Air Fryer Stuffing Balls Recipe – Delicious and Easy

The Air Fryer Stuffing Balls Recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a holiday classic with a healthier twist. These golden, crispy stuffing balls are made by combining traditional stuffing ingredients like bread cubes, onions, celery, and seasonings with a bit of chicken broth to moisten the mixture. Once the mixture is formed into small balls, it’s cooked in the air fryer, which creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. The air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making this a lower-fat option compared to traditional frying or baking methods. These stuffing balls are a great side dish for any holiday meal, and their bite-sized portions make them perfect for snacking or serving as appetizers. With minimal preparation and a quick cooking time, the Air Fryer Stuffing Balls Recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Air Fryer Stuffing Balls Recipe – Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish

Air Fryer Stuffing Balls are a modern twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. This recipe combines the crispy texture of air frying with the warm, savory flavors of traditional stuffing, creating bite-sized balls that are perfect for serving during the holidays or any festive meal. The air fryer method ensures that the stuffing balls are crispy on the outside while remaining moist and flavorful on the inside. Whether you’re preparing a large holiday meal or simply craving a quick comfort food snack, these Air Fryer Stuffing Balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Stuffing is typically made with bread cubes, herbs, and vegetables, and can be seasoned in countless ways to suit your taste. With this Air Fryer Stuffing Balls recipe, you take all the ingredients you love in traditional stuffing and shape them into convenient, bite-sized pieces. The air fryer does an excellent job of ensuring a crisp, golden exterior without the need for excess oil or deep frying. These balls are perfect as a side dish, snack, or even as a fun addition to a holiday appetizer spread.

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Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (white, whole wheat, or any preferred type), cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Begin by cutting the loaf of bread into small cubes. If the bread is too fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. This will help the bread absorb the flavors and moisture without becoming soggy.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Stuffing Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and dried herbs (sage, thyme, salt, and pepper). Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth to moisten the mixture. Add the egg and grated parmesan cheese (if using), and mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not soggy, and it should hold together when shaped into balls.
4. Form the Stuffing Balls: Using your hands, form the stuffing mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-15 stuffing balls, depending on the size.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready to cook the stuffing balls.
6. Air Fry the Stuffing Balls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffing balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each ball for proper air circulation. Air fry the stuffing balls at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
7. Serve: Once the stuffing balls are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

These values are approximations and may vary based on ingredient brands and portions. For a lower calorie version, you can omit the butter or cheese and adjust the amount of oil used for air frying.

Cuisines: American, Holiday, Comfort Food
Course: Side Dish, Appetizer
Servings: 12–15 stuffing balls (depending on size)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Knife and chopping board
• Spoon for mixing
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing the air fryer basket

Tips and Variations:

• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or parsley to customize the flavor of the stuffing balls.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just shape the mixture into balls and air fry.
• Stuffing Ball Size: Adjust the size of the balls depending on your preference. Larger balls may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
• Vegan Version: To make these stuffing balls vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for the stuffing base if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion:

Air Fryer Stuffing Balls are an easy, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional stuffing. With their crispy exterior and flavorful interior, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, enjoying a family dinner, or looking for a unique snack, these stuffing balls will elevate any meal with their comforting taste and convenient bite-sized portions. The best part? You get all the great flavors of stuffing without the mess or the need for deep frying, thanks to the air fryer’s magic!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.