Air Fryer Stuffing: Can You Cook It?

Cooking stuffing in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish to accompany a roast dinner. It's a convenient method that saves time and oven space, especially when cooking a large meal. You can use a packet mix, such as Paxo, or make your own stuffing from scratch. The key to successful air-fried stuffing is using the right dish—thin metal or enamel conducts heat better than glass or ceramic—and ensuring sufficient airflow around the dish. You can also make stuffing balls in advance and cook them from frozen in the air fryer.

Air fryer stuffing balls

Ingredients

• Sausage meat
• Minced shallots or onions
• Breadcrumbs
• Prosciutto
• Cranberries
• Egg
• Herbs and seasoning
• Butter
• Olive oil spray

Method

• Add the sausage, shallots or onions, breadcrumbs, prosciutto, cranberries, egg, herbs and seasoning to a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
• Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture and roll each with slightly damp hands to smooth into little balls, the size of a small meatball.
• Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 200°C/ 400°F. Use a spray bottle to mist the air fryer basket with oil, add the stuffing balls and spray them with oil as well.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket once or twice so they cook evenly. Check they are golden, crispy and cooked through.
• Serve warm as an appetizer with mustard and cranberry sauce, or as a side dish with turkey, chicken, or any roast meat.

Tips

• You can make the stuffing balls in advance and cook them from frozen in the air fryer, just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for around 3-5 days. They can also be frozen.
• When reheating, it is best to use the microwave as reheating in the air fryer may dry out the stuffing balls.
• If you are making gluten-free or dairy-free stuffing balls, check the ingredients of the packet stuffing you are using thoroughly as some brands may vary.

Gluten-free and dairy-free stuffing

Yes, you can cook gluten-free and dairy-free stuffing in an air fryer. Cooking gluten-free and dairy-free stuffing in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this side dish, especially during the holidays.

To make gluten-free and dairy-free stuffing, you can use gluten-free bread and substitute olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for the butter. You can also make the stuffing egg-free by using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of a regular egg.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the ingredients.
• Grease a heat-safe dish or baking tray with cooking spray or butter.
• Prepare your favourite stuffing recipe or use a store-bought variety. Ensure the stuffing is well-seasoned to your taste. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely to release their flavours. You can also add butter or oil to the stuffing for extra moisture and flavour.
• Place the prepared stuffing into the dish, distributing it evenly. You can shape it into a compact ball or a flat patty, depending on your preference.
• Cook the stuffing in the air fryer for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Keep an eye on the stuffing to ensure it doesn't burn and achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
• Once cooked, remove the stuffing from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff it up with a fork to create a light, airy texture.
• Serve the stuffing as a side dish with roasted meats or turkey, or as a filling for sandwiches. You can also experiment with different seasonings and ingredients, such as garlic or sage, to create unique flavour profiles.

Some tips for successful air frying:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry or undercooked spots in your stuffing.
• Use a baking sheet or a mesh air fryer rack to support the stuffing and promote even browning.
• Consider adding a small amount of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to the stuffing mixture for added crispiness.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is an important part of the cooking process, especially when it comes to holiday feasts and large meals. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat leftover stuffing:

Storing Leftovers:

• It is recommended to eat leftover stuffing within 3 to 5 days of it being cooked. Vegan stuffing can last up to 5 to 7 days when stored properly.
• To store leftover stuffing, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Make sure the stuffing is cooled to room temperature before storing it in the fridge.
• You can also freeze leftover stuffing. Consider freezing it in portions to easily take out the required amount when needed.

Reheating Leftovers:

• The stovetop is the recommended method to reheat leftover stuffing without drying it out.
• Add a little oil, butter, or broth to a pan and heat on medium heat. You can also add a splash of water.
• Place the leftover stuffing in the pan and flatten it with the back of a spoon to form a pancake shape.
• Cook the stuffing until golden brown, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
• The stovetop method is quick, easy, and energy-efficient, ensuring the crispiest result.

Other Reheating Options:

• You can also reheat stuffing in the oven, especially if you prefer your stuffing crispy. Spread the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, add butter or oil, and mix with broth.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a crunchy texture.
• Another oven option is to use a muffin pan. Divide the stuffing into the cups of a greased muffin pan and crisp them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
• If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Place the stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with parchment paper, and add a splash of broth or water if the stuffing seems dry.
• Reheat on medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• You can also reheat frozen stuffing in the oven without thawing it first. Simply follow the same directions as for regular stuffing but increase the cooking time.

Remember, when reheating stuffing, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Enjoy your leftover stuffing!

What dish to cook the stuffing in

When it comes to choosing a dish to cook your stuffing in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that the dish fits your air fryer with sufficient airflow around and under it for thorough cooking. If you have a small air fryer, opt for a smaller dish and cook the stuffing in batches to avoid overcrowding. Shallow dishes are preferable to deep ones, as they allow for more even cooking and prevent the top from burning.

Metal or enamel dishes are recommended for their better heat conduction compared to ceramic or heatproof glass. For oven-style air fryers, a 7-inch baking dish or accessory bucket is suitable, while an 8-inch square baking pan is ideal for basket-style air fryers. If using a bucket-style air fryer, place the dish directly inside, but for oven-style air fryers, place it on the lowest rack.

Additionally, consider preparing your stuffing in a separate bowl before transferring it to the cooking dish. This ensures that all the ingredients are evenly combined and seasoned before cooking. Covering the dish with foil during the first half of cooking can also help ensure even cooking, after which you can remove the foil and brush the top with melted butter for a crispy finish.

What to serve with air fryer stuffing

Air fryer stuffing is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of main courses and sides. Here are some ideas on what to serve with your air-fried stuffing:

Main Courses

• Turkey: Air-fried stuffing is a classic pairing with roast turkey, making it an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Chicken: Whether it's a whole roast chicken or chicken crown, air fryer stuffing can be a delicious accompaniment.
• Ham: The savory flavors of the stuffing go well with ham, making it a perfect holiday side dish.
• Vegetarian dishes: Air fryer stuffing is not just for meat-eaters. It can also complement vegetarian main courses.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Try air fryer sprouts and carrots as a healthy and tasty side dish to go with your stuffing.
• Salads: Serve the stuffing with a simple green salad for a balanced plate.
• Cranberry sauce: Add a touch of sweetness to your meal by pairing the stuffing with cranberry sauce.

Other Considerations

When planning your meal, keep in mind that air fryer stuffing can be made in advance and frozen. Leftovers can also be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later. Additionally, if you're short on oven space, the air fryer is a great alternative for cooking your stuffing.

Frequently asked questions