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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Published: Nov 21, 2023 · Modified: May 20, 2025 by AshleyFreeman ·

    Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    My Southern-style air fryer dressing, or stuffing if you prefer to call it that, is a game changer. Thanksgiving always ends up being nuts for my family. Each year we attempt to pare down the menu but usually to no avail.

    Everyone has their favorite holiday side dishes, and when you try and omit something someone always protests. So, in order to prevent hurt feelings, we make enough food to feed an army.

    In addition to the roasted turkey, we end up with mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, canned cranberry sauce as well as homemade, corn casserole, broccoli casserole, green bean casserole...the list goes on. Honestly, though, I'm okay with it. Thanksgiving dinner leftovers are almost better than the original meal.

    Air Fryer Dressing in a white casserole dish with a silver serving spoon.

    Because our cooking extravaganza includes so many baked dishes, limited oven space can be a problem. That's why I decided to make our Thanksgiving stuffing (dressing) in the air fryer this year. My recipe is as close as I can get to my grandmothers'.

    It's an almost homemade stuffing that includes a mixture of packaged stuffing mix, fresh herbs, sauteed onion and celery in melted butter, chicken broth, and an egg to bind it all together. It's my favorite holiday side dish for sopping up the giblet gravy, and Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without it.

    If you'd like more air fryer recipes, be sure to check out my Bread Bowl Baked Brie with Fig Preserves. It's another perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and holiday get-togethers. I also created an Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe for Yummly that would be great for your holiday table. These air fryer carrots are also perfect!

    Need more holiday side dish recipes? My Bacon Succotash is a great dish to serve for the holidays because it's made in a skillet. Or, if you're looking for more traditional sides, you'll love my broccoli casserole, Cheddar and Gouda Macaroni and Cheese, Southern Braised Collards, Cranberry-Glazed Acorn Squash, Easy Green Bean Casserole, and Classic Garlic Mashed Potatoes are all great recipes too.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tasty tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related
    • Even more
    • 🍽Get the recipe
    • Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients we need for this recipe.

    Ingredients for Air Fryer Dressing.
    • herb-flavored stuffing mix
    • salted butter
    • celery
    • onion
    • chicken broth
    • egg
    • fresh parsley
    • fresh sage
    • fresh thyme
    • fresh rosemary
    • kosher salt and black pepper

    (See recipe card for quantities.)

    Instructions

    Now that we’ve got our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!

    Sautéing onion and celery in a skillet.

    First, cook the celery and onion in butter in a large skillet until tender and transfer to a large bowl.

    Mixing the dressing ingredients in a clear bowl.

    Next, add the stuffing mix, herbs, broth, egg, and melted butter and stir until combined.

    Spooning the dressing into a white casserole dish with a wooden spoon.

    Then, transfer the dressing mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.

    Removing aluminum foil from the top of the dressing.

    Finally, cook the dressing in the air fryer for 15 minutes. Uncover and cook 10 minutes longer or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F.

    Hint: I feel like everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to dressing (stuffing). We like ours to be solid but moist--you're able to cut it into squares. If you like yours a little on the drier side, reduce the amount of broth. It's also worth mentioning that there are different brands of stuffing mix that could affect the amount of broth you'll need, so add a little at a time until you reach the consistency you like.

    Hint #2: If you're hosting a large crowd and need a big batch version of this recipe, I recommend doubling it and making it twice. 

    Substitutions

    Here are some easy ingredient alternatives if you'd like to change things up:

    • Stuffing mix - I use Pepperidge Farm classic stuffing mix for this easy recipe, but feel free to use their other options too like their cornbread stuffing mix. Or choose the country-style cubed stuffing if you like a little more texture since the size of bread cubes is larger than the classic stuffing mix.
    • Herbs - since it's the holidays, I opt for fresh herbs in this stuffing. But if you want to add that extra flavor without the fresh herbs, go for dried instead. Cut the amount in half though since dried herbs are more pungent than fresh.
    • Vegetarian - use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this stuffing recipe vegetarian.

