Tiffany Haney
Stuffing is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and it can be cooked in an air fryer! Using an air fryer to make stuffing saves oven space and time, and delivers a delicious result. You can make your own stuffing from scratch or use a pre-made mix such as Paxo. The key to crispy stuffing is to grease the air fryer tray with cooking spray, and to cook the mixture at a high temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bread, butter, onion, celery, herbs, spices, broth, cream, salt, black pepper, eggs, meat (sausage, turkey, chicken, bacon), nuts (pecans, walnuts), dried fruit (cranberries, apples), orange zest |
| Preparation | Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, grease the air fryer tray, form the mixture into balls, place in the air fryer basket, season with salt and pepper |
| Cooking time and temperature | 320–350°F for 3–10 minutes, or until golden brown on top. For Paxo stuffing, cook at 180°C/356°F for 10 minutes |
| Reheating | Put back in the air fryer at 380°F for 5–10 minutes, or use a microwave |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for 2–5 days or frozen |
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Paxo stuffing mix
Ingredients and Preparation:
For the basic recipe, you will need a 170g packet of Paxo stuffing mix and 475ml of boiling water. Some recipes suggest adding 25g of butter for a creamier texture and richer flavour. It is also possible to use chicken stock instead of water for enhanced flavour. However, this option is not suitable for vegetarians.
To prepare the stuffing, simply combine the Paxo mix with the boiling water (and butter, if using) in a mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until the water and butter are fully incorporated and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the water to hydrate the mix. At this point, you can shape the mixture into balls or leave it as is, depending on your preference.
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your air fryer, especially if it has a built-in preheating time before the countdown. Place the stuffing mixture or balls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook in batches. Set the temperature to 180°C to 200°C and cook for about 10 minutes for balls or until the mixture is hot and slightly crispy. For a faster cook, you can cook the balls at a lower temperature for 5 minutes, then increase the temperature for the final 5 minutes.
Tips and Variations:
- For crispy results, use an oil spray on the air fryer basket or the stuffing balls themselves.
- Shake the air fryer basket gently during cooking to prevent the stuffing from sticking.
- You can make the stuffing balls in advance and freeze them. Cook them from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Customise your Paxo stuffing by adding your favourite herbs and spices.
- If you have leftover cooked stuffing balls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to several days or freeze them. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until piping hot.
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Sage and onion
Cooking sage and onion stuffing in an air fryer is a quick and simple process. It is a great way to save oven space, and the powerful convection technology ensures your food is cooked throughout, with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
Ingredients:
- Onion
- Sage
- Celery (optional)
- Bread (cubes or torn-up slices)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter (optional)
Method:
First, chop the onion and fry until translucent (2-3 minutes). Chop and add the celery, frying for a further minute or two. Chop the sage and add this in, frying for another minute. Tear up the bread and add this to the pan, stirring well and cooking for 1-2 minutes. Stir the mixture together until the bread cubes are well combined with the other ingredients.
Place the mixture into a food processor and pulse until it reaches a fine consistency. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and roll it into balls. You can decide on the size of your balls, but note that smaller ones will cook faster and are a good serving size. You can also make a single layer of stuffing in an air fryer container, or stuff chicken and then air fry with the stuffing.
Place the stuffing in an air fryer basket lined with greaseproof paper or baking parchment. Air fry at 180ºC / 356ºF or 200C for 8-10 minutes, turning over halfway through, until golden brown. You can also air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. If you are cooking from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Tips:
- You can use a packet stuffing mix for your air fryer stuffing balls, such as Paxo, which is quick and simple.
- You can add a little more water to the mix to prevent it from drying out.
- You can also add butter to the mix.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
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Bread types
When making stuffing in an air fryer, you can use almost any type of bread. This includes white, wheat, gluten-free, multi-grain, and sourdough. You can also use store-bought boxed stuffing, which often comes with pre-cut bread cubes.
If you're cutting the bread yourself, it's important to let it dry out before using it. This can be done by leaving the bread cubes out on a counter for a day or two, or by drying them in a 300-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You can also use a combination of dry and soft bread, which will give the stuffing a hard, crusty feeling on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
Some popular bread choices for stuffing include:
- French bread
- Italian bread
- Pumpernickel
- Rye
- Challah
When using French or Italian bread, a 1-pound loaf cut into cubes should fit in an even layer on a single half-size rimmed baking sheet. If you need two sheets to fit the bread cubes, the bread is too soft and airy, and your stuffing will likely turn out mushy.
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Reheating
You can also reheat your stuffing in the microwave. If you choose to do so, add a drop of water to the dish to prevent the stuffing from drying out.
If you have leftover stuffing, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze your leftover stuffing, preferably in portions, so you can take out only as much as you need.
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Dairy-free alternatives
When making dairy-free stuffing in your air fryer, there are a few simple substitutions and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some tips and alternatives to ensure your dairy-free stuffing turns out delicious and satisfying:
Butter Alternative: Instead of using butter, opt for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil, avocado oil, or vegan butter. These substitutes work well for coating your bread cubes or crumbling into your stuffing mixture. You can also use a dairy-free spread or margarine, ensuring it is suitable for cooking and baking. Check the label to ensure it has a similar consistency to butter when melted and that it can withstand the air-frying temperature.
Milk Alternative: If your stuffing recipe calls for milk, you can easily replace it with a dairy-free alternative. Unsweetened soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are great options. These plant-based milks have a neutral flavor and a similar consistency to traditional milk, ensuring your stuffing binds together perfectly.
Cheese Alternative: For a cheesy flavor without the dairy, there are a few options. You can use nutritional yeast flakes, which have a naturally cheesy flavor and are commonly used in vegan recipes. Another option is to find dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as vegan cheese shreds or blocks, which can be grated or crumbled into your stuffing. These alternatives often use coconut oil, soy, or nuts to replicate the texture and flavor of cheese.
Cream and Sour Cream Alternatives: If your stuffing recipe includes a creamy element, you can substitute regular cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For a similar tanginess to sour cream, try using a dairy-free sour cream alternative, often made from soy, nuts, or coconut. These substitutes will provide a similar richness and texture to your stuffing without the dairy.
Flavor Enhancers: To boost the flavor of your dairy-free stuffing, don't be afraid to use herbs, spices, and other flavor enhancers. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, and parsley can add depth and complexity. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the overall flavor profile.
By making these simple dairy-free substitutions, you can create a delicious and satisfying stuffing in your air fryer that caters to dietary restrictions or preferences. Remember to check the ingredient labels and ensure that all your chosen alternatives are suitable for cooking and can withstand the air-frying process. Enjoy experimenting and creating a dairy-free stuffing that everyone can enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the quantity and the size of the air fryer. On average, it takes 8 to 15 minutes to cook the stuffing in an air fryer.
The best temperature to cook the stuffing is 320 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
To make the stuffing crispy, spray some vegetable oil on the top layer and cook for 3 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius or 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
