Stove Top Stuffing in the Air Fryer (Ready in 10 Minutes)

Stove Top stuffing in the air fryer takes about 10 minutes from box to table. It comes out crispy and golden on top and soft and buttery underneath. Best of all, it keeps your oven free for the turkey, the pies and the sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving Day.

Quick answer: Make the Stove Top mix with hot water and butter as the box directs. Spread it in a greased pan that fits your air fryer basket and dot the top with butter. Air fry at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.

My son would eat stuffing every night of the year, even in July. I keep boxes of Stove Top in the pantry, and this is now the only way I make it. The stovetop version is soft all the way through. The air fryer gives you those crunchy, toasty edges everyone fights over, the same as stuffing baked in a casserole dish, in a fraction of the time.

If you’d rather start from scratch, try my Air Fryer Stuffing made with French bread, celery and herbs. This recipe is for the nights (and holidays) when the box is the smart move.

Why Make Stove Top Stuffing in the Air Fryer?

• It frees up the oven. On Thanksgiving the oven is the busiest spot in the kitchen. The air fryer handles the stuffing on the counter.
• You get crispy edges. The fan browns the top in minutes, so you get crunch on top and a soft, moist middle.
• It’s fast. About 5 minutes to mix and 5 to 8 minutes to air fry.
• It’s made for small batches. One box serves about 4 to 6 people, which is just right for a weeknight or a smaller holiday table.
• You can prep it ahead. Mix and pan it earlier in the day, then air fry right before dinner (see the make-ahead tip below).

Want individual portions instead? My Air Fryer Stuffing Muffins use the same boxed mix baked in a muffin tin, and kids love them.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Stove Top Stuffing

• Stove Top stuffing mix (6 oz box): Any flavor works — chicken, turkey, savory herbs or cornbread. Store brands, Pepperidge Farm and Trader Joe’s mixes work the same way.
• Hot water: The amount on the box, usually 1½ cups for a 6 oz box. Swap in chicken or turkey broth for richer flavor.
• Butter: The amount on the box, usually ¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons extra to dot on top. The extra butter is what makes the top crisp and golden.
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray: For greasing the pan.

Equipment

• Air fryer: Any basket or oven-style air fryer.
• Air fryer-safe pan: A 6- or 7-inch round cake pan or small baking dish that fits flat in your basket with about an inch of space around it so air can circulate.
• Mixing bowl.

How to Make Stove Top Stuffing in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Make the Stove Top Stuffing

In a large bowl, stir together the hot water and the butter called for on the box until the butter melts. Add the stuffing mix and stir until all the crumbs are moistened. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer Pan

Spray an air fryer-safe pan with cooking spray. Spread the stuffing in an even layer and press it down lightly.

Step 3: Dot the Top with Butter

Cut the extra 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and dot them over the top. This is what gives the stuffing its crispy, golden crust.

Step 4: Air Fry at 350°F

Set the pan in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp at the edges. Air fryers vary, so start checking at 5 minutes.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Fluff lightly with a fork, or scoop it straight from the pan. Serve hot with turkey and gravy.

For extra crispy stuffing, air fry 2 more minutes. For softer stuffing, cover the pan with foil for the first 4 minutes, then uncover to brown the top.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Stove Top Stuffing

• Don’t overfill the pan. A layer about 1 to 1½ inches deep crisps on top and heats through evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook it in two batches.
• Use broth instead of water. Chicken or turkey broth gives boxed stuffing a homemade flavor.
• Stir in sautéed onion and celery. Cook ½ cup of each in the butter before adding the water. It’s the easiest upgrade there is.
• Check the temperature. If you add meat or eggs, the center should reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Easy Add-Ins

• Protein: Cooked, crumbled sausage, bacon, or diced leftover turkey or chicken.
• Fruit: Dried cranberries or diced apple.
• Nuts: Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.
• Herbs: Fresh sage, thyme or a pinch of poultry seasoning.

If you love sausage in your stuffing, my Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing is a heartier, from-scratch version that feeds a crowd.

How to Make Stove Top Stuffing in the Oven

No air fryer, or making a double batch? Baking Stove Top stuffing in the oven gives you the same crispy top.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the stuffing with hot water and butter as directed on the box.
3. Spread it in the dish and dot the top with 2 tablespoons of butter.
4. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.

For a softer, moister stuffing, bake covered with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to brown. Two boxes fit in a 9×13-inch dish; add about 5 minutes to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook stuffing in an air fryer?

Yes. Both boxed and homemade stuffing cook well in an air fryer. Put the prepared stuffing in an air fryer-safe pan and air fry at 350°F until the top is golden and crisp, about 5 to 8 minutes for boxed Stove Top.

Can you air fry Stove Top stuffing without a pan?

You can, but a pan works better. Loose stuffing falls through the basket holes and dries out quickly. If you don’t have a pan, line the basket with perforated parchment and keep the layer shallow.

What temperature do you air fry Stove Top stuffing?

350°F. Hotter temperatures brown the top before the middle heats through.

Can I make Stove Top stuffing ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the stuffing, spread it in the pan, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the butter on top just before cooking, and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes since it starts cold.

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Stuffing is cooked inside the turkey; dressing is cooked in a separate dish. Technically, Stove Top made this way is dressing, but most families call it stuffing either way.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook it in two batches. Two boxes in one small pan get too deep to crisp and heat evenly.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Stuffing

To store: Let the stuffing cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat in the air fryer: Spread the stuffing in a pan, sprinkle with a tablespoon of broth or water, and air fry at 300°F for 4 to 6 minutes until hot. The microwave works too, but the air fryer brings back the crispy top.

Got leftover turkey and stuffing? Turn them into Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes the next day.

More Air Fryer Stuffing Recipes

• Air Fryer Stuffing — homemade with French bread, celery and herbs.
• Air Fryer Stuffing Muffins — boxed stuffing baked in single servings.
• Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing — cornbread, Italian sausage and a crispy top.
• Air Fryer Cornbread Stuffing (Dressing) — a Southern-style dressing for 4.