Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a traditional Southern snack, side, or appetizer, typically made from a batter of cornmeal and flour, seasoned with onion powder, and deep-fried to a golden brown. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and similar in texture to cornbread. Air fryers have gained popularity as a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can indeed be used to cook hush puppies, either from scratch or frozen.

Air fryer hush puppies cooking time and temperature

Hush puppies are a classic Southern delicacy and a quick, convenient, and healthier snack option. Cooking frozen hush puppies in an air fryer is incredibly fast and easy, making it perfect for when you need a quick snack or side dish. The air fryer circulates hot air around the hush puppies, ensuring they turn out evenly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside.

To make hush puppies in an air fryer, first, prepare the hush puppy mix. The mix should be thicker than pancake mix to prevent it from running and spreading in the air fryer. Then, coat the air fryer basket with a light spray of grapeseed oil or cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the frozen hush puppies in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other and there is space in between them for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 380 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for about 6 to 15 minutes, tossing them gently halfway through the cooking time. The hush puppies are done when they are golden brown and heated through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the hush puppies. For reheating leftover hush puppies, place them in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes until they are warmed thoroughly.

How to make the hush puppies batter

Hush puppies are a type of fried cornbread made with a cornmeal-based batter. The batter is typically seasoned with salt and pepper and moistened with buttermilk. You can also add onion, cheese, shrimp, or creamed corn to the batter for extra flavour.

To make the hush puppies batter, start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This includes cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.

In a separate bowl, prepare the wet ingredients. Grate or mince an onion and add it to the bowl. Then, add an egg and buttermilk. You can make your own buttermilk by mixing milk and vinegar and letting it sit for about five minutes. Whisk the wet ingredients together until they are well combined.

Finally, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is incorporated. The batter should be moist and similar in consistency to cornbread batter. It's important to let the batter sit for a few minutes to rest and harden up a bit before scooping it into the air fryer.

How to freeze hush puppies

Hush puppies are a delicious, crunchy, and savory snack. They are bite-sized balls of fried cornbread with a soft and fluffy inside. You can freeze hush puppies and enjoy them whenever you want by following these simple steps:

• Cool the hush puppies: Before freezing, it is important to let the hush puppies cool completely. This ensures that they retain their shape and texture during storage. Place them on a wire rack or a baking sheet to allow air circulation and promote even cooling.
• Flash freeze: Once the hush puppies are cooled, spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the hush puppies are completely frozen. Flash freezing them individually first prevents them from freezing together into a solid block.
• Transfer to an airtight container: After the hush puppies are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Line the container or bag with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture and prevent freezer burn.
• Label and store: Label the container or freezer bag with the date and store the hush puppies in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Hush Puppies:

You can reheat frozen hush puppies in the oven or an air fryer:

• Oven: Place the frozen hush puppies on a microwave-safe plate and heat for up to 1 minute to partially defrost. Then, transfer them to a baking sheet and put them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 4-6 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Air Fryer: Place the frozen hush puppies in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking. Coat them lightly with grapeseed oil spray, which has a high smoke point. Air fry at 360°F for 12-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also cook them at 380°F for about 8 minutes, tossing them gently halfway through.

Now you can enjoy delicious, crispy hush puppies whenever you crave them!

How to reheat hush puppies

Hush puppies are a dense, heavy, southern dinnertime staple, commonly served with seafood platters and barbecue. They are typically made from a cornmeal-based batter and are round, golden fritters. They can be cooked in an air fryer and are best served fresh, but they can also be reheated.

If you are making a fresh batch of hush puppies, the first step is to gather your ingredients and measuring cups/spoons. You will need a medium-size mixing bowl, a whisk, and a scraper. The batter for hush puppies comes together in one bowl. The dry ingredients—cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper—are whisked together. Onion, chives, buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, and a egg are then added and stirred until combined. The mixture is then refrigerated for 10-30 minutes.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes. Remove the fry basket, line it with aluminum foil, and lightly coat the foil with cooking spray. Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to drop portions of batter into the prepared basket, leaving space between each scoop. Cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

If you are reheating hush puppies, first bring them to room temperature. Preheat your air fryer with the basket on broil for at least 10 minutes. Then, place the hush puppies in the basket and broil for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. Serve immediately.

You can also reheat frozen hush puppies in the air fryer. Coat the air fryer basket with grapeseed oil spray and place the frozen hush puppies in the basket, leaving room for air to circulate. Air fry at 360°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.

What to serve with hush puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern classic and are typically served as a side dish or appetiser alongside seafood or other fried foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with hush puppies:

Seafood

Hush puppies are commonly served with seafood, especially fish. Air fryer catfish or salmon croquettes are popular choices, but you could also try air fryer crab cakes or fish sticks.

French Fries

Classic French fries are a great option to serve alongside hush puppies for a complete meal.

Coleslaw

A refreshing coleslaw can balance out the crispy and golden exterior of the hush puppies.

Dipping Sauces

Hush puppies are often served with various dipping sauces, such as a spicy sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and Sriracha. You could also try Alabama white sauce, cranberry sauce, or a bacon dip.

Additional Ingredients

For a heartier hush puppy, you can add extra ingredients to the batter, such as corn kernels, chopped jalapeños, bacon, shredded cheese, or crab meat.

Frequently asked questions