Air Fryer Oven: Perfect Stuffing In Minutes

Air fryer stuffing is a convenient and tasty alternative to oven-baked stuffing. It's a versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted meats such as turkey, chicken, and pork, or even vegetarian meals. The air fryer gives the stuffing a desirable crispy exterior in less time than a conventional oven.

There are several recipes for air fryer stuffing, but most include dried bread cubes, chicken or vegetable broth, butter, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings. The cooking time varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispness, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes in the air fryer.

Some recipes also include sausage, cream, or eggs to add a savory kick and a creamy texture. The type of bread used can also be varied, with options such as white bread, brioche, cornbread, or gluten-free bread.

Air fryer stuffing is a convenient option, especially during the holidays when oven space is limited. It's a tasty and efficient way to prepare a classic side dish.

How to make boxed stuffing taste great

Ingredients

To make boxed stuffing taste great, you can add a variety of ingredients such as:

• Sausage meat
• Bacon
• Vegetables (onions, celery, mushrooms, garlic)
• Fruits (apples, pears, cranberries, raisins, apricots)
• Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachios)
• Spices (paprika, cayenne, Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning)
• Cheese (cheddar, parmesan, gouda, mozzarella, provolone)
• Eggs
• Stock (chicken or turkey)
• Butter

Method

• Choose the right vessel for your air fryer. The dish should be more shallow than deep to ensure even cooking.
• Prepare your ingredients. Chop up any vegetables, fruits, or nuts, and cook any meat.
• Combine the boxed stuffing with your chosen ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Add stock and/or butter to the mixture and stir until well combined.
• Transfer the stuffing mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
• Cover the dish with foil and place it in the air fryer.
• Cook at 320-350°F/175°C for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue cooking for another 2-10 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve warm.

Tips

• You can make boxed stuffing taste more like homemade by using fresh herbs, adding extra vegetables, and choosing a brand with decent-sized bread chunks.
• For a unique twist, try substituting beer for some of the broth or adding caramelized onions or brown butter.
• If you're short on time, boxed stuffing is a great option as it requires very little preparation and cooks quickly.
• If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 320-380°F for 3-10 minutes.

How to make stuffing in advance

Freezing the Stuffing Mixture

You can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and store it in the freezer for up to six months. First, cook the onions and celery in butter until soft. Then, add in the herbs and any other seasonings. Let this mixture cool down to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. On the day of cooking, simply thaw the mixture and combine it with cubed bread and broth. You can then either bake it in a casserole or use it to stuff a turkey.

Refrigerating the Unbaked Stuffing

Another option is to assemble the entire stuffing without baking it and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Simply combine the bread cubes, broth, spices, and the onion-celery mixture, and place it in a covered container or bag in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, bake the stuffing in a casserole or stuff it into a turkey and follow the usual cooking instructions.

Freezing the Baked Stuffing

You can also bake the stuffing ahead of time and freeze it for up to six months. After baking, let the stuffing cool down completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. On the day of serving, thaw the stuffing and reheat it in the oven at 350˚F for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through and crispy on top.

Refrigerating the Baked Stuffing

If you don't want to freeze the baked stuffing, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. After baking, let the stuffing cool down, then cover and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven when you're ready to serve.

How to reheat stuffing

There are several ways to reheat stuffing, including in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat your stuffing to perfection using different methods.

Using an Air Fryer to Reheat Stuffing:

• Place the leftover stuffing in an air fryer-safe dish.
• Set the air fryer temperature between 320°F and 380°F.
• Reheat the stuffing for 3 to 5 minutes or 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the quantity and your desired level of crispness.
• Check the stuffing halfway through to ensure even heating and to prevent burning.
• If the stuffing isn't hot enough after the initial heating time, add another 2 to 3 minutes.

Using an Oven to Reheat Stuffing:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place the leftover stuffing in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
• Put the dish in the oven and reheat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through.

Using a Microwave to Reheat Stuffing:

• Place the leftover stuffing in a microwave-safe container.
• Cover the container with a damp paper towel to help maintain moisture.
• Microwave on medium to high power for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the quantity of stuffing.
• Check the stuffing halfway through to ensure even heating and give it a stir if needed.

Tips for Reheating Stuffing:

• If your stuffing seems dry, you can sprinkle a small amount of broth or water over it before reheating.
• For a crispier texture, you can lightly spray the surface of the stuffing with cooking spray or butter before reheating.
• If you're reheating a large amount of stuffing, it's best to portion it into smaller servings to ensure even heating.
• Always allow the stuffing to cool down before storing leftovers, and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover stuffing as if it were freshly made!

What bread is best for stuffing

When it comes to choosing the best bread for stuffing, there are a few factors to consider, including texture, flavour, and how well the bread absorbs liquid and other ingredients.

White sandwich bread is a popular choice due to its ability to absorb liquid and butter, resulting in a pleasing, steamy bread pudding-like texture. It also has a neutral flavour that allows the richness of the broth and other ingredients to shine through.

Challah, a braided egg bread, offers a similar texture to white sandwich bread and a rich, mildly sweet flavour. However, some may find it too rich and overwhelming.

For a more piece-y texture, sourdough bread is a great option. It has a denser structure and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in stuffing.

If you prefer a stuffing that holds together, cornbread is a good choice. It has a slight sweetness that balances well with the savoury ingredients, creating a classic Thanksgiving flavour profile.

Other options include bagged stuffing bread cubes, which are convenient but may lack flavour, and hearty white bread, which provides a crispy texture but may not contribute much to the overall flavour.

Ultimately, the best bread for stuffing depends on your personal preference for texture and flavour.

How to make stuffing crispy

Making stuffing in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this classic side dish, which goes well with turkey and ham. The air fryer's high temperatures keep the outside of the stuffing crisp, while the inside stays beautifully soft.

Ingredients

• Ground sausage (optional)
• Medium onion, chopped
• Celery ribs, chopped
• Dried garlic powder
• Dried sage
• Dried thyme
• Black pepper
• Bread cubes (from a box of stuffing mix, or fresh bread sliced and toasted into cubes)
• Cream or half and half
• Butter, melted
• Chicken broth
• Egg

Step-by-Step Guide

• Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
• Cook the onions and celery in the skillet until soft.
• Add the herbs, garlic, and seasoning to the skillet, then transfer to the mixing bowl.
• Add the bread cubes to the mixing bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream, melted butter, and egg.
• Pour the liquid mixture over the bread mixture and fold together before letting it soak.
• Grease a baking dish and transfer the stuffing mix over.
• Cover with aluminium foil and cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for 5-10 minutes, or until the top is brown and crisp.
• Let the stuffing cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Grease the bottom of your air fryer tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy base.
• For an even cook, create an even shape with your stuffing.
• If making this recipe for a special occasion, you can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.

Frequently asked questions