    Variations

    Looking for other ways to adjust this recipe? I've got you covered.

    • Spicy - add a little crushed red pepper flakes to the celery and onion as it cooks.
    • Sausage - brown some ground sausage with the celery and onion in a large skillet.
    • Air fryer stuffing balls - reinvent leftover stuffing! Scoop refrigerated stuffing into 1 ½-inch balls. Roll in all-purpose flour, then lightly beaten egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs. Place the stuffing balls in a pre-heated air-fryer basket and coat with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes or until browned and crispy. Serve with leftover cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.

    Equipment

    Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:

    • liquid measuring cup
    • measuring spoons
    • large skillet
    • large mixing bowl
    • 2-quart baking dish
    • 6-quart air fryer

    Note: The make and model of your air fryer is the most important factor to consider when making this recipe. The size and shape will impact what baking dish you can use. My air fryer has a wide surface area which I love because you can cook a lot at one time.

    However, there are so many different air fryers out there, so depending on what size and shape you have, you may need to make some adjustments. For example, if your air fryer has dual air fryer baskets, you may need to use 2 (1-quart) baking dishes instead. Oven style air fryers, however, are super versatile so a 2-quart baking dish should be fine if you have one of those.

    Storage

    Another bonus for this recipe is that the leftovers hold up well in both the fridge and the freezer. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.

    Tasty tip

    There's a good chance you'll be using all the fresh herbs I call for in this recipe for other holiday dishes: rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley. But, if you don't need big bundles of each, look for a package labeled "poultry herb blend" right where the other fresh herbs are located in the produce department. It's a mix of sage, rosemary, and thyme in one package.

    Frequently asked questions

    What's the difference between stuffing and dressing?

    Stuffing is cooked inside the cavity of the turkey and dressing is cooked in a baking dish.

    How do you tell if your dressing is done?

    The dressing is done once it's browned and crispy on the top and edges and when the liquid has been absorbed.

    What temperature should dressing be cooked to?

    Since this dressing has an egg in it, cook it to an internal temperature 165°F to be on the safe side.

    Can parchment paper go in the air fryer?

    Yes! Parchment paper is safe in the air fryer up to 425°F.

    Do you put eggs in stuffing?

    I do! I like to add an egg to the stuffing mix because it acts as a binder and holds the dressing together. It also gives the dressing a nice, fluffy texture.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Metal surface topped with Roger Wood sausage Low Country Boil, two cans of beer, and metal containers of tartar sauce and cocktail sauce.
      Low Country Boil with Roger Wood Smoked Sausage
    • Metal Ovenex Starburst pan filled with Phillips Crab Cakes and a bowl of Cajun Tartar Sauce with lemon wedges and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
      How to Make Crab Cakes with Cajun Tartar Sauce
    • Wooden tray topped with a light blue bowl of Cajun tartar sauce with hot sauce on top, a bottle of hot sauce on the side, as well as lemon wedges, parsley leaves, and a kitchen towel.
      Easy Homemade Cajun Tartar Sauce with Creole Mustard
    • Wooden bowl filled with creamy chicken macaroni salad with ceramic serving spoons, an orange checked cloth, two yellow glasses filled with ice water, and one pottery plate topped with a serving to the side.
      The Best Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad with Chicken

    Even more

    These are more of my favorite recipes:

    • Light wooden bowl filled with Zoe's Kitchen Copycat Pasta Salad with a wooden salad set in the bowl, a blue cloth, two blue glasses, a bowl of fresh basil, and salt and pepper shakers on the side.
      Tomato, Basil, and Feta Pasta Salad (Zoe's Copycat)
    • Green bowl filled with Elote Pasta Salad with a small wooden bowl of Cotija cheese and a small white bowl of cilantro on the side plus a green checked napkin and wooden serving spoon.
      Zesty Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Pasta Salad
    • Cast iron skillet filled with hot Mexican street corn dip with cream cheese on a wooden board surrounded by a blue checked napkin and small white enamel appetizer plates.
      Hot Mexican Street Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
    • Red tray topped with a Strawberry Rum Rita, bowl of strawberries and limes and cocktail picks with a pitcher of extra margaritas and a red checked cloth to the side.
      Delicious Strawberry Rum Rita (Rum Margarita)

    🍽Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Dressing in a white casserole dish with a silver serving spoon.

    Air Fryer Southern Dressing (Stuffing)

    My Southern-style air fryer dressing, or stuffing if you prefer to call it that, is a game changer. When the turkey or all the other holiday side dishes are occupying the oven, the air fryer comes to the rescue for this must-have side.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8

    Equipment

    • liquid measuring cup
    • measuring spoons
    • large skillet
    • large mixing bowl
    • 2-quart baking dish
    • 6-quart air fryer

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup salted butter
    • 1 stalk celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
    • 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 (12-ounce) package herb-flavored classic stuffing mix
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, plus more for garnish
    • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
    • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

    Instructions

    • Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl.
    • Add the stuffing mix, chicken broth, egg, and herbs. Melt the remaining butter and add to the stuffing mixture.
    • Spoon the mixture in an even layer into a 2-quart baking dish that's been coated with cooking spray and that will fit into the air fryer once you remove the air fryer basket. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
    • Heat the air fryer to 350°F. Add the baking dish to the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Uncover and cook for 10 minutes longer or until the top is golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F.

    Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips

    When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:

    • Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
    • When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
    • I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
    • When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

    Food safety

    Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe.

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw eggs.
    • Wash hands after touching raw eggs.
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended.
    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating the air fryer.
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Side Dishes

    • Wooden rimmed white bowl filled with sweet pepper and cucumber salad on top of a raffia placemat along with a wooden spoon and blue towel.
      Sweet Pepper and Cucumber Salad with Ginger Dressing
    • Blue rimmed oval platter topped with crispy smashed potatoes garnished with chopped chives along with a white linen and small white bowl of more chives off to the side and a yellow bowl of sour cream on the platter.
      Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes with Garlic
    • Air fryer hot honey roasted carrots on a blue-rimmed oval platter with a gold and wooden handled fork, blue checked cloth, and white bowl of chopped parsley.
      Easy Hot Honey Roasted Carrots in the Air Fryer
    • White bowl filled with Ruby Tuesday Broccoli Salad with a yellow striped napkin on the side and a wooden handled spoon inside the bowl.
      Simple Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elizabeth says

      October 23, 2024 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      So happy I came across this recipe! I didn't realize I could air fry dressing and this recipe made it so easy!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        October 30, 2024 at 6:44 am

        It's a game changer!

        Reply
    2. Criss says

      October 22, 2024 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      I just tried this Easy Southern Dressing in the Air Fryer, and it turned out amazing! So simple to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for any meal!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        October 30, 2024 at 6:44 am

        Thanks for trying this recipe! So glad you loved it!

        Reply
    3. Nicole Kendrick says

      October 22, 2024 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      This was so good! I've made a lot of recipes in the air fryer, but this was the first time I ever made stuffing in it.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        October 30, 2024 at 6:43 am

        It's so unexpected but a life safer during the holidays!

        Reply
    4. Audrey says

      October 22, 2024 at 12:04 pm

      5 stars
      I loved making this in my air fryer. It was a great way to free up much needed oven space!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        October 30, 2024 at 6:43 am

        Right?! A game changer for sure!

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes

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    Photo of Ashley Strickland Freeman in a kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Ashley, "your best friend in the kitchen." I'm a food stylist, culinary producer, editor, travel junkie, and author of The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook from Charleston, SC. Thanks for stopping by Little Black Skillet!

    More about me →

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