Air Fryer Magic: Perfect Stuffing Balls

Air fryer stuffing balls are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any night with roast meats, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. They are a fun twist on classic stuffing, offering a crispy exterior and a tender, pillowy interior. Preparing them in an air fryer is also an excellent way to save oven space, especially when cooking large festive meals or Sunday roasts with multiple dishes.

The process of making air fryer stuffing balls is simple and can be done with store-bought or homemade stuffing mix. The mix is combined with butter, water, and other flavourful ingredients, shaped into balls, and then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, golden finish. These stuffing balls can also be made in advance and frozen, providing a convenient option for busy cooks.

Whether you're crafting a festive feast or a simple weeknight dinner, air fryer stuffing balls are a tasty and efficient addition to your menu.

How to make stuffing balls from scratch

Ingredients

• Butter
• Vegetables: Onions and celery
• Seasonings: Poultry seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper
• Broth: Chicken broth
• Eggs
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley
• Bread: White bread, whole wheat bread, or stuffing bread

Method

• Cook the vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and cook until softened. Stir in the seasonings and continue cooking until fragrant.
• Make the bread base: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and broth together. Fold in the bread and parsley.
• Combine the mixtures: Add the veggie mixture to the bread mixture and stir until combined.
• Roll the stuffing: Use your hands to roll the mixture into balls.
• Cook the stuffing: You can either bake the stuffing balls in the oven or cook them in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and set the timer for 8 minutes.
• Place the dried stuffing mix into a large bowl and pour over boiling water. Mix and let stand for 8 minutes.
• Roll the mixture into equal-sized balls and spray one side with olive oil spray.
• Place the balls oil-side down into the air fryer basket and spray the upward-facing side.
• Air fry for 5 minutes, turn each ball, and air fry for another 3 minutes until crispy.

Baking Method:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease.
• Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and crisp.

How to cook Paxo stuffing balls in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Paxo sage and onion stuffing mix (170g)
• Fry light spray (1 teaspoon)
• Boiling water (425ml)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and set the timer for 8 minutes.
• Place the dried stuffing mix into a large bowl.
• Pour over 425ml of boiling water and mix with a spoon. Let the mixture stand for 8 minutes.
• Roll the mixture into 12 equal balls. Spray one side with olive oil spray and place oil side down into the air fryer basket, then spray the upward-facing side of each stuffing ball.
• Air fry for 5 minutes. Turn each stuffing ball with tongs, then air fry for a further 3 minutes until crispy on the outside.
• Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

Tips:

• Make the stuffing balls the night before and chill them in the fridge, ready to air fry the next day.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the stuffing balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• You can store any leftover cooked stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• To reheat, use the microwave or air fryer to retain their crispness.
• Air-fried stuffing balls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How to reheat stuffing balls in the air fryer

Yes, you can definitely reheat stuffing balls in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat stuffing balls in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a low temperature of around 180°C or 350°F. This will ensure that your stuffing balls are heated thoroughly without burning.
• Prepare the stuffing balls: Take your leftover stuffing balls out of the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature. This will help them heat evenly in the air fryer.
• Place the stuffing balls in the air fryer: Place the stuffing balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space around them for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat them in batches.
• Lightly spray or brush the stuffing balls with oil: This step is optional but will help the stuffing balls retain their crispness. You can use olive oil or any neutral-flavoured oil.
• Reheat the stuffing balls: Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer and reheat the stuffing balls for 3 to 5 minutes or until they are piping hot. The exact time will depend on the size of your stuffing balls and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve immediately: Once the stuffing balls are heated through, remove them from the air fryer and serve them while they are still hot and crispy.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and crispy reheated stuffing balls from your air fryer!

How to make gluten-free and vegan stuffing balls

Ingredients:

• 140g gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp gluten-free plain flour or cornflour
• 265 ml boiling water
• 30g vegan butter or dairy-free/vegan alternative
• Oil, for greasing the tray

Optional:

• Dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 clementine

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180C/200C fan.
• Mix together all your dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Add your boiling water and butter/butter alternative to the bowl. Mix thoroughly and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
• Roll the mixture into 12 balls and place them onto an oiled baking tray.
• Pop them into the oven for 25 minutes or until they're nice and golden on the outside.

Tips:

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Do NOT use fresh gluten-free bread for your breadcrumbs.
• Use ALL dried herbs – it's quicker, easier, and you'll have loads left over to make this again. Fresh herbs hold a lot more moisture and won't work as well when you roll these into balls.
• Don't add any salt to the dry mixture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs tend to have salt in them, so adding any extra can make this too salty.

How to cook frozen stuffing balls in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen stuffing balls in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

How to Cook Frozen Stuffing Balls in an Air Fryer

Air fryer frozen stuffing balls are a convenient and quick way to prepare a tasty side dish. You can use store-bought frozen stuffing balls or make your own and freeze them for later. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen stuffing balls in an air fryer:

• Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Arrange the Frozen Stuffing Balls: Place the frozen stuffing balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have some space between them for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the frozen stuffing balls with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help them get crispy on the outside and prevent sticking.
• Cooking Time: Air fry the frozen stuffing balls for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F). For even cooking, shake the air fryer basket a couple of times during the cooking process.
• Serving: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the stuffing balls from the air fryer and serve immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use different types of frozen stuffing balls, such as sage and onion, or gluten-free options.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, try using different types of oil, such as avocado oil or butter-flavoured cooking spray.
• You can also add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots to the stuffing mixture before freezing for a fruity twist.
• If you are short on time, you can use store-bought frozen stuffing balls, following the package instructions for air frying.
• For the best results, it is recommended to use an air fryer with a basket that allows for better air circulation and even cooking.
• You can also reheat leftover cooked stuffing balls in the air fryer to retain their crispness.

Frequently asked questions