Get ready to revolutionize your holiday appetizers with these irresistible Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing Balls that will have your guests begging for the recipe! Imagine golden-brown, perfectly crispy bites packed with juicy sausage, aromatic herbs, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that transforms traditional stuffing into a handheld sensation. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing game day snack or a show-stopping side dish, these stuffing balls are about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the crumbled sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped celery, onion, bread crumbs, dried sage, salt, and pepper to the sausage. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pour chicken broth into the mixture and stir until the ingredients are evenly moistened and can hold together when shaped.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds, packing them firmly so they maintain their shape.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange stuffing balls in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Remove stuffing balls and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving hot.
Tips
- Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread crumbs for the best texture and absorption.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage to prevent greasy balls.
- Pack the mixture firmly when forming balls to help them hold their shape.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Let the stuffing balls rest for a few minutes after cooking to set their structure.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the mixture.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more chicken broth; if too wet, add more bread crumbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
