Air-Fryer Hush Puppies: Can They Be Saved?

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, but frying them can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a simple, healthier alternative to deep-frying, but can you make hush puppies in an air fryer?

How to make hush puppies in an air fryer

Hush puppies are a cornmeal-based food that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make hush puppies in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Yellow cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Minced onion or onion powder
• Minced bell pepper (optional)
• Low-fat buttermilk
• Large egg
• Non-fat cooking spray

Method:

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent the batter from dripping through the holes.
• Make the batter: Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk the wet ingredients together, then slowly combine them with the dry ingredients. The batter will be thick with lumps. Mix in the minced onion and bell pepper.
• Let the batter rest: It is crucial to let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the flour and cornmeal to absorb the buttermilk, thickening the batter.
• Shape the batter: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket using a cookie scoop. Make sure the mounds of batter do not touch each other. Spray the tops with non-fat cooking spray.
• Air fry the hush puppies: Cook the hush puppies for about 9-10 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Tips:

• Don't overmix the batter, as this will make the hush puppies dense and rubbery.
• If you don't have fresh onion, you can use onion powder.
• Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes to thicken. There is no need to cover it.
• Line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent dripping.
• Don't crowd the basket. Leave about 1-2 inches of space between each hush puppy to allow for even cooking.
• Check for doneness after 7 minutes, as air fryers can vary in temperature.
• Keep the hush puppies warm in a 200-degree-Fahrenheit oven while cooking the rest of the batter.

Variations:

• Mix in canned or frozen corn kernels for a sweet and crunchy surprise.
• Add bacon or sausage crumbles for a meaty twist.
• Spice it up with jalapeños, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
• Make it extra decadent with grated cheddar cheese.

How to store air-fried hush puppies

Storing your air-fried hush puppies correctly is essential to keeping them fresh and tasty. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Refrigerating Air-Fried Hush Puppies

After cooking your hush puppies, it is best to let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil and prevent the hush puppies from becoming mushy. Properly stored, your hush puppies will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to five days.

Freezing Air-Fried Hush Puppies

If you want to store your hush puppies for an extended period, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It is recommended to flash-freeze them first by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and putting them in the freezer until solid (about one to two hours). This technique will prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a suitable container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Air-Fried Hush Puppies

To enjoy your hush puppies again, simply take them out of the refrigerator or freezer and reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the hush puppies for three to four minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also reheat frozen hush puppies directly from the freezer; they will take a bit longer, about six minutes, in the air fryer at the same temperature.

How to cook frozen hush puppies in an air fryer

Hush puppies are a delicious snack, and you can cook frozen ones in an air fryer with ease! Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy, golden perfection:

Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer and Hush Puppies

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 390°F. This temperature will give your hush puppies that desirable golden crispiness.
• Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent any batter from dripping through the holes and making a mess.

Step 2: Make the Hush Puppy Batter

• In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or onion powder. You can also add a tiny amount of sugar to enhance browning.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: buttermilk and egg. You can also add melted butter to this mixture.
• Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones. The batter will be thick with some lumps, and that's okay!
• Mix in any additional ingredients like minced onion, bell pepper, corn, or cheese.
• Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important to allow the flour and cornmeal to absorb the liquid, resulting in a thicker batter.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Hush Puppies

• Form the batter into small balls or scoop spoonfuls directly into the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each hush puppy to ensure even cooking.
• Spray the hush puppies with a coat of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. This step will promote even browning.
• Cook the hush puppies in the air fryer for about 5 minutes, then carefully flip them over and spray again. Cook for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, depending on their size, until they are crispy and golden.
• Check for doneness and adjust cooking time as needed. Remember, all air fryers are a little different, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Tips for the Best Frozen Hush Puppies:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the hush puppies some space to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.
• If you're cooking a large batch, you might need to work in batches. Keep the cooked hush puppies warm in a low oven while cooking the rest.
• For extra flavour and spice, add ingredients like diced jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, or creole seasoning.
• If you're short on time, you can skip forming the batter into balls and simply scoop it directly into the air fryer basket.
• For gluten-free hush puppies, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as skim, low-fat, or regular. However, keep in mind that non-dairy alternatives may alter the batter's consistency.

How to reheat hush puppies in an air fryer

Hush puppies are a tasty treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, you can always reheat them in an air fryer, of course! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reheat hush puppies to perfection using your air fryer.

First things first, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 320 degrees Fahrenheit for reheating frozen hush puppies, and 350 degrees Fahrenheit for refrigerated ones. This will ensure your hush puppies get heated evenly and efficiently.

Now it's time to prepare the hush puppies for reheating. Place them directly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or crowd the basket. It's important to give them enough space to heat evenly. If you're reheating a large batch, you might need to do it in smaller groups.

Once your hush puppies are in the air fryer, set the timer. For frozen hush puppies, cook them for about 4-5 minutes. If they're refrigerated, 3-4 minutes should do the trick. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook or burn.

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the hush puppies from the air fryer. They should be nice and warm now! You can serve them as is, or pair them with your favourite sauces or dips.

Reheating hush puppies in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy them again. They'll taste almost as good as freshly made! So, the next time you have leftover hush puppies, don't hesitate to pop them into your air fryer and enjoy a tasty treat.

Tips for the best hush puppies in the air fryer

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, and now you can make them in your air fryer! These crispy, golden fritters are usually deep-fried, but the air fryer method makes them lighter and healthier. Here are some tips to ensure yours turn out perfectly.

Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. You'll need cornmeal, flour, baking powder, buttermilk, and an egg, plus spices and flavourings of your choice. Some recipes suggest adding onion, garlic powder, and bell peppers, while others recommend sugar, chives, and hot sauce. You can also experiment with cheese, jalapenos, or creole seasoning.

The Batter

The batter should be thick and dough-like, so it can be scooped into the air fryer. If it's too runny, try adding more flour. It's also important to let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes so that the flour and cornmeal can absorb the buttermilk, thickening the mixture.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 390-400°F. Line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent the batter from dripping through the holes. Spray with cooking spray or grease with olive oil.

Use a cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of batter into the basket, leaving space between each scoop so the hot air can circulate. Spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil, and air fry for around 9-10 minutes, until crispy and golden.

Serving

Air fryer hush puppies are best served hot and crispy. They go well with seafood, BBQ, or dips and sauces. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions