Air-Fryer Hush Puppies: Can It Be Done?

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, and traditionally deep-fried. But can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air-fried hush puppies are a healthier alternative to the classic recipe, and they're just as tasty. They're crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a cornmeal-based batter and a dense, heavy texture.

How to make hush puppies in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Yellow cornmeal
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion (or onion powder)
• Bell pepper/jalapeno pepper (optional)
• Buttermilk (or almond/cashew milk)
• Egg
• Cooking spray
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Chives (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper and grease with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar (if using), and garlic powder. Mix in the onion and bell pepper/jalapeno pepper (if using).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk and egg. You can also add melted butter and hot sauce for extra flavour (if using).
• Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick with lumps.
• Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes to thicken.
• Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket, forming small balls or mounds. Make sure they don't touch or overlap. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
• Air fry the hush puppies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't overmix the batter, as this will make the hush puppies dense and rubbery.
• If you don't have fresh onion, onion powder can be used instead.
• Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes to thicken.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space for the hot air to circulate and cook the hush puppies evenly.
• Check the hush puppies after 7 minutes to ensure they don't burn.
• Keep cooked hush puppies warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest of the batter.
• For gluten-free hush puppies, use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free cornmeal.
• For dairy-free hush puppies, use unsweetened almond or cashew milk instead of buttermilk.

The history of hush puppies

Hush puppies are golden-brown, bite-sized, doughy dumplings made from a thick cornmeal batter and gently fried in hot oil until the outside becomes crunchy. They are commonly served as a side dish in Southern cuisine. The exact origin story of hush puppies is debated, but they are widely considered to have originated in the Southern United States, particularly in the state of Louisiana. Here are some of the popular theories about the origin of hush puppies:

• Confederate soldiers during the Civil War threw fried cornmeal batter to their barking dogs to keep them quiet and told them to "Hush, puppies!".
• Southern fishermen or hunters did the same to quiet their dogs while cooking their catch.
• French Ursuline nuns in New France in the early 18th century created a treat called croquettes de maise after learning about cornmeal from local Native Americans.
• In Southern Louisiana, salamanders known as mud puppies or water dogs were battered and fried, and this practice was kept hush-hush, hence the name hush puppies.
• A cook from Georgia or Florida wanted to quiet hungry dogs begging for fried fish, so they gave them cornmeal cakes and told them to "Hush puppies!".

While the exact origin may be unclear, what is certain is that hush puppies are a beloved part of Southern cuisine and can now be easily prepared in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy alternative to traditional deep frying.

How to store hush puppies

Hush puppies are best eaten fresh, but there are several ways to store them to enjoy later.

Storing at Room Temperature

Some sources suggest that hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, while others suggest up to 3-4 days.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, you can keep hush puppies in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and prevent sogginess. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Freezing

If you want to store hush puppies for even longer, freezing is a great option. Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a resealable airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Hush puppies can be reheated in an air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the air fryer and oven, a temperature of 350°F for 3-4 minutes is recommended. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 6 minutes.

How to reheat hush puppies

Yes, you can cook hush puppies in an air fryer. Here's how to reheat them:

Place your leftover hush puppies in the air fryer basket. If they are frozen, there is no need to defrost them first. However, if they are refrigerated, bring them to room temperature before reheating.

Air fry the hush puppies at 320-350°F for 3-6 minutes. If you are reheating a large batch, shake the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

Your hush puppies are now ready to enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results:

• Use a parchment paper liner or aluminium foil to prevent the batter from dripping through the holes in the air fryer basket.
• Ensure there is space between each hush puppy to allow for even cooking.
• For frozen hush puppies, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes.
• For refrigerated hush puppies, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 3-4 minutes.

What to serve with hush puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern classic and are often served as a side dish or appetiser. They are traditionally served with fish fries or in barbecue joints, but they go well with many other meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with hush puppies:

• Seafood: hush puppies are commonly served with seafood platters, including seafood bakes, barbecues, and fried shrimp or fish. They can also be served with calamari and other seafood delights for a true Southern feast.
• Barbecue ribs: the sweetness of hush puppies can balance the smoky flavours of barbecue ribs.
• Coleslaw: the cool and refreshing taste of coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm hush puppies.
• Collard greens: the earthy flavour of collard greens pairs well with the slightly sweet taste of hush puppies.
• Fried chicken: enjoy the crunchy goodness of fried chicken alongside hush puppies for a great cookout meal.
• Barbecue pulled pork sandwiches: the smoky, savoury flavour of barbecue pulled pork complements the sweetness of hush puppies.
• Chili: use hush puppies as a side to dip into a hearty bowl of chili. They are similar to cornbread, so this will be a familiar pairing.
• Macaroni and cheese: the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs nicely with the mild flavour of hush puppies.
• Sauces: serving hush puppies with a sauce is a great way to accentuate their flavour, especially when serving them as an appetiser. Try honey butter, honey mustard, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, tartar sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy remoulade sauce.
• Fried green tomatoes: enjoy this Southern classic alongside hush puppies. You can even dip the tomatoes in the simple batter from the hush puppies!

Frequently asked questions