This Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing delivers a crispy top with a soft, flavorful interior packed with savory herbs. It’s a quick, hassle-free side that works for holidays or any dinner that needs a comforting touch.

golden brown air fryer cornbread dressing in a baking dish
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Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing takes the classic comfort of cornbread stuffing and makes it faster and easier without losing any flavor.

With a crispy, golden top and a soft, savory center loaded with herbs and seasonings, it’s the perfect side for holidays or weeknight dinners alike.

Using the air fryer means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying every bite.

golden brown air fryer cornbread dressing served in a baking dish

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • It’s faster than traditional oven-baked cornbread dressing.
  • The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy top with a moist center.
  • Savory herbs and seasonings pack big flavor in every bite.
  • Works as a holiday showstopper or a simple weeknight side.
  • Less cleanup and fuss, but all the comfort of homemade cornbread dressing.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing on kitchen table.
  • Leeks: Sliced thinly, you can either use the entire leek or only the tops.
  • Celery: Finely diced, celery stalks
  • Garlic: Finely minced.
  • Bread: You can either use cornbread or sourdough bread, cubed.
  • Egg: Will bind your dressing together.
  • Chicken Broth: If you want to make a vegan or vegetarian version of this recipe, you can also use vegetable broth.
  • Seasonings/Spices: Salt, Black Pepper, and Thyme

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing

sautéed leek, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme in melted butter in pan

Step One: Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once melted, add leek, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes or until leek and celery have turned soft.

Continue cooking the vegetables in a skillet.

Step Two: Place cubed bread in a medium mixing bowl.

Toss the bread with the other ingredients.

Step Three: Pour mixture from the sauté pan into the bowl and toss with bread. Next, pour over the whisked egg and stir gently to coat the bread pieces. Finally, pour over chicken broth so bread pieces are moistened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

sautéed vegetable mixture tossed with bread, eggs, and chicken broth in bowl

Step Four: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 325 degrees F and grease a baking dish. Place bread mixture into a baking dish then place in the air fryer and set cook time for 15-20 minutes, until the stuffing has turned golden brown. Remove from the air fryer and serve.

golden brown air fryer cornbread dressing in a baking dish ready to serve

Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing Recipe Tips

  • Use day-old cornbread for the best texture; it soaks up the broth without turning mushy.
  • Don’t overmix when adding eggs and broth—gently fold to keep some air in the dressing.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, adding extra herbs like sage or thyme for more depth.
  • Keep an eye on the air fryer to prevent the top from over-browning; cover loosely with foil if needed.
  • Let it rest a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and the dressing set.

Storing Instructions

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and slightly crispy on top.

golden, crispy air fryer cornbread dressing in a serving dish

Easy Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing Recipe Faqs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the cornbread and sautéed vegetables in advance, then combine and air fry just before serving for best texture.

What type of bread works best? Day-old cornbread or slightly stale cornbread absorbs the broth better without turning mushy.

Can I add meat to the dressing? Absolutely! Cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken can be added for extra flavor and protein.

How do I keep the top from burning in the air fryer? Check the dressing a few minutes before the end of the cooking time. If it’s browning too fast, loosely cover with foil.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Can I make this gluten-free? Swap the cornbread for a gluten-free version, and ensure any added broth or seasonings are gluten-free.

golden air fryer cornbread dressing in a baking dish ready to serve

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Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing

Easy Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Easy Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing with a golden, crispy top and soft, savory interior. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or holiday sides.

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 1 stalk leek, halved and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
  • 3 slices sourdough bread, or cornbread (cubed)
  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 stalk leek, 2 stalks celery 2 teaspoons garlic, 1 tablespoon thyme and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.. Sauté for 5 minutes or until leek and celery have turned soft.
  • Place cubed 3 slices sourdough bread in a medium mixing bowl. Pour mixture from the sauté pan into the bowl and toss with bread. Next, pour over whisked 1 large egg and stir gently to coat bread pieces. Finally, pour over 3/4 cup chicken broth so bread pieces are moistened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat air fryer temperature to 325 degrees F and grease a baking dish. Place bread mixture into baking dish then place in air fryer and set cook time for 15-20 minutes, until stuffing has turned golden brown. Remove from air fryer and serve.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 1113mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 422IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 3mg

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