These air fryer stuffing bites are what happen when comfort food meets snackable fun. Think crispy on the outside, tender and herby on the inside — like mini stuffing muffins or savory tots! If you’ve got leftover stuffing, you need to try this.
The first time I made these, I was looking for a fun way to reinvent holiday leftovers. I mashed the stuffing into little balls, tossed them in the air fryer, and the results were better than I imagined — golden and crunchy outside with warm, savory centers. Total crowd-pleaser. My kids popped them like tater tots!
Air frying makes them faster and lighter than baking or pan frying, and you can serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or finger food for parties. Dip them in gravy, cranberry sauce, or even ranch — so good.
Best part? You can prep them ahead and keep ’em in the fridge or freezer. From Thanksgiving to weeknight dinners, these bites are a winner.
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Leftover stuffing – Any variety works! If it’s dry, add a splash of broth or an egg to bind.
- Egg (optional) – Helps hold the bites together if the stuffing is crumbly.
- Oil spray – A light mist for crisping up the outside.
- Optional mix-ins – Finely chopped herbs, cooked sausage bits, or shredded cheese.
Tips:
- If making from boxed stuffing, cool it completely first.
- Gluten-free stuffing works just as well.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your stuffing. If it’s dry or crumbly, mix in 1 beaten egg or a few tablespoons of broth to moisten and help bind.
2. Form into bites. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of stuffing and roll into firm balls. You should get around 12–16 bites.
Pro Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
3. Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 375°F and let it warm for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add bites to the basket. Lightly mist with oil spray and arrange in a single layer.
5. Air fry until golden. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve with dips. These are best hot with a side of gravy, cranberry sauce, or ranch!
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using stuffing that’s too wet or too dry — aim for just-moist and moldable
- Skipping the binder if needed — egg helps crumbly stuffing hold
- Overcrowding the basket — they won’t crisp up evenly
- Not preheating — makes the bites cook unevenly
- Forgetting the shake — shake the basket halfway for even browning
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Comfort food twist – Add shredded cheddar and bacon bits
- Holiday version – Mix in turkey and cranberries
- Gluten-free – Use GF stuffing mix or cornbread stuffing
- Kid-friendly – Skip the herbs and serve with ranch or ketchup
- Make-ahead – Form and chill or freeze until ready to cook
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: Form the stuffing bites and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Highlights
Lower fat than deep frying and portion-controlled — perfect for mindful holiday snacking!
Air Fryer Stuffing Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix stuffing with egg if needed to help it bind.
- Roll into 1.5 tbsp-sized balls.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Lightly oil and arrange bites in basket.
- Air fry 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Serve hot with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Add broth if stuffing is too dry
- Use gluten-free stuffing for GF option
- Store leftovers in fridge 3–4 days; reheat in air fryer
Hope you love these air fryer stuffing bites as much as we do! They’ve totally changed the way I look at leftovers — now I want extra stuffing. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday spread, or just a fun snack, they’re always a hit. Let me know how yours turn out in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me! Looking for another leftover idea? Try my air fryer mashed potato cakes — crispy and comforting with a cheesy twist!
