These air fryer stuffing balls are a delightful twist on the classic Thanksgiving side dish. Made with a combination of seasoned bread crumbs, sautéed onions and celery, and aromatic herbs, these stuffing balls are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Baking them in an air fryer gives them a golden brown color without the need for excessive oil. Serve these bite-sized stuffing balls as a tasty appetizer or as a side dish to complement your holiday feast.
Ingredients
- 7 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (187°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the herbs are fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the onion and celery mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- To the mixing bowl, add the bread crumbs, vegetable broth, and beaten eggs. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Once cooked, remove the stuffing balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the air fryer stuffing balls as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Interesting Facts
Air frying provides a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses little to no oil while still achieving a crispy texture.
Stuffing balls can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
Feel free to customize the seasoning of the stuffing balls by adding your favorite herbs and spices.