Air-Fryer Hush Puppies: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer hush puppies are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, and they still come out crispy and golden on the outside, with a soft and warm centre. The texture is denser and moister than the original, and they are just as tasty.

How to make hush puppies in an air fryer

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, and you can make them in an air fryer! This method of cooking hush puppies is healthier than deep-frying and creates a lighter version of the classic dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make hush puppies in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Cornmeal (yellow or plain)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar (optional, and the amount can vary depending on taste preference)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Buttermilk
• Butter (melted)
• Egg(s)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Chives (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Jalapenos (optional)
• Green onions (optional)
• Celery (optional)
• Corn (optional)

Method:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, melted butter, egg(s), and hot sauce (if using).
• Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
• Add in the chopped onion, chives (if using), and any other optional ingredients of your choice, such as jalapenos, green onions, or celery.
• 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 during the air frying process.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This step is optional but helps prevent the batter from dripping through the holes and creates a crispier exterior.
• Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of the refrigerated batter into the air fryer basket, leaving about a 1/4-inch space between each hush puppy.
• Lightly spray the hush puppies with cooking spray.
• Cook the hush puppies in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
• If you are cooking in batches, transfer the cooked hush puppies to a cookie sheet or wire rack and keep them warm in an oven set to 200°F until the rest are done.
• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, white BBQ sauce, or comeback sauce.

Tips:

• The batter should be thick and scoopable, not runny.
• If you prefer a spicier hush puppy, you can add cayenne pepper or jalapenos to the batter.
• For a milder pepper flavor, you can substitute sweet bell peppers for jalapenos.
• It is important to let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the flour and cornmeal to absorb the liquid and thicken the batter.
• Always preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• If you are cooking in batches, the subsequent batches may cook faster since the air fryer will already be hot.

Enjoy your air-fried hush puppies!

How to store and reheat hush puppies

Hush puppies can be stored in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, first, place the hush puppies on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a resealable bag or container.

To reheat, first thaw if frozen. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results. You can also use the microwave to reheat a few at a time. If using an air fryer, cook for 3-4 minutes to crisp up the outsides.

How to make hush puppies gluten-free

Hush puppies are a dinnertime staple, but they can be made gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious gluten-free hush puppies using an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free cornmeal
• 3/4 cup finely ground white rice flour or whole grain gluten-free flour (e.g. brown rice flour or sorghum flour)
• 1/4 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon seasoned salt or regular salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (or 1 small onion, finely chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
• 1 large egg
• 2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: 1/2 cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)

Instructions:

• In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, chipotle powder (if using), and xanthan gum. Whisk until well mixed.
• In a separate bowl, prepare the wet ingredients. If using milk, whisk together onion, garlic, milk, and egg. If opting out of milk, simply whisk the onion, garlic, and egg together.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until you get a smooth batter. Some lumps are okay.
• Cover the batter with plastic film and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step helps the batter firm up and maintain its shape during the air frying process.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. It's important to maintain this temperature throughout the cooking process.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spray the liner with cooking spray.
• Drop rounded teaspoons of batter into the prepared air fryer basket, leaving some space between each hush puppy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to work in batches.
• Lightly spray the tops of the hush puppies with cooking spray.
• Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are deep golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the cooked hush puppies from the air fryer using a skimmer or slotted spoon, and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet.
• Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
• Serve warm. These gluten-free hush puppies pair well with tartar sauce, white BBQ sauce, or comeback sauce.

Storage:

You can store any leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.

What to serve with air-fried hush puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern classic, usually served as a side dish. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, making them perfect for dipping in sauces.

Seafood

Hush puppies are commonly served with seafood, especially fried fish. Some specific examples include:

• Air-fried fish
• Crab cakes
• Coconut shrimp
• Fish sticks
• Shrimp pasta
• Tuna steaks
• Catfish
• Cod with lemon and dill
• Salmon
• Fish cakes
• Scallops

Sauces

There are many sauces that go well with hush puppies. Here are some options:

• Tartar sauce
• White BBQ sauce
• Comeback sauce
• Melted butter
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Honey
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce
• Gravy
• Au jus
• Remoulade
• Honey mustard
• Chocolate sauce
• Maple syrup

Other Side Dishes

Hush puppies can be served with other side dishes, such as:

• French fries
• Cornbread
• Biscuits
• White bread

The history of hush puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern delicacy, consisting of deep-fried cornmeal or wheat flour batter, commonly served as a side dish. They are golden-brown, bite-sized, and doughy, and are often served with a dipping sauce or with cheesy grits.

The exact origin of hush puppies is debated, with several conflicting stories attempting to explain the origin of the name and the dish itself. However, it is widely believed that hush puppies originated in the Southern United States, particularly in the state of Louisiana, and has its roots in Native American culinary practices.

One popular theory suggests that the name "hush puppies" comes from fishing trips, where cooks would fry bits of cornmeal batter and toss them to the dogs to hush them while they cooked their catch. Another story attributes the dish to Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, who fried cornmeal cakes to feed their dogs and ordered them to "hush puppies" when they heard Union soldiers approaching.

Other stories include the influence of French nuns in New Orleans in the 1720s, who made cornmeal fritters called "croquettes de maise," and a tale from Georgia involving salamanders called "mud puppies" that were battered and fried, and given the name "hush puppies" to keep the lowly food a secret from neighbours.

While the exact origin may be unclear, hush puppies have become a beloved part of Southern cuisine and can now be found in various forms across the United States and beyond.

Frequently asked questions