Tillie Doyle
Air fryer stuffing balls are a delicious alternative to classic stuffing baked in a casserole dish. They are easy to make and bake, and can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making them a quick and convenient addition to any meal. The air fryer method is a game-changer if you prefer to eat your stuffing warm and crispy, and they can be made in smaller batches straight from the freezer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180°C/350°F |
| Cooking Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Colour | Golden brown |
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside |
| Serving | Warm |
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What You'll Learn
How to make stuffing balls
Making stuffing balls in an air fryer is a great way to save oven space when cooking large meals. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for added convenience.
Ingredients
- Breadcrumbs or dried stuffing mix
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Boiling water
- Olive oil spray
- Celery
- Onion
- Parsley
- Poultry seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Egg
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (optional)
Method
Firstly, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion to the pan and cook until softened, which should take around 5 minutes. If you're using fresh bread, you can add this to the pan now, too. Combine the bread, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix in the cooked onion and celery. Add an egg to the bowl and mix until well combined, then add chicken or vegetable broth and mix again.
Roll the stuffing mixture into equally sized balls—this recipe should make around 8–12 balls, depending on your preferred size. Transfer the balls to a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. You can also freeze them at this stage if you want to prepare them in advance.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray the stuffing balls with cooking spray or olive oil, then place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the tops of the balls lightly with more cooking spray or olive oil.
Cook the stuffing balls in the air fryer for 8–15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the balls with tongs at least once to ensure even cooking. If you want them extra crispy, you can air fry for a further 3–5 minutes at a higher temperature.
Serve the stuffing balls warm as a side dish with your choice of meat and vegetables.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The ideal temperature and time for cooking stuffing balls in an air fryer vary depending on the desired texture and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Some models have a specific preheat setting, such as 4 minutes at 205°C.
For cooking the stuffing balls, a suggested temperature is 180°C/350°F, with a cooking time of 8 to 15 minutes. This longer cooking time ensures the insides of the stuffing balls are properly heated and cooked. For a crispier texture, the temperature can be increased to 200°C/390°F for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
It is important to note that the size of the air fryer and the number of stuffing balls may impact the cooking time. Depending on the size of the air fryer, cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket and ensure even cooking.
Additionally, spraying the stuffing balls with olive oil or cooking spray can enhance the golden colour and crispiness of the exterior.
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How to make stuffing balls ahead of time
Making stuffing balls ahead of time is a great way to save time and oven space when preparing a large meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious stuffing balls in advance:
Ingredients
Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a variety of basic ingredients such as bread, butter, vegetables (celery and onions), seasonings (salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning), broth or stock (chicken or vegetable), and eggs. You can also add your choice of herbs and spices for extra flavour.
Preparation
Start by cooking the vegetables in butter until softened. You can also add other ingredients like cooked meat or chopped apples at this stage. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the eggs and broth or stock. Combine this mixture with the bread, cooked vegetables, and seasonings. You can also add condensed cream of mushroom soup for extra moisture and flavour. However, be mindful of the salt content, as it can be quite high.
Rolling and Refrigerating
Once your mixture is ready, let it cool down until it's comfortable to handle. Then, roll it into evenly sized balls. You can make them larger or smaller, depending on your preference. After that, place the stuffing balls on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes to chill. If you want to make them even further in advance, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to flash-freeze them first by arranging them on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen.
Air Frying
When you're ready to cook your stuffing balls, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spray the stuffing balls lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray, ensuring they are coated on all sides. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, until they are golden and crispy on the outside. Serve warm, and enjoy!
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How to make vegan stuffing balls
Ingredients
- Breadcrumbs
- Olive oil or vegan butter
- Vegetable stock (optional)
- Onion
- Celery
- Mushrooms
- Parsley or other fresh herbs (e.g. sage, rosemary, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper (optional)
- Vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions
First, prepare the breadcrumbs. If you're using sliced sandwich bread, tear it up and use a blender or food processor to make the breadcrumbs.
Next, if you're including onion, cook it before adding it to the breadcrumbs. You can either microwave chopped onion in an uncovered bowl on high power for four minutes or heat some oil in a frying pan, add finely chopped onion, and cook for about five minutes until softened.
Now, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix the dried herbs and seasonings into the breadcrumbs, then add the onion and any liquid that has collected at the bottom of the bowl. Drizzle in one tablespoon of oil or melted vegan butter at a time, mixing vigorously as you go.
Taste and check for seasoning. The texture should clump easily, and you can now make the mixture into stuffing balls. If the mixture doesn't clump together, add in some vegetable stock, a little at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
Roll the mixture into evenly-sized balls. You can make around 12 balls, but the exact number will depend on how much mixture you have.
Finally, cook the stuffing balls in an air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, spraying them with some olive oil spray first to help them turn golden.
Your vegan stuffing balls are now ready to serve!
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What to serve with air fryer stuffing balls
Air fryer stuffing balls are a fun and delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. They are especially good when paired with roast meats, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer stuffing balls:
Roast Meats
Air fryer stuffing balls go well with a variety of roast meats, including chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, and beef. They can be a great way to bulk up a meal and make it more economical. For example, sage and onion stuffing balls are a delicious accompaniment to a pork roast.
Vegetables
You can serve air fryer stuffing balls with a variety of vegetables. Some options include air fryer parsnips, crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, and polenta roast potatoes. You can also serve them with softer vegetables like mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
Holiday Meals
Air fryer stuffing balls are a great addition to holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. They can be served as a side dish along with the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Other Ideas
- Gravy meals: Stuffing balls can be a great addition to any meal with gravy, such as stews or casseroles.
- Dinner rolls: Try enjoying them like you would dinner rolls, by breaking them apart and spreading them with softened butter.
- Appetizers: Serve them as a fun and unique appetizer or starter for a dinner party or holiday gathering.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook the stuffing balls in the air fryer for 8 to 15 minutes at 350°F or 180°C.
To make the balls crispy, spray them with olive oil or melted butter before placing them in the air fryer basket.
Yes, you can make the stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then, cook them in the air fryer whenever you're ready to serve them.
The ingredients you need to make stuffing balls include bread, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, onion, celery, egg, chicken broth, and butter. You can also add herbs or spices of your choice.
Air-fried stuffing balls are a delicious side dish that pairs well with roast meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork. They can also be served with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
