Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing — We all know that stuffing is an integral part of any Thanksgiving feast. But what if you’re tired of the same old recipe?

Try this Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, and share it with your friends!

Every Thanksgiving, my family rushes to stuff the turkey so we can eat it before it gets too late.

This year, I tried this recipe for stuffing made in the air fryer, which turned out amazing! The sausage was delicious and had just enough seasoning without being too salty. It’s perfect when you’re short on time but don’t want your dinner guests to miss out on all of your traditional dishes.

If you love a great and easy Air Fryer Stuffing Recipe, this one has it all, from golden toasted cornbread to mild Italian sausage, and it’s perfectly seasoned.

My other favorite Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes are Air Fryer Stuffing, Air Fryer Stuffing Muffins, How To Make Stovetop Stuffing In Your Air Fryer, and even Thanksgiving Dessert as Air Fryer Mini Pumpkin Pies.

What Is Cornbread Stuffing?

You can’t get enough of a fall if you’re like me. The leaves are changing colors, and the air is getting crisper. But there’s one thing I don’t love about this season- Thanksgiving dinner!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s delicious, but there’s always so much to prepare and make sure goes right that sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all the work. However, if I had cornbread stuffing, things would be much easier!

Cornbread stuffing is bread crumbs mixed with cornmeal or other grains and some vegetables or meat baked in an oven until golden brown and crispy. It tastes fantastic with turkey gravy, too! And making it in the air fryer is amazing! So join me as I make Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

The Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing is a game-changer for any holiday feast or cozy family dinner, offering a unique and flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Quick and Efficient: An air fryer significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy this delicious stuffing without waiting for the oven to free up, especially during busy holiday cooking.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures the stuffing achieves a delightful, crispy top layer while maintaining a moist and tender interior, creating a perfect texture contrast in every bite.
• Flavorful Combination: Savory sausage, sweet cornbread, aromatic herbs, and vegetables meld together in the air fryer to intensify their flavors, making this stuffing irresistibly tasty.
• Versatility: This recipe can easily be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. You can switch up the sausage type, add in nuts for crunch, or even make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more veggies.
• Easy Cleanup: Air fryer cooking typically involves less mess and fewer dishes, making the cleanup process much simpler and quicker than traditional oven-baked stuffing.
• Perfect for Small Gatherings: The air fryer is ideal for cooking smaller portions, making this recipe perfect for intimate gatherings or family dinners without leftovers.

Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing not only saves time and space in the kitchen but also delivers flavor and texture, making it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to spice up their meal with a comforting and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

Elevate your holiday meals or cozy dinners with this Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, a delightful twist on traditional stuffing. Combining the sweetness of cornbread with the savory goodness of sausage and the aromatic flavors of herbs and vegetables, this stuffing is cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and easy side dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables, infusing the stuffing with a delicious buttery taste.
• Onion and Celery: Diced onion and celery add crunch and flavor and a classic aromatic base that is essential in any stuffing recipe.
• Sausage: Opt for your favorite sausage, whether spicy Italian, sage-infused, or a milder variety, browned and crumbled to add a rich and savory depth to the stuffing.
• Cornbread: Use pre-made or homemade cornbread, cut into cubes and lightly toasted to provide a sweet and crumbly base that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: Moistens the stuffing, ensuring it’s not dry, and brings all the flavors together while keeping the cornbread tender.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they fine-tune the stuffing flavors, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned.
• Onion Powder: Adds a concentrated burst of savory flavor to the stuffing, enriching the overall taste profile with its subtle sweetness and depth without the texture of fresh onions, making it a versatile seasoning for a well-rounded flavor.
• Eggs: Serve as a binding agent in the stuffing, helping to hold all the ingredients together, ensuring the mixture stays moist and cohesive during and after cooking while also adding a slight richness to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh or dried, these herbs offer a traditional stuffing flavor profile

How To Make Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

Making Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and comforting side dish. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer to 375 degrees F, air fryer setting. In a skillet, melt four tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Saute the celery and onion in the melted butter until soft, and the onion is translucent. 

Place the cornbread crumbs into a large bowl. Add the sauteed celery and onion – be sure to use a spatula to scrape all of the butter from the pan and into the breadcrumb bowl. 

Combine the chicken broth, remaining four tablespoons of melted butter, sausage, garlic salt, pepper, and onion powder. Add the eggs to the broth mixture and whisk to combine thoroughly. 

Pour the liquid mixture over the breadcrumb mixture and toss to combine and mix thoroughly. Butter a casserole dish that will fit in your air fryer. I suggest a deep dish, an 8″ round casserole dish. Spread the cornbread mixture into the buttered dish and cover with aluminum foil. 

Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 30-45 minutes, covered until the stuffing mixture is cooked through. Uncover, stir, and bake for 5 minutes more until the top is golden brown. 

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve. 

