Oh my gosh, let me tell you about the Thanksgiving disaster that led me to create this Air Fryer Stuffing with Sausage & Herb! Picture this: oven full, hungry relatives hovering, and me realizing I forgot to bake the stuffing. Cue panic. Then – lightbulb moment – I threw everything into the air fryer. Twenty minutes later? Crispy-on-top, moist-inside perfection that had everyone begging for seconds. Now it’s my go-to method year-round because honestly, who has oven space to spare? The air fryer gives you that dreamy golden crust in half the time with zero fuss. Trust me, once you try stuffing this way, you’ll never go back to soggy, steam-baked versions again.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this recipe will change your stuffing game forever. Here’s why:
- Crazy fast: Done in 20 minutes flat – no waiting for the oven to heat up or babysitting a skillet
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you golden crispy bits on top while keeping the inside deliciously moist
- Flavor bomb: Savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and buttery bread – need I say more?
- Easy cleanup: One bowl, one air fryer basket – you’re done before the dishes pile up
- Holiday lifesaver: Frees up your oven for the turkey and pies (we’ve all been there!)
Seriously, this stuffing checks all the boxes – it’s my secret weapon for stress-free holiday meals.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters – these simple ingredients come together like magic in the air fryer. I always tell my friends: “Don’t skip the day-old bread!” Here’s what you’ll need:
- The Protein: 1 lb breakfast sausage (trust me, the fatty kind makes it better)
- The Bread Base: 4 cups day-old bread, cubed into ½-inch pieces (I use French bread but sourdough works great too)
- The Veggies:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because more garlic is always better)
- The Good Stuff:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (real butter only, please!)
- 1 tsp each dried sage and thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary (crush it between your fingers to wake up the flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- The Binders: 1 cup chicken broth and 1 beaten egg (this makes it hold together beautifully)
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that make your kitchen smell like holiday heaven.
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever made stuffing any other way. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have golden, crispy stuffing in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
First things first – grab your favorite skillet and get that sausage going! I cook mine over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Don’t rush this part – those crispy bits add so much flavor. Once the sausage is done, drain off most (but not all!) of the fat – we want to keep just enough to cook our veggies in. Toss in the onions and celery, stirring them around until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Right at the end, throw in the garlic – we just want it fragrant, not burned. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Dump your bread cubes into a big mixing bowl and drizzle that melted butter all over them. Use your clean hands to toss them around – you want every piece lightly coated. Sprinkle in all those wonderful herbs (I always give them a little rub between my fingers first to wake up their flavors). Now add your sausage and veggie mixture – still warm from the skillet – and give everything a good stir. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and beaten egg while mixing – this is what makes our stuffing hold together beautifully. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
Step 3: Air Fry the Stuffing
Here’s where the magic happens! You’ve got two options here: either use an air fryer-safe baking dish (I like a small casserole dish) or make a free-form pile on parchment paper. I usually go with parchment because I love the extra crispy edges. Air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, but here’s the key – give it a good stir halfway through. This ensures even browning all over. Keep an eye on it toward the end – you want that perfect golden-brown top. If you’re like me and love extra crunch, go ahead and give it another 2-3 minutes. Your patience will be rewarded!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
After making this stuffing more times than I can count (my family demands it weekly!), I’ve picked up some tricks you’ll love:
- Stale bread is your friend: Day-old bread soaks up flavors better without turning mushy
- Herb hack: Rub dried herbs between your palms before adding – it releases their oils
- Crispy lover? Spread stuffing thinner in the air fryer and add 3 extra minutes
- Taste as you go: Adjust salt after mixing – sausage saltiness varies
- No peeking! Resist opening the air fryer too often – you’ll lose that precious heat
These little touches make all the difference between good stuffing and “oh my goodness” stuffing!
Variations for Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:
- Lighter option: Swap breakfast sausage for turkey sausage or chicken sausage (just add an extra tbsp of butter)
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF bread – the air fryer makes it just as crispy
- Sweet & savory: Toss in ½ cup diced apples or dried cranberries for a festive touch
- Herb lover: Fresh herbs work beautifully – just double the amounts
- Extra veggie: Throw in some mushrooms or carrots with the onions
The possibilities are endless – have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
Oh honey, this stuffing deserves center stage! We love it piled next to golden roast chicken or turkey – the crispy bits soak up gravy like a dream. But don’t wait for holidays! I’ve been known to serve it with simple baked pork chops or even top it with fried eggs for breakfast. Leftovers? Toss them in a skillet with greens for the BEST stuffing hash.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
Here’s my foolproof system for keeping that stuffing delicious! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay perfect for 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy alert!) and pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. You’ll get that just-made crispiness all over again. Pro tip: If it seems dry, spritz lightly with broth before reheating. I’ve even frozen portions for up to a month – just thaw overnight in the fridge before air frying to revive that magic texture.
Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb) FAQs
I get asked these questions ALL the time – here are my no-nonsense answers!
Can I freeze this stuffing?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then pack it in freezer bags or containers. It’ll keep for a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer – it’ll taste freshly made.
Fresh vs dried herbs – which is better?
I love both! Use double the amount if using fresh herbs (so 2 tsp each of sage and thyme). Just chop them fine and add with the butter. The flavor will be brighter but equally delicious.
My stuffing turned out dry – what went wrong?
Two likely culprits: Either your bread was too stale (stick to 1-day-old max) or you overbaked it. Next time, check at 15 minutes and spritz with extra broth if needed.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure thing! Skip the sausage, use veggie broth, and add extra mushrooms or walnuts for texture. You’ll still get that irresistible crispy top.
Why does it need an egg?
That egg is our binding hero! It helps the stuffing hold together without becoming dense. If you’re egg-free, an extra ¼ cup broth works, but it’ll be more crumbly.
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Stuffing (Sausage & Herb)
Okay, let’s talk nutrition – but remember, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients (especially that sausage fat content!). Here’s the scoop per generous 1-cup serving:
- Calories: 320 (worth every bite!)
- Fat: 18g (7g saturated – hello, butter and sausage goodness)
- Carbs: 25g (2g fiber from all those veggies)
- Protein: 14g (thanks to our sausage superstar)
- Sodium: 620mg (go easy on added salt if you’re watching this)
Honestly? For something that tastes this indulgent, those numbers make me downright giddy. It’s comfort food you can feel good about!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Stuffing with Sausage Is Unbelievably Good
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy air fryer stuffing with sausage and herbs for a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 4 cups cubed bread (about ½ inch pieces)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix bread cubes with melted butter, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked sausage and vegetable mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth and beaten egg. Mix well.
- Transfer stuffing to an air fryer-safe baking dish or form into a loose mound on parchment paper.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crispy on top.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture.
- Adjust herbs to taste.
- For extra crispiness, air fry an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: air fryer stuffing, sausage stuffing, easy stuffing recipe