Frying Hushpuppies: Air Fryer Method Explored

Hush puppies are a Southern specialty, made from a cornmeal-based batter and typically served with seafood or barbecue. They are usually deep-fried, but can you get the same result with an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air fryer hush puppies are a healthier alternative to the traditional method, with all the crunch and flavour but without the need for oil. They are also less messy and quicker to clean up. You can even make them gluten-free or vegan.

To make air fryer hush puppies, you will need a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and milk or buttermilk, with an egg to bind it all together. You can also add spices and herbs like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and chives to taste. The batter is shaped into balls and placed in the air fryer basket, then cooked until golden brown.

So, if you're looking for a tasty treat without the guilt, air fryer hush puppies are definitely worth a try!

How to make hush puppies in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Cornmeal (yellow or fine plain)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Buttermilk (or low-fat/non-dairy milk)
• Butter (unsalted), melted
• Egg(s)
• Onion (yellow or minced)
• Chives (or spring onions)
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Bell pepper (optional)
• Jalapeno pepper (optional)

Method

• Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir in the chives and onions, then slowly add the wet ingredients (buttermilk, butter, egg) until just combined. You can also add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and bell pepper for a kick.
• Refrigerate the batter: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes. This step helps the batter firm up and maintain its shape when transferred to the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390-400°F. Line the fry basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent dripping, and spray with cooking spray.
• Shape the batter: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each scoop. Spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Air fry the hush puppies: Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• Serve and enjoy: Hush puppies can be served warm with tartar sauce, white BBQ sauce, or comeback sauce. They pair well with seafood bakes, barbecues, or any outdoor gathering with plenty of protein.

Tips for the best hush puppies in the air fryer

The Batter

• When making the batter, always add the dry ingredients first and then whisk in the egg and milk.
• Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes to thicken.
• Don't overmix the batter; otherwise, your hush puppies will be dense and rubbery.
• If you don't have a fresh onion, onion powder will work too.
• You can experiment with the flavours and tailor them to your liking.

Cooking

• Line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent the batter from dripping through the holes.
• Don't crowd the basket. Leave about 1-2 inches of space between each hush puppy to allow for even cooking.
• Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so check for doneness after 7 minutes to be safe.
• The air fryer will get hotter the longer it stays on, so keep this in mind when cooking in batches.

Storing

• Cooled hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.

How to store air-fried hush puppies

Hush puppies are best eaten fresh, but there are a few ways to store them if you have leftovers.

Storing at Room Temperature

According to one source, hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. However, another source suggests that they can be kept for three to four days.

Refrigerating

Hush puppies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To do this, place the hush puppies in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can wrap them in a paper towel to absorb excess oil and prevent sogginess. They will keep in the fridge for three to five days.

Freezing

Hush puppies can be frozen for up to three months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one to two hours. Then, transfer them to a resealable airtight container for long-term storage.

Reheating

Hush puppies can be reheated in an air fryer or oven. You can also use a microwave to reheat a few at a time. For the best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four minutes.

Variations to homemade air fryer hush puppies

Air fryer hush puppies are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried variety, and they're just as tasty. The basic recipe is simple, but there's so much room for customisation. Here are some mouth-watering variations to homemade air fryer hush puppies:

Sweet and Crunchy

Add canned or frozen corn kernels to the batter for a sweet and crunchy surprise. The corn kernels will add a pop of sweetness and a satisfying crunch to your hush puppies.

Meaty Delight

For a savoury twist, incorporate bacon or sausage crumbles into the batter. The salty, meaty flavour will enhance the overall taste of the hush puppies, making them even more irresistible.

Spicy Kick

Kick things up a notch by adding jalapeños, paprika, or red pepper flakes. These ingredients will give your hush puppies a spicy kick that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. If you prefer a milder heat, adjust the measurements to suit your taste.

Cheesy Indulgence

Take your hush puppies to the next level by adding grated cheddar cheese to the batter. The cheese will melt into the hush puppies as they cook, resulting in a decadent, cheesy treat that is hard to resist.

Customise Your Flavours

Feel free to experiment with the basic recipe and tailor the flavours to your liking. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, you can try using different types of onions or peppers to add variety to your hush puppies.

What to serve with air-fried hush puppies

Hush puppies are a delicious Southern fried food made from cornmeal batter and typically served as a side dish. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them perfect for dipping in sauces.

Seafood

Hush puppies are commonly served with seafood, including fish and shrimp. They make a great side dish to fried fish or shrimp, and their crispy texture and cornmeal flavour complement seafood dishes well.

Barbecue

Hush puppies can also be served at barbecues or with barbecue-style dishes. They can take the place of cornbread, biscuits, or other starches to mop up the grease and sauces from your meal.

Sauces

As hush puppies are often served as a side dish, they are perfect for dipping into sauces. Traditional sauces include tartar sauce, barbecue sauce, and white barbecue sauce. Other sauces that pair well with hush puppies include:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Honey
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce
• Gravy
• Honey mustard
• Remoulade
• Chocolate sauce
• Maple syrup

Frequently asked questions