Amazing 20-Minute Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about the game-changing moment I discovered air fryer sausage stuffing! Picture this: Thanksgiving morning, my oven already packed with turkey and pies, and I’m desperately trying to figure out where to cram the stuffing. Enter my trusty air fryer – that little countertop hero saved the day. In just 20 minutes, it whipped up stuffing with the most incredible crispy top and tender middle, packed with savory sausage and herbs. Now it’s my go-to for holidays and even lazy Sunday dinners. Trust me, once you try this quick, flavorful version, you’ll never want to wrestle with oven space again!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing

This stuffing recipe is a total winner, and here’s why:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes – no oven juggling required!
• Perfect Texture: Crispy on top, tender in the middle – just how stuffing should be.
• Holiday Hero: Frees up oven space for your turkey, pies, and casseroles.
• Flavor-Packed: Savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and a hint of buttery goodness in every bite.
• Versatile: Works for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a cozy weeknight meal.

Trust me, this air fryer stuffing is a game-changer you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing

Grab these simple ingredients for the best air fryer sausage stuffing you’ll ever make:

• 1 lb sausage (mild or spicy – your choice!)
• 4 cups bread cubes (day-old works best, cut into ½-inch pieces)
• 1 cup diced onions (I like yellow, but sweet onions work too)
• 1 cup diced celery (don’t skip this – it adds great crunch)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if you’re watching salt)
• 2 tbsp butter (real butter makes all the difference)
• 1 tsp sage (dried or fresh, both are amazing)
• 1 tsp thyme (hello, holiday flavors!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Bread tip: Stale bread soaks up flavors without getting mushy. No day-old bread? Toast fresh cubes at 300°F for 10 minutes first. Sausage swaps: Try Italian sausage for extra flavor or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Vegetarian? Skip the sausage and add mushrooms and walnuts for texture. Herb options: No sage? Poultry seasoning works great too. And if you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth does the trick!

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How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing

Alright, let’s get cooking! This air fryer stuffing comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven. Here’s exactly how I make it every time:

1. Preheat that air fryer! Set it to 350°F – this gives you time to prep while it warms up. I like to check the temperature with my oven thermometer to be sure.
2. Brown that beautiful sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook your sausage until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease (but leave about a tablespoon for flavor!).
3. Build your flavor base. Add the onions, celery, and butter to the same skillet. Cook until they’re softened but still have a little crunch – about 3-4 minutes. The smell at this point? Absolute heaven!
4. Mix it all up. In a big bowl, combine your sausage mixture with the bread cubes, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over everything and gently toss until every piece is lightly coated. Don’t overmix – you want to keep those bread cubes intact.
5. Air fry to perfection. Transfer the mixture to your air fryer basket, spreading it evenly but not packing it down. You want some air flow for that perfect crispiness. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stopping halfway to give it a good stir for even cooking.
6. Check for doneness. Look for golden brown edges and a slightly crisp top. The inside should still be moist but not soggy. If it needs more time, add 2-3 minute increments until perfect.

Tips for Perfect Stuffing

Here’s my golden rules for stuffing success: Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if needed. Check at 15 minutes – air fryers can vary. Let it rest 3-5 minutes after cooking – this helps the flavors settle. And my secret? A quick spritz of cooking spray before air frying makes the top extra crispy!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing

This stuffing is practically begging to be the star of your holiday table! I love pairing it with juicy roast turkey and all the classic sides – creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and tangy cranberry sauce. But don’t save it just for special occasions! On busy nights, we’ll eat it straight from the air fryer basket alongside simple roasted chicken or pork chops. Leftovers? A fried egg on top makes the perfect breakfast.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to keep your air fryer sausage stuffing tasting fresh and crispy: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes – this brings back that perfect crispy texture that microwaving just can’t match. Pro tip: If the stuffing seems dry, spritz lightly with broth before reheating!

Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing FAQs

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk nutrition – because knowing what’s in your food helps you enjoy every bite guilt-free! Remember, these numbers can change based on your specific ingredients. Here’s the scoop per serving: 280 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated), 20g carbs (2g fiber), and 12g protein. Not too shabby for stuffing that tastes this indulgent! Using turkey sausage or whole grain bread can make it even lighter if that’s your jam.

Did You Make This Recipe?

I’d love to hear how your air fryer sausage stuffing turned out! Leave a comment below with your favorite tweaks or snap a photo of that golden crispy top. Tag me @MyKitchenAdventures on Instagram – I might just feature your masterpiece! Happy cooking, friends!