Air Fryer Stuffing Balls give you the perfect bite of crispy, golden crust and soft, savory stuffing. The air fryer creates that restaurant-style crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and packed with herbs. Each ball captures everything you love about stuffing but in a fun, bite-sized form. They vanish so quickly at parties, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make extras.
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I make them after Thanksgiving and Christmas because they’re a great way to use leftover stuffing as a side dish or holiday appetizer. They’re make-ahead, perfect for parties and grazing, and way more fun than serving it from a big pan. Store them in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffing Balls with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Let me walk you through making these easy stuffing balls in the air fryer from start to finish.
Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and lightly grease it with this cooking spray or olive oil. I like using this oil sprayer because it gives the basket an even, light coat without over-greasing, which helps the stuffing balls crisp perfectly.
I reach for this parchment paper every time because it handles the heat beautifully and keeps the food lifting right out without any mess.
Mix the Stuffing and Egg
In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing and egg until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is soft so it holds its shape during cooking.
I love using this large mixing bowl since the wide base makes it easy to combine the stuffing and egg evenly without spilling anything.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
If you want a little extra flavor, you can mix in some finely chopped onion or a bit of finely chopped celery, a pinch of salt, or even a sprinkle of black pepper as an optional boost. If the mixture feels a little dry, add a tiny splash of water to bring back some moisture so the stuffing holds together easily without changing the flavor.
Form the Balls
Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the stuffing mixture, then press each portion with your hands to compact it into a tight ball, which prevents it from falling apart in the air fryer.
A cookie scoop like this one gives me perfectly even portions every time, helping me roll equal size balls without any guesswork. Arrange the balls in the prepared basket with a bit of space between each one so air circulates evenly.
Air Fry Until Golden
Bake in the air fryer at 350ºF (180°C) for 10 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This Ninja Air Fryer is my lifesaver because it gives the stuffing balls an even, crunchy crust every time and cooks them so much faster than the oven.
Serve
Transfer the stuffing balls to a serving platter like this one and enjoy them hot. They’re delicious on their own or with cranberry sauce, gravy, or your favorite dipping sauce. If you want a fresh pop of color, sprinkle a little chopped parsley or your favorite fresh herbs on top before serving. Enjoy!
If you’re taking these to a potluck, place them in a sturdy, hard-sided container so they don’t get squished on the way. To maintain their temp until serving time, slip the container into an insulated casserole carrier to hold in the heat.
Air Fryer Stuffing Balls
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 4 cups leftover stuffing
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.Cooking spray or olive oil
- In a big bowl, combine the leftover stuffing and egg until everything is well incorporated and the stuffing is soft.4 cups leftover stuffing, 1 large egg
- Use an ice cream scoop to form stuffing balls, press them with your hands to compact them, and arrange them in the sheet.
- Bake in the air fryer at 350ºF (180°C) for 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the texture: If your stuffing is too dry to form balls, add a splash of broth or melted butter to the mixture before shaping.
- Compact the balls firmly: Press each portion tightly with your hands so they hold together during cooking and don’t crumble apart.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between each ball so hot air circulates evenly, and they crisp up on all sides.
- Check for doneness: Look for a deep golden brown color on the outside, which means the crust is crispy and the inside is heated through.
- Flash freeze for storage: Freeze the balls on a baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring to containers so they don’t stick together and you can grab just what you need.
- Reheat properly: Use the air fryer instead of the microwave to keep the exterior crispy when reheating leftovers.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Let the stuffing balls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days so the exterior stays crisp. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes or microwave them for 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to eat frozen stuffing balls, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer for best results. You can also reheat them straight from frozen by adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Stuffing Balls
Serve them alongside cranberry sauce for dipping, or drizzle them with leftover gravy for extra richness. They pair beautifully with turkey, ham, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes for a complete holiday leftovers plate. They also work as standalone appetizers with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, aioli, or hot honey.
For a lighter option, serve them with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. They’re hearty enough to be a side dish but versatile enough to fit into any meal where you want something savory and satisfying.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love air fryer recipes as much as I do, you’ll want to check these out!
