Air-Fryer Hush Puppies: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Hush puppies are cornmeal-based fritters that are traditionally deep-fried. They are a Southern classic, often served with seafood or barbecue. But what if you could make a lighter version of this crispy, golden treat without the mess of all that oil? Well, now you can, thanks to the air fryer!

Hush puppies batter preparation

Hush puppies are a cornmeal-based snack, commonly served with seafood. They can be made in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Here is a guide on how to prepare the hush puppies batter:

First, gather your ingredients. The ingredients typically include cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, buttermilk, butter, eggs, and onions. You can also add green onions, celery, or corn for extra flavour. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper, jalapenos, or hot sauce.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well-mixed.

In a separate bowl, prepare the wet ingredients. Whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. You can also add in the minced onions and other spices here.

Now, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it is well-combined. You can also use a wooden spoon to mix everything together.

At this point, you can also add in the grated onions and butter, and mix until fully incorporated.

Let the batter rest. It is important to let the batter sit for a few minutes to rest and harden. This will help the hush puppies maintain their shape when you cook them in the air fryer. The recommended resting time is around 5-10 minutes.

Finally, prepare your air fryer by preheating it and lining the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil. You can also spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Now, you are ready to scoop the batter into the air fryer and cook your hush puppies!

Air fryer settings

Air fryer hush puppies are best cooked at a temperature between 380°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model, but on average, the hush puppies will need to cook for about 10 minutes, or 5 minutes on each side.

It is important to note that air fryers heat up differently, so it is recommended to check on the hush puppies occasionally to ensure they are cooked through and crispy. 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.

To prepare the air fryer for cooking, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper, and spray it with cooking spray. This will prevent the hush puppies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

When placing the hush puppy batter into the air fryer, use a 2-tablespoon scoop to form round balls, leaving space between each scoop so they cook evenly. Spray the tops of the hush puppies with cooking spray before cooking.

After cooking, the hush puppies can be served immediately or kept warm in a preheated oven at 200°F. They can also be frozen for later consumption.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer hush puppies vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. However, here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on the cooking time and temperature for air fryer hush puppies:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Before adding the hush puppy batter to the air fryer, it is crucial to preheat the appliance. The ideal temperature for preheating is between 350°F and 400°F. This step ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking the hush puppies and helps to achieve the desired crispiness.

Cooking the Hush Puppies:

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the hush puppies. The cooking time and temperature for this step can vary, but here are some general guidelines:

• Set the air fryer temperature between 380°F and 400°F. This temperature range will help you achieve a golden brown color and a crispy texture.
• Cook the hush puppies in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.
• For each batch, place the hush puppies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
• Cook the hush puppies for 4 to 6 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes on the other side. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your hush puppies and the desired level of doneness.
• Keep an eye on the hush puppies during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in terms of heat distribution. Adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking or burning.
• If desired, lightly spray the hush puppies with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer and/or halfway through the cooking process. This will help to enhance the crispiness and browning.

Serving and Storing:

Once the hush puppies are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them warm. They can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, pairing well with seafood, barbecue, or other Southern classics.

If you have any leftover hush puppies, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 320°F to 370°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Additionally, cooked hush puppies can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours until solid. Then, transfer the frozen hush puppies to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer at 370°F to 390°F for 4 to 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

How to serve hush puppies

Hush puppies are a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

• As a snack: Hush puppies can be served as a snack with dips such as remoulade sauce or tartar sauce.
• Fried Southern Supper: Serve hush puppies as part of a fried spread, including dishes like fried chicken gizzards, fried pickles, and fried okra, along with collard greens and candied yams.
• Cornbread replacement: Hush puppies can be a delicious side dish with soups, stews, and chilli. They go well with seafood gumbo, beef stew, or red beans and rice.
• Seafood bakes: Traditionally, hush puppies are served as a side with seafood dishes, especially in the American South. They complement seafood mains like beer-battered fish, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, and homemade fish sticks.
• Barbecues: Hush puppies are a perfect match for barbecue platters, taking the place of bread or biscuits to soak up the sauces and grease.
• Dips: Hush puppies can be served with a variety of dips such as ranch or tartar sauce.
• Sauces: They can also be enjoyed with sauces like tartar sauce, white BBQ sauce, comeback sauce, or even melted butter for dipping.
• Air-fried seafood: When made in an air fryer, hush puppies pair well with air-fried seafood dishes like garlic salmon, tuna steaks, shrimp pasta, cod with lemon and dill, crab cakes, catfish, and teriyaki salmon.

No matter how you serve them, hush puppies are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal!

How to store hush puppies

Hush puppies are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed.

If you want to store hush puppies, it's best to let them cool down first. Then, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to four days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To prevent them from sticking together, it's best to flash freeze them on a baking sheet for one to two hours before transferring them to an airtight container.

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best option to get that crispy texture back. You can also use the microwave or warm them up in the oven, but the hush puppies might lose some of their crunch.

Frequently asked questions