Looking for a healthy, delicious appetizer for the big game or your next get-together? These Air Fryer Burger Bites will be the hit of the party for kids and grown ups alike, and they’re Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and Low Carb!

A hand holds a toothpick with a cherry tomato, mini pickle, lettuce, and mini burger bite.

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🍔 Big Mac Bites

These tiny burger bites have all the flavors of your favorite burger, the Big Mac! They’re made in the air fryer, then topped with a homemade special sauce, sesame seeds, lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes, and served on a toothpick.

The air fryer has become the MVP of all my get togethers. It makes cooking my game day favorites, like Pork Tenderloin, Potato Wedges, Tortilla Chips, and even Pigs in a Blanket!

They’re perfect for game day eats, a fun appetizer, or a weeknight dinner. Kids and adults always gobble them up. And best of all, they’re Paleo, Low Carb, and Whole30 compatible.

Don’t have an air fryer? Worry not! I have a skillet adaptation below for you!

Recipe Ingredients

All the burger bites ingredients laid on a white marble board and labeled.

You really don’t need anything expensive or unusual to make this awesome appetizer happen!

Ground Beef: I use 85% lean, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Seasonings: Salt, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder
Special Sauce: My, oh my, the special sauce is sooo good! See below for instructions on how to make it! Trust me, you’re gonna love this part.
Sesame Seeds: Don’t skip the sesame seeds! They add important Big Mac flavor.
Pickles: If you’re following a Whole30 or Paleo way of eating, check the ingredients label for added junk. If you can’t find mini pickles, cut 1/4 inch slices of large pickles.
Cherry Tomatoes
Lettuce: Any kind will do, but I seem to always have romaine on hand so that’s what I use!

Instructions

I promise, you won’t believe how easy this recipe comes together! It’s almost too simple. Like, you might even feel like you’re being duped or something. Just trust the process. It’ll be worth it!

A collage of process shots, showing hands rolling the meat into burger bites and cooking them in the air fryer.

1. Make the Burger Bites

First, you want to make sure to preheat your air fryer. Then, to make the burger bites, mix the ground beef with the spices, then form the mixture into 2 meatball shapes, about 2 Tablespoons in each, with your hands.

Drizzle or spray the balls with oil, then add them to preheated air fryer with a little space between them. Cook for 6 minutes. Yup, that’s all you need to do!

👉 Note: I use a top-opening Air Fryer so I’m able to put the the burger bites inside with tongs easily (it’s fairly shallow), but if yours opens with a drawer, just be careful of your hand as you add them in.

A collage of the special sauce ingredients labeled and laid on a wooden cutting board beside a photo of the finished special sauce in a small white bowl.

2. Make the Special Sauce

Once you’ve got your burger bites in the air fryer, make the special sauce. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl, mix until combined, and set it aside.

By the way, I put together lists of all the sugar free Ketchup and Mayo brands, in case that’s helpful!

Note: If you don’t have relish on hand or you can’t find sugar free relish at your grocery store, just finely chop of a dill pickle.

A collage showing how to prep the toothpicks by putting the tomato on first, then the pickle, then the lettuce.

3. Prep the Toothpicks with Toppings

It really doesn’t matter what order you assemble them, but my preferred way is this: Tomato > Pickle > Lettuce > Burger.

Remove the burger bites from the air fryer and top each with a little bit of special sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, then insert the toothpicks into each one.

Note: Don’t worry if they don’t stand up perfectly! If your meatballs aren’t exactly round after cooking or they just don’t seem to want to stand up, you can lay them flat and serve them that way. They still look beautiful and may even be easier for people to grab.

Close up side view of one finished Air Fryer Burger Bite on a wooden cutting board.

Info & Tips

🍳 Skillet Adaptation: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make Burger Bites!!

Instead of making them into balls, form them into small, 2 inch patties (just like a real burger!). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook for about 2-3 minutes per side.

To Make Ahead: These Burger Bites can absolutely be prepped ahead of time, then cooked just before you’re ready to serve them! Here’s how:

Make the special sauce ahead of time (it keeps well for about 4-5 days covered tightly in the refrigerator).
Assemble the toothpicks up to a day before, and keep them in an air tight container in the refrigerator as well.
You can form the burger bites 1-2 days in advance, and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you plan to serve them to allow them to warm closer to room temp, then drizzle with oil and put them in the air fryer!

Storing Leftovers: Transfer the leftover burger bites to an airtight container and store for 3-4 days.

More Delicious Game Day Recipes

Making this recipe? I’d love to know what you think!
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Air Fryer Burger Bites

🍔 Big Mac Bites

Recipe Ingredients