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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Easy Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

    Published: Sep 6, 2024 · Modified: Sep 6, 2024 by Beth Sachs · 6 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    Air fryer stuffing balls in serving dish.

    Air fryer stuffing balls offer a fresh twist on classic stuffing. Made with Paxo stuffing mix, these crispy, bite-sized treats are versatile, customizable, and perfect for Christmas dinner or a quick, easy side dish.

    Air fryer sage and onion stuffing balls  with potatoes and brussels sprouts.

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    Preparing stuffing balls in an air fryer is an excellent way to save valuable oven and hob space in your kitchen, which is particularly useful when cooking large festive meals or Sunday roasts where multiple dishes are being prepared simultaneously.

    Don't forget to try my other air fryer favourites, like air fryer parsnips and crispy air fryer brussels sprouts!

    👩‍🍳 Looking for an oven-baked stuffing recipe? Try my easy sausage meat stuffing or simple apricot stuffing!

    eBook front cover.

    ⭐Air Fryer Recipe eBook⭐

    With easy-to-follow recipes & instructions, you'll be able to master the art of air fryer cooking in no time. Buy now for £2.99!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to cook stuffing balls in air fryer
    • Top Tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ FAQs
    • More air fryer recipes
    • More easy side dishes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    Air fryer stuffing balls are so easy to make and bake!

    1. These stuffing balls are ready in under 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy addition to your Sunday lunch or Christmas dinner.
    2. Using store-bought Paxo mix saves time and effort, and you can customize them with your favourite herbs or spices.
    3. Make them ahead of time and store in the fridge, then cook in the air fryer for a convenient, stress-free meal.

    "It's simple - when someone tells you how to do it! Thanks for sharing this.... gave me confidence to try Paxo in the AF400UK." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steve

    🛒 Ingredients

    Stuffing Mix - 170g packet of Paxo sage and onion stuffing mix. You could try different flavoured stuffing mixes if you prefer, and different brands.

    Fry Light - a light oil spray to ensure the stuffing balls are crispy on the outside and don't stick to the air fryer basket. You could also brush them with melted butter instead.

    Boiling Water - to help bind the stuffing together.

    🔪 How to cook stuffing balls in air fryer

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and set the timer for 8 minutes.

    One: Place the dried stuffing mix into a large bowl.
    Two: Pour over 425ml of boiling water and mix with a spoon. Let the mixture stand for 8 minutes.
    Three: Roll the mixture into 12 equal balls. Spray one side with olive oil spray and place oil side down into the air fryer basket, then spray the upward facing side of each stuffing ball. Air fry for 5 minutes. Turn each stuffing ball with a tong. Air fry for a further 3 minutes until crispy on the outside.

    Top Tips

    • Before you start cooking, preheat the air fryer to ensure that it's hot enough to cook the stuffing balls evenly.
    • Make the stuffing balls the night before and chill them in your fridge ready to air fry the next day.
    • Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the stuffing balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This will ensure that they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
    • Once the stuffing balls are cooked, serve them immediately while they're still hot and crispy.
    Air fried stuffing balls.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Air fryer stuffing balls are the perfect accompaniment to a roast dinner or Christmas lunch with roast turkey, beef and honey roast gammon, air fryer pigs in blankets, polenta roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, slow cooker red cabbage, honey roast parsnips and carrots, crispy air fryer brussels sprouts, bread sauce, and devils on horseback!

    You could also serve the stuffing balls as a party appetiser, with some of your favourite dips. And don't forget the obligatory turkey, cranberry, and stuffing sandwiches on Boxing Day!

    📖 Variations

    • If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the stuffing balls in a conventional oven too.
    • Vary the flavours and use different dry stuffing mixes. Supermarkets are usually full of different stuffing flavours in the run-up to Christmas!
    • Add the zest of 1 clementine to the sage and onion stuffing balls to give them a festive flavour.
    • Add a handful of dried cranberries, raisins or chopped apricots to the mix.
    • Try my apricot stuffing recipe in the air fryer!
    Air fryer stuffing balls in a serving dish.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - Any leftover cooked stuffing balls can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

    Reheat - Reheat the stuffing balls in the microwave or air fryer (which will help retain their crispness).

    Freeze - Air-fried stuffing balls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

    ❓ FAQs

    Is air-fried food healthier?

    Air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by about 70% in most cases.

    Can you reheat stuffing in an air fryer?

    Yes, you can definitely reheat stuffing balls in an air fryer. Reheat them at 180 C (350 F) for 3-4 minutes or until piping hot.

    Can stuffing balls be made in advance?

    Yes! Make the stuffing balls following the recipe and place them on a plate. Cover with clingfilm or pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring up to room temperature before air frying.

    Can I cook frozen stuffing balls in an air fryer?

    Yes, air fry frozen sage and onion stuffing balls for 10-12 minutes at 180C (350F).

    How long to cook stuffing in air fryer?

    Sage and onion stuffing balls take 8 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 180 C (350 F). A meat-based stuffing will take a little longer (always test with a meat thermometer).

