Air-Fried Hush Puppies: Can You Make Them?

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, and now you can make them in an air fryer! This healthier alternative to deep-frying gives you a crispy, tasty, and super-easy comfort food without the mess and calories of traditional frying. The process is simple: mix together dry ingredients, add in wet ingredients, form into balls, and air-fry. You can even make them vegan and gluten-free! Serve them as a snack or side, and enjoy the crispy, golden exterior and soft, warm interior of these delicious hush puppies.

Hush puppy ingredients and alternatives

Hush puppies are made with a cornmeal batter, with a variety of seasonings and spices. The ingredients and measurements can vary depending on the desired flavour profile and texture. Here is a list of ingredients and alternatives for making hush puppies:

Cornmeal: Both white and yellow cornmeal can be used, with white cornmeal being slightly sweeter. This is the main ingredient and gives hush puppies their distinct texture and flavour.

Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used, but gluten-free alternatives can be substituted. The flour acts as a thickening agent and helps bind the batter.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and aids in browning. The amount can be adjusted to personal preference, or omitted entirely for a savoury version.

Leavening Agents: Baking soda and/or baking powder are used to help the hush puppies rise and give them a light and fluffy texture.

Seasonings: Cajun or Creole seasoning, salt, and black pepper are commonly used, but other options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.

Milk: Buttermilk is preferred for its rich tang and moisture, but regular milk or dairy-free alternatives can also be used. It can be mixed with vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and helps give structure to the hush puppies.

Onion: Grated or minced onion adds savoury flavour to the hush puppies. Sweet yellow or Vidalia onions are commonly used, but onion powder can also be used as an alternative.

Oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are recommended for frying due to their high smoke points. Olive oil is not suitable for deep frying.

Additionally, various mix-ins can be added to the batter for extra flavour and texture, such as cheese, diced jalapeños, corn, scallions, or herbs.

How to make the hush puppy batter

To make the hush puppy batter, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Cornmeal (fine- to medium-grind, preferably stone-ground)
• All-purpose flour
• Sugar (optional, but adds crispiness)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Baking soda (optional)
• Cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings
• Buttermilk (or milk with vinegar)
• Egg
• Butter (optional, but makes the hush puppies moist)
• Oil (peanut or vegetable)

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl, whisking them together. Grate or mince onion and add it to the bowl, along with the egg and buttermilk. Stir until combined, then set the mixture aside for 5-15 minutes to rest. If you're using butter, cut it into small cubes and stir it into the batter.

The batter should be similar to cornbread batter and will likely be thick and lumpy. If it's too runny, add more flour. It's important to note that the batter should be made with dairy milk, as non-dairy alternatives may be too thin and alter the consistency.

Once the batter is ready, you can start frying your hush puppies!

How to cook the hush puppies in the air fryer

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

Ingredients

• Cornmeal (yellow or medium-grind)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar (optional)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne/chilli powder (optional)
• Onion (chopped, grated, or minced)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Egg
• Buttermilk (or almond/soy milk)
• Green onions/scallions (optional)
• Celery (optional)
• Corn (optional)
• Beer (optional)
• Jalapenos (optional)
• Okra (optional)

Method

• Combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg. You can also add in any other wet ingredients like beer or hot sauce at this stage.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the grated onion and butter.
• Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This will help it thicken and make it easier to shape.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Form the batter into small balls or use a spoon/cookie scoop to drop portions of the batter into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other.
• Cook the hush puppies in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
• Serve immediately, or keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.

Tips:

• If you want to add more flavour to your hush puppies, you can include some chopped jalapenos, okra, corn, or green onions to the batter.
• To prevent the hush puppies from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can line it with parchment paper or foil.
• If you are making a large batch, you may need to cook the hush puppies in batches. Keep the first batch warm in the oven while cooking the rest.
• Hush puppies can be frozen and reheated in the air fryer for a quick and easy snack or side dish.

How to store and reheat hush puppies

Hush puppies are best eaten warm soon after they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

To freeze hush puppies, first, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a resealable airtight container for longer-term storage of up to 3 months.

To reheat, first, thaw the hush puppies if they are frozen. Then, reheat them in an air fryer or oven for the best results. You can also use a microwave to reheat a few at a time. If using an air fryer, pop them in for 3-4 minutes to crisp up the outsides, and they will taste almost as good as fresh.

What to serve with hush puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern classic and are typically served with fried fish or shrimp. They are also a great side dish to a barbecue feast, including BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and fried chicken. Hush puppies are also a good side for seafood gumbo, shrimp, calamari, and other seafood dishes.

Hush puppies are similar to cornbread, so they go well with chili, and you can also serve them with a variety of sauces, including:

• Honey
• Honey butter
• Honey mustard
• Cocktail sauce
• Hot sauce
• Tartar sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Spicy remoulade sauce

For a complete meal, serve hush puppies with classic French fries and coleslaw.

Frequently asked questions