Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Craving a delicious and crispy snack? Look no further than Air Fryer Hush Puppies! These Southern classics are traditionally deep-fried, but using an air fryer makes them a healthier and equally tasty option.

Perfectly golden on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, hush puