Air Fryer Frozen Hush Puppies: Quick, Crispy Comfort Food

Hush puppies are cornmeal-based bread bites that are traditionally deep-fried. However, air-fried hush puppies are a healthier alternative that can be made in any air fryer, including the Ninja Foodi. Here is a step-by-step guide to making frozen hush puppies in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 380°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Hush Puppies

Place the frozen hush puppies in the air fryer. You can cook them directly from frozen, without defrosting.

Step 3: Cook the Hush Puppies

Cook the hush puppies for 4-5 minutes, or until they are heated through. For a crispier texture, cook for an additional 3-8 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully remove the hush puppies from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips:

- No parchment paper or foil is needed when cooking frozen hush puppies, as they are already cooked.

- To reheat frozen hush puppies, preheat the air fryer to 320°F and cook for about 3 minutes.

How to cook frozen hush puppies in an air fryer

What you'll need:

• Frozen hush puppies
• An air fryer

Method:

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. You can also preheat to 380°F for a crispier hush puppy.

Next, place your frozen hush puppies in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have some space around each one to ensure even cooking.

Cook for 4-5 minutes at 350°F, or 8 minutes at 380°F. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once they are heated thoroughly, carefully remove the hush puppies from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips:

• No parchment paper is needed when cooking frozen hush puppies as they are already cooked.
• All air fryers are different, so be sure to check on your hush puppies regularly to avoid overcooking.
• You can also reheat refrigerated or frozen hush puppies in the air fryer. For refrigerated hush puppies, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 3-4 minutes. For frozen hush puppies, preheat to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes.

How to make hush puppy batter

Hush puppies are made from a cornmeal batter, with a few tweaks to the recipe depending on taste. The cornmeal is mixed with flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Buttermilk and eggs are then added to the dry ingredients to form a thick batter.

The key to a good hush puppy is the ratio of cornmeal to flour. A ratio of 1 1/2 cups cornmeal to 1/2 cup flour will give the hush puppies a tender texture. Fine- to medium-grind cornmeal is best, and stone-ground is preferable to mass-market cornmeal, which can make the fritters gritty.

The batter should be mixed until just combined, as overmixing can lead to tough, dense results. It should be thick but not lumpy, and it's important to let the batter rest for a few minutes after mixing so that the cornmeal and flour can absorb the buttermilk.

The batter can then be dropped by spoonfuls into hot oil for frying, or formed into small balls and placed in an air fryer.

How to stop hush puppies from sticking to the air fryer

To prevent hush puppies from sticking to the air fryer, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, you can trace parchment paper in the shape of your air fryer basket and place it at the bottom of the basket before adding the hush puppy batter. Alternatively, you can use pre-cut parchment paper rounds specifically designed for air fryers, as they allow for air circulation. If you don't have parchment paper, you can use aluminium foil instead.

Additionally, a light spray of cooking oil on the foil or parchment paper can also help prevent sticking. It is recommended to do a small test batch of one or two hush puppies first to see how your air fryer handles the batter and adjust accordingly.

How to store hush puppies

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

If you're planning to eat your hush puppies the next day, you can store them at room temperature overnight. However, they will likely lose their crispiness.

You can also store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or use the oven or microwave.

If you want to store hush puppies for longer, you can freeze them. Arrange the cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a resealable airtight container and they'll keep for up to 3 months. You can reheat them straight from frozen in the air fryer—just cook them at 350°F for 6 minutes.

What to serve with hush puppies

Hush puppies are a delicious Southern snack, often served as a side dish or appetiser. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them perfect for dipping in your favourite sauce.

• Tartar sauce is a traditional choice, and for good reason! It pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden exterior of the hush puppies.
• Ketchup is another classic condiment that can add a bit of zest to your hush puppies. Jazz it up by adding mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic or chillies.
• Barbecue sauce is a staple in American cuisine and its thick, sweet and smoky flavour pairs exceptionally well with hush puppies. Experiment with different types like Kansas City-style, Texas-style or Carolina-style to find your favourite.
• Honey mustard is a great store-bought option that adds a little kick to your hush puppies. You can also add some diced onions or celery to the mix for extra flavour and texture.
• Ranch dressing is a versatile condiment that goes well with many dishes, including hush puppies! It has a creamy, tangy flavour that complements the fried cornmeal. Add some freshly chopped parsley or green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remoulade is a classic French condiment that is surprisingly easy to make at home. It has a bold, creamy flavour with a kick of paprika and herbs.
• Hot sauce is a classic choice for hush puppies, and you can either buy your favourite brand or make your own. Try a fire-roasted jalapeno and tomatillo blend for a balance of spice and sweetness.
• Honey is a natural sweetener that brings out the best flavours of hush puppies. For an indulgent treat, add a little butter to the honey before dipping. You can also drizzle honey on top of the hush puppies before serving.
• Maple syrup is a traditional Southern favourite and adds a sweet and syrupy element to the dish. Drizzle it over the hush puppies or serve it as a dip.
• For something unique, try serving hush puppies with chocolate sauce. It may seem like an unexpected combination, but it's a match made in heaven! Simply melt butter, then add cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla extract. You can also experiment with different types of sugar or add a bit of chilli pepper for a spicy kick.

So, there you have it! Whether you prefer mild and sweet, zesty and tangy or spicy and bold flavours, there is a perfect sauce out there to elevate your hush puppies.

Frequently asked questions