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing is a versatile dish easily customized to suit different tastes or occasions. Here are some creative recipe variations to inspire your next culinary adventure:

• Spicy Chorizo and Pepper Jack: Swap out the traditional sausage for spicy chorizo and add pepper jack cheese for a kick. The heat from the chorizo and the creamy, spicy cheese will add layers of flavor and a nice bite.
• Apple and Walnut: Incorporate diced apples and chopped walnuts into the stuffing mixture before cooking. The sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the walnuts offer a delightful contrast to the savory elements.
• Vegetarian Mushroom and Sage: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms and extra sage. The mushrooms provide a meaty texture and earthy flavor, making this a great vegetarian option without sacrificing depth.
• Cranberry and Pecan: Mix dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a festive variation. The cranberries’ tartness and the pecans’ nuttiness complement the cornbread and sausage beautifully.
• Cheesy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy, spicy version. The jalapeños add a nice heat that pairs well with the richness of the cheese.
• Corn and Green Onion: Fold in sweet corn kernels and sliced green onions for a fresh, sweet-and-savory profile. This version is lighter but still packed with flavor, perfect for summer meals.
• Bacon and Leek: Replace the sausage with cooked, crumbled bacon and add sautéed leeks instead of onion for a smoky and subtly sweet variation. Bacon and leek are a classic combination that elevates the dish.
• Italian Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomato: Use Italian sausage for its fennel and garlic notes and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, intense flavor that brightens the stuffing.
• Gluten-Free: Make a gluten-free version using gluten-free cornbread and ensure all other ingredients, like the sausage and broth, are gluten-free. This allows everyone to enjoy the dish without worry.
• Seafood Delight: For a pescatarian-friendly option, add cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the stuffing. Seafood brings a delicate sweetness that’s surprisingly harmonious with the traditional flavors of cornbread stuffing.

Each of these variations allows you to experiment with Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, adapting the recipe to fit the season, the occasion, or simply your mood. Whether you’re looking for something classic, adventurous, or dietary-specific, there’s a version of this stuffing that’s sure to satisfy.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing is all about mastering a few key techniques and embracing the versatility of ingredients. Here are some pro tips to elevate your stuffing game:

• Toast the Cornbread: For added texture and to prevent the stuffing from becoming too mushy, lightly toast the cornbread cubes before mixing them with other ingredients. This helps them absorb the flavors better while maintaining their structure.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Ensure the sausage is well-browned and crumbly. This not only enhances its flavor but also adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft cornbread.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Before adding them to the mix, sauté the onions, celery, and any other vegetables until they’re soft and translucent. This step concentrates their flavors and removes excess moisture, preventing soggy stuffing.
• Balance Moisture Content: The key to great stuffing is its moisture level. Add chicken broth gradually to reach the desired consistency; it should be moist but not wet. Remember, the cornbread will continue to absorb liquid as it cooks.
• Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh sage, thyme, and parsley can make a significant difference in flavor, giving the stuffing a vibrant, fresh taste that dried herbs can’t fully replicate.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to add ingredients like diced apples for sweetness, nuts for crunch, or even a splash of white wine for depth. Stuffing is forgiving and versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Since air fryers can cook unevenly, stir the stuffing halfway through the cooking process to ensure all sides get crispy and golden.
• Check for Doneness: Because air fryers vary in power, start checking your stuffing a few minutes before the recipe suggests. The top should be golden and crispy, while the inside remains moist.
• Let It Rest: Allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This brief rest period helps the flavors meld together and makes the stuffing easier to serve.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Like with most air fryer recipes, preheating your device ensures that the cooking environment is immediately at the optimal temperature, promoting a crispy finish.
• Adjust for Size: If your air fryer is small, consider cooking the stuffing in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

By following these pro tips, you’ll create a memorable Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing that’s sure to impress, blending traditional flavors with the convenience and crispness that only an air fryer can provide.

Faq’s Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

Can I prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before transferring to the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

What type of sausage is best for this recipe? Any type of ground sausage works well in this recipe, including pork, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausages. Choose based on your flavor preferences, such as mild, spicy, or Italian seasoning.

Can I make this stuffing vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage or replace it with a vegetarian alternative like sautéed mushrooms, diced butternut squash, or a plant-based sausage product.

How do I know when the stuffing is done cooking? The stuffing is done when the top is golden and crispy, and it’s heated through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Can I use fresh bread instead of cornbread? Yes, while cornbread adds a distinct flavor and texture, you can substitute it with cubes of any stale or lightly toasted bread for a different take on this classic dish.

How can I prevent the stuffing from drying out in the air fryer? Ensure your stuffing mixture is adequately moistened with broth before cooking, and avoid overcooking. If necessary, you can tent the top with aluminum foil partway through cooking to retain moisture.

Is it possible to double this recipe in an air fryer? Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the stuffing in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking. If you have a larger air fryer, you can double the recipe as long as the stuffing can fit in a single layer.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the stuffing has dried out.

Can I add other ingredients to this stuffing? Definitely! Feel free to incorporate additional ingredients like diced apples, cranberries, nuts, or other vegetables to customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I cook the stuffing outside of a bird? Yes, this recipe is designed to be cooked as a standalone dish in the air fryer, providing a safer and more convenient option that also allows for a crispier topping.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER STUFFING
• AIR FRYER STUFFING MUFFINS
• INSTANT POT STUFFING
• HOW TO MAKE STOVETOP STUFFING IN YOUR AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER MINI PUMPKIN PIES
• AIR FRYER EASY PUMPKIN PIE EGG ROLLS

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