Air Fryer Stuffing: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a convenient way to make stuffing, especially when oven space is limited. The cooking time varies depending on the type of stuffing and the air fryer model, but it typically ranges from 5 to 30 minutes. For stovetop stuffing, it takes around 5 to 8 minutes at 350°F. Homemade stuffing with sausage, vegetables, and herbs takes about 20 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F after being browned on the stovetop. Reheating leftover stuffing in an air fryer takes 5-10 minutes for individual portions and 10-15 minutes for larger portions.

How to make air fryer stuffing balls

Air fryer stuffing balls are a fun twist on your favourite holiday side dish. They are quick and easy to make, and they free up oven space while you're roasting. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make delicious stuffing balls using your air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 5 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 large egg, well beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (preferably no-salt-added)
• Olive oil spray

Optional Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
• 1/2 pound ground sausage
• 2 teaspoons dried garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup cream or half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Small skillet
• Medium bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (ensuring it fits your air fryer)
• Instant-read thermometer

Method

Begin by melting the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion, cooking until softened, which should take around 5 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine the bread, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cooked onion and celery.

Next, add the egg and mix until well combined. Then, add the chicken broth and mix again.

Roll the stuffing mixture into 8 equal-sized balls. Transfer them to a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Lightly spray the stuffing balls with cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer, ensuring they don't touch each other, and spray the tops lightly.

Cook the stuffing balls for 5 minutes, then turn them over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Your air fryer stuffing balls are now ready to be served!

Tips

• You can add dried cranberries for a festive kick, perfect for Christmas.
• For a delicious savoury flavour, add ground sausage to the mixture.
• If you don't have an air fryer basket, you can use a baking dish that fits your air fryer.
• For a lighter texture, use panko breadcrumbs.
• For best results, use good-quality butter.
• You can substitute milk with stock or water.
• Use a spritz-type oil sprayer instead of an aerosol spray to avoid damaging the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
• To reheat, cook in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

How to make air fryer stuffing from scratch

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground sausage (optional)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups bread cubes (from a box of stuffing mix, or fresh bread sliced and toasted into cubes)
• 1/4 cup cream or half and half
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg, well beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Method

• Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
• Place the skillet back on the stove and add the onions and celery. Cook until soft. Stir in the garlic, sage, thyme, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 minute, then transfer the mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
• Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss them with the sausage and veggies.
• Whisk the chicken broth, cream, melted butter, and egg together in a large bowl. Pour over the bread mixture and use a large spoon to fold the mixture together. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 30 minutes until the bread cubes soak up the liquid.
• Grease a 7-inch baking dish. Transfer the stuffing to the baking dish. If there is any liquid left in the bowl, drizzle it over the top of the stuffing.
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place the stuffing in the air fryer. Cook at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is brown and crisp.
• Let the stuffing cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can make this recipe without the sausage for a vegetarian option.
• You can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking it.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the stuffing in the oven.
• You can also form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and cook them in the air fryer for a fun twist on traditional stuffing.

How to reheat stuffing in an air fryer

If you have leftover stuffing, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer. This method will ensure your stuffing is crispy and fresh.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, check that your air fryer has enough room for the dish you plan to use. Preheat the air fryer if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

Place the leftover stuffing in an air fryer-safe dish. If you're reheating a large amount, it's better to use a larger dish so that the heat can penetrate the stuffing evenly.

Step 3: Reheat the Stuffing

Place the dish in the air fryer and heat at 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes. If the stuffing isn't hot enough after this time, add another 2-3 minutes.

Tips:

• For extra crispy stuffing, spray the dish with a little vegetable or olive oil before reheating.
• If you're reheating a small portion, you can create a foil packet to prevent the stuffing from drying out.
• To ensure even cooking, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket and leave some space around the dish for airflow.
• If your stuffing seems dry, add a few drops of water or chicken broth to the dish before reheating.
• For even heating, stir the stuffing halfway through the reheating process.
• Check the temperature of the stuffing with an instant-read thermometer. It should be 165°F/74°C in the centre of the thickest part.

What dish to use in the air fryer for stuffing

When making stuffing in an air fryer, the dish you use is important. The dish must fit inside your air fryer with enough room to get it in and out. It is recommended to use a thin metal dish or an enamel dish, as heatproof glass or ceramic dishes do not conduct heat well in an air fryer. Corning Ware is also a good option, as it is air fryer-safe. If you don't have a suitable dish, you can make one out of foil or use takeaway-style foil containers.

When preparing the stuffing, you can use a boxed stuffing mix or make your own from scratch. If using a mix, simply add hot water, butter, and the stuffing packet to a large mixing bowl. If making your own, combine bread cubes with herbs, spices, and vegetables of your choice, such as celery, onion, and sage. You can also add meat, such as sausage, to your mixture for extra flavour. Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to your chosen dish and place it in the air fryer.

The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, but generally, you will want to cook your stuffing at a lower temperature for around 15-20 minutes, and then increase the temperature for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.

How long to air fry stuffing

Air-fried stuffing is a quick and easy dish to make, and it can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The time taken depends on the type of stuffing you are making and the specific air fryer being used.

Air Fryer Settings

Firstly, it is important to note that not all air fryers are the same. Some have different settings, such as "bake" or "dehydrate", and some have additional heating elements that cook from the bottom. Unless specified otherwise, the default setting to use is the "air fry" option, and only the top-down heating element should be used.

Air Frying Stuffing Balls

Stuffing balls are a fun twist on traditional stuffing. To make them, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C or 360°F/180°C, depending on the recipe. Then, cook the stuffing balls for around 5-20 minutes, turning them once during the cooking process. The stuffing balls are ready when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C in the centre of the thickest ball.

Air Frying Traditional Stuffing

For traditional stuffing, preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C. Then, cook the stuffing for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Air Frying Paxo Stuffing

To air fry Paxo stuffing, cook at 170°C/340°F for 17 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 200°C/390°F for the final 3 minutes to crisp up the top.

Reheating Stuffing in the Air Fryer

To reheat stuffing, place it in an air fryer-safe dish and heat at 320°F/160°C for 3-5 minutes. If the stuffing is not hot enough, add an additional 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat at 380°F/193°C for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions