This Air Fryer Stuffing recipe is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration on your plate! Imagine perfectly crisped bread, tender sausage, and the sweet tang of cranberries all mingling together in a warm, savory embrace. Cooking it in the air fryer adds that extra layer of magic, creating a hearty dish that really brings family and friends together during holiday feasts. Plus, it gives you a chance to standout from traditional stuffing norms. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, making it a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This Air Fryer Stuffing recipe leverages the unique cooking method of the air fryer to achieve a beautifully crisp texture while keeping the stuffing moist and flavorful. The combination of whiskey, sausage, and cranberries adds depth and richness that transforms a traditional dish into a standout centerpiece for your holiday meal. Plus, cooking in the air fryer means you can enjoy the crispy goodness without sacrificing moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Stuffing
Not only does this recipe free up oven space during busy cooking times like Thanksgiving or Christmas, it also delivers quick and delicious results. The air fryer allows for even cooking and browning, enhancing the satisfying textures of each ingredient while ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s also ready faster than traditional baking methods!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 Tablespoon whole cloves
- 1/2 Cup whiskey or bourbon
- 3 Cups French bread, cubed (about half a loaf)
- 1/2 Pound mild pork sausage
- 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1/2 Teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 Tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1/2 Teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 Cup chopped celery
- 1/4 Cup cranberry sauce
- 2 eggs, beaten
Preparing the Stuffing Mixture
Soaking the Dried Cranberries
Start by soaking the dried cranberries and whole cloves in whiskey. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step is key because it plumps the cranberries and infuses them with a lovely flavor. After soaking, drain the mixture and remove the cloves. Keeping the essence while avoiding the texture is the goal here.
Prepping the Air Fryer
Before proceeding, preheat the air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. This ensures it reaches a consistent temperature for optimal cooking, which is crucial for that perfect crisp finish.
Cooking the Sausage
Next up, heat up a skillet over medium heat and add in the mild pork sausage. Brown the sausage until fully cooked, then drain off any excess fat. This step adds a savory base to your stuffing mix, enriching the overall flavor.
Combining All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned sausage with the soaked cranberries, cubed French bread, chopped celery, fresh rosemary, dried sage, parsley, black pepper, allspice, cranberry sauce, and the beaten eggs. Gently stir all the ingredients together. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, allowing each component to add its distinctive flavor to the mix.
Transferring to Baking Dish
Now, it’s time to transfer the stuffing mixture into an 8-inch baking dish that fits into your air fryer. Gently press down on the mixture to create an even layer. This will help ensure even cooking throughout.
Air Frying the Stuffing
Place the baking dish inside the air fryer basket and cook for about 15 minutes. This timing will achieve that desired crispy top while keeping the inside tender and moist. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Garnishing
When your stuffing is finished cooking, take it out and let it cool for just a few minutes. Garnish the top with some fresh rosemary leaves. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for an appealing presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Air Fryer Stuffing alongside your holiday turkey or ham. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like green bean casserole or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Each bite of stuffing complemented by your favorite main dish will create a truly satisfying experience.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients, especially the veggies, are finely chopped. This promotes even cooking and helps all the flavors mesh beautifully.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to match your personal preferences. A little personal touch goes a long way!
Variations
- If you want to make a vegetarian version, swap out the sausage for mushrooms or lentils. They’ll add richness without the meat.
- Experiment with different types of bread, such as cornbread or whole grain. This can change the texture and flavors dramatically, making your stuffing uniquely yours.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, simply place your stuffing in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring it back to life beautifully!
Pairing Ideas
Complement this Air Fryer Stuffing with a luscious side of homemade gravy, a dollop of cranberry sauce, or even a refreshing salad. The balance between the rich stuffing and these lighter dishes creates a well-rounded meal experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook it in the air fryer just before you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Any bread you love can work, but French or sourdough bread tends to hold up best in stuffing recipes.
3. Can I skip the alcohol in this recipe?
Yes. You can replace the whiskey with vegetable broth or apple juice, making it a non-alcoholic option.
4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake this stuffing in a conventional oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes in a covered dish.
5. How do I reheat leftover stuffing?
Reheat it either in the air fryer or oven until warmed through. A splash of broth can help restore any lost moisture.
As you prepare this Air Fryer Stuffing, you’re not just cooking; you’re crafting a delicious addition to your holiday meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of textures and flavors brings warmth and joy to each gathering, making it more memorable. Once you try this recipe, it may just become a beloved tradition in your home! Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones!
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Air Fryer Stuffing
This Air Fryer Stuffing combines the warmth of sausage and cranberries with fresh herbs for a cozy dish that’s perfect for family gatherings during the holidays. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a delightful addition to any festive table.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 Cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 Tablespoon whole cloves
- 1/2 Cup whiskey or bourbon
- 3 Cups French bread, cubed (about half a loaf)
- 1/2 Pound mild pork sausage
- 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1/2 Teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 Tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1/2 Teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 Cup chopped celery
- 1/4 Cup cranberry sauce
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Soak dried cranberries and whole cloves in whiskey for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Combine sausage, cranberries, bread, celery, herbs, spices, cranberry sauce, and beaten eggs in a bowl.
- Transfer mixture to an 8-inch baking dish and press down evenly.
- Air fry for about 15 minutes until crispy on top.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Finely chop vegetables for even cooking.
Adjust herbs and spices to personal taste.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 80
