speedy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 g cooked beef mince
- 200 g tomato ketchup or passata
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp mustard
- 4 burger buns
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
Method
- 1Simmer the mince with ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and mustard until thick and saucy.
- 2Butter the cut sides of the buns.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/360°F.
- 4Toast the buns cut-side up for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- 5Spoon the hot saucy beef onto the bun bases.
- 6Cap with the lids and serve straight away.
Tips for the best results
- Simmer the sauce until thick so it does not soak the bun.
- A pinch of chilli flakes adds warmth for grown-up palates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer sloppy joes?+
Cook at 180°C / 360°F for 5-7 min.