    More air fryer recipes

    • Air fryer tuna mwlt sandwich on a wooden board with salad and crisps.
      Best Ever Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe
    • Air fryer mini egg dessert pots with a scoop of ice cream on top.
      Air Fryer Mini Egg Dessert Pots
    • Gourmet air fryer panini on a wooden board.
      Easy Air Fryer Panini (Ham & Brie)
    • Air fryer creme egg croissant on a plate with raspberries and blueberries and a glass of milk in the background.
      Air Fryer Creme Egg Croissant Recipe

    More easy side dishes

    • gratin dauphinoise
      Easy Dauphinoise Potatoes Recipe
    • Apple coleslaw in a serving bowl.
      Easy Apple Coleslaw Recipe
    • A bowl of carrot and swede mash.
      Easy Carrot and Swede Mash Recipe
    • Boulangere potatoes in a white ovenproof dish.
      Easy Boulangère Potatoes Recipe

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    Recipe

    Air fryer stuffing balls in a bowl.
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    5 from 7 votes

    Easy Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

    Air fryer stuffing balls put a new spin on classic stuffing. These crispy, bite-sized treats using Paxo stuffing mix, are versatile, customisable, and ideal for Christmas dinner or as a quick side dish.
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 12 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 115kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
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    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients

    • 170 g Sage and Onion Stuffing Mix Paxo or another brand
    • 1 teaspoon Fry Light Spray
    • 425 ml Boiling Water

    Instructions

    • Preheat your air fryer to 180°c (350 °F) and set the timer for 8 minutes.
    • Place the dried stuffing mix in a large bowl.
      170 g Sage and Onion Stuffing Mix
    • Pour over 425ml of boiling water and mix with a spoon.
      425 ml Boiling Water
    • Let the mixture stand for 8 minutes.
    • Roll the mixture into 12 equal balls. Spray one side with olive oil spray and place oil side down into the air fryer basket, then spray the upward facing side of each stuffing ball. Air fry for 5 minutes.
      1 teaspoon Fry Light Spray
    • Turn each stuffing ball with a tong. Air fry for a further 3 minutes until crispy on the outside.

    Notes

    Top Tips:
    • Make the stuffing balls the night before and chill in your fridge ready to air fry the next day.
    • It's important not to crowd food into an air fryer. The recipe I give here makes 12 stuffing balls in a large 6 litre air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer cook them in two batches.
     
    Variations:
    • If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the stuffing balls in a conventional oven too.
    • Vary the flavours and use different dry stuffing mixes. Supermarkets are usually full of different stuffing flavours in the run up to Christmas!
    • Add the zest of 1 clementine to the sage and onion stuffing balls to give them a festive flavour.
    • Add a handful of dried cranberries for a fruity flavour.
     
    Storage:
    Store - Any leftover cooked stuffing balls can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
    Reheat - Reheat the stuffing balls in the microwave for ease. Alternatively you could give them a quick blast in the air fryer, which will help retain their crispness.
    Freeze - Air fried stuffing balls can be frozen for up to 3 months.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Air Fryer Stuffing Balls
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    115
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    2
    g
    3
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    1
    mg
    0
    %
    Sodium
     
    398
    mg
    17
    %
    Potassium
     
    70
    mg
    2
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    22
    g
    7
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    3
    g
    6
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1
    IU
    0
    %
    Calcium
     
    27
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter
    eBook front cover.

    ⭐Air Fryer Recipe eBook⭐

    With easy-to-follow recipes & instructions, you'll be able to master the art of air fryer cooking in no time. Buy now for £2.99!

    More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air fryer pigs in blankets
      Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets Recipe
    • Air fryer parsnips on a plate.
      Easy Air Fryer Parsnips Recipe
    • Crispy air fryer brussels sprouts.
      Quick Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Chestnuts
    • Roast potatoes in an air fryer.
      Crispy Air Fryer Roast Potatoes Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Huff

      October 07, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fun holiday idea! Love that there are only 3 ingredients. Quick and easy!

      Reply
    2. Nathan

      October 07, 2021 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      I can't believe I've never seen stuffing balls before! This recipe is delicious and so easy to make in the air fryer. Definitely an instant favorite!

      Reply
    3. Louise Cayzer

      October 07, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      I'm the proud new owner of an airfryer and was looking for a way to make stuffing in it! Worked out perfectly. Yum!

      Reply
    4. Julie

      October 07, 2021 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      These are a perfect side dish to go with any meal. Bonus that they are so easy to make.

      Reply
    5. Roxana

      October 07, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this is such an easy recipe. And an incredible resource full of tips and helpful information for air frying.

      Reply
    6. Steve

      December 04, 2022 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      It's simple - when someone tells you how to do it!

      Thanks for sharing this .. gave me confidence to try Paxo in the AF400UK

      Reply
    5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Air fryer stuffing balls in serving dish.

    Hi, I'm Beth!

    Mum of three (and two crazy dogs), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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