Emilie Meyer
Hush puppies are a Southern staple, typically deep-fried and served as a side dish. But with the advent of air fryers, it's now possible to make this classic dish with less oil and fewer calories. Air fryer hush puppies have a denser texture than their traditional counterparts, but they still retain that iconic crunch. The cooking time is minimal, and you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So, if you're looking for a healthier, quicker way to enjoy this Southern delicacy, read on to find out how to make them in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 380°F-400°F |
| Preheat time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 380°F-400°F |
| Cooking time | 4-10 minutes |
| Cooking spray | Cooking/olive/canola oil, or non-stick cooking spray |
| Batter consistency | Thick batter, similar to cornbread batter |
| Batter ingredients | Cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, pepper, onion, chives, buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, egg, milk |
| Batter preparation | Combine dry ingredients first, then whisk in egg and milk, let the batter rest for 2-10 minutes |
| Batter portions | 1-2 tablespoonfuls, spaced 1/4-inch apart |
| Batches | 2 |
| Serving suggestions | Tartar sauce, white BBQ sauce, comeback sauce, melted butter, seafood bakes, barbecues, fried fish, shrimp, honey, remoulade sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer hush puppies are healthier than deep-fried ones
Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying. They require far less oil, which means that air-fried foods are lower in fat and calories. This also makes them easier to clean.
Air-fried foods may also contain fewer harmful compounds than deep-fried foods. For example, dietary acrylamide, a compound associated with cancer, is reduced when food is cooked in an air fryer.
Hush puppies are a Southern staple, traditionally deep-fried and served with seafood or at a barbecue. To make hush puppies in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Line the fry basket with aluminium foil and spray with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir in onion and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, and an egg. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then refrigerate for 10-30 minutes.
Working in batches, scoop the batter into the prepared basket, leaving about 1/4-inch of space between each scoop. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook in the preheated air fryer until puffed and golden brown, which should take about eight minutes. Serve immediately.
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They are best served fresh but can be reheated
While hush puppies are best served fresh, there are several ways to reheat them. One method is to cook them until they are almost done, allowing the inside to be fully cooked without over-browning the outside. Then, you can let them cool completely before storing them. This is important because if they are bagged while still warm, they will lose their crispiness. They can be stored for a day or two at room temperature and will retain their crunch for about two hours.
If you want to make a batch to freeze for later, you can first microwave the hush puppies until their centres are no longer hard. Then, place them in a preheated air fryer basket at 400°F for about four minutes. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for one to two minutes if they have been cooked and then cooled.
To ensure your hush puppies stay warm while cooking in batches, you can preheat your oven to 200°F and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Once your hush puppies are done, transfer them to the baking sheet and keep them in the oven until the second batch is ready.
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The cooking time is minimal
The cooking time for hush puppies in an air fryer is minimal. This is one of the benefits of using an air fryer to cook hush puppies, as it saves a lot of time and you can get your hush puppies as fast as possible.
Air fryers heat differently, so it's important to keep an eye on your hush puppies as they cook and check occasionally for doneness. If you are cooking in batches, put all the hush puppies back into the fryer at the end and reheat for 1 to 2 minutes.
The cooking time will depend on the size of your hush puppies. For smaller hush puppies, it should take about 6-7 minutes, and for larger ones, about 8 minutes. You can also adjust the temperature to control the cooking time. For example, you can lower the temperature from 400°F/204°C to 375°F/190°C to cook the inside completely without over-browning the outside.
The cooking time will also depend on whether you are cooking fresh or frozen hush puppies. Frozen hush puppies can be cooked in the air fryer, but it is recommended to first microwave them until the centres are no longer hard, before putting them into a preheated basket at 400 F for about 4 minutes.
The cooking time for fresh hush puppies in an air fryer is generally around 8-10 minutes in total. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F /204°C. Line your fry basket with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. Then, working in batches, scoop heaping tablespoons of the refrigerated mixture, spaced about ¼-inch apart, and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook until puffed and golden brown, which should take approximately 8 minutes.
So, whether you're cooking fresh or frozen, large or small, the cooking time for hush puppies in an air fryer is relatively minimal, making it a quick and convenient way to enjoy this tasty treat.
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You can cook frozen hush puppies in an air fryer
If you are making the hush puppies from scratch, you will need to form small balls of dough and place them inside the air fryer. You can spray the bottom of the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray or line it with foil first. Then, spray the hush puppies with a coat of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Cook them at 390°F for 5 minutes, then turn them over, spray them again, and cook for another 5 minutes. You can also cook them at 380°F for 5 minutes each side. Remember to check on them regularly, as all air fryers heat food to varying degrees. If you are cooking in batches, put all the hush puppies back into the fryer at the end and reheat for 1 to 2 minutes.
The batter for hush puppies is similar to cornbread batter. It is important to add the dry ingredients first and then whisk in the egg and milk. Dairy milk is recommended, as non-dairy alternatives may alter the consistency of the batter. You should let the batter sit for about 2 to 5 minutes to rest and harden.
Air fryer hush puppies are denser than traditional deep-fried fritters, but they are lighter due to the reduced amount of oil used. They are best served crispy and pair well with seafood bakes, barbecues, or any outdoor gathering with plenty of protein. You can also serve them with tartar sauce, white BBQ sauce, comeback sauce, or melted butter for dipping.
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They can be served with tartar sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey
Hush puppies are a Southern staple, commonly served as a side with seafood, shrimp, or barbecue. They are bite-sized balls of fried cornmeal dough, with a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
When it comes to serving hush puppies, there are several sauce options that can enhance their flavour. Tartar sauce is a traditional choice, with its creamy texture and tanginess cutting through the richness of the hush puppies. For a simple, sweet option, honey can be drizzled on top or served as a dip. BBQ sauce is another classic pairing, especially white BBQ sauce, which will add a tangy flavour.
For those who like a kick of spice, a hot sauce or spicy aioli can be a great choice. Additionally, a zesty comeback sauce can be made by whisking together ketchup, mayonnaise, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika, with a dash of hot sauce. This sauce will add a fiery dimension to the hush puppies.
Hush puppies can be served as a starter or side, and their flavour can be enhanced by a variety of sauces, making them a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, pepper, onion, chives, buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, eggs, and milk.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Then, stir in the onion and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, and egg. Stir the buttermilk mixture into the cornmeal mixture until just combined.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray or oil. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the basket, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or oil. Cook until puffed and golden brown, which should take about 8 minutes.
Cook the hush puppies for about 8 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. If you are cooking pre-made frozen hush puppies, cook them for about 8 minutes and then check for doneness. If they are not crispy yet, cook for an additional 3-8 minutes.
To store hush puppies, allow them to cool completely, then freeze them flat on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months. To reheat, cook in the air fryer at 390°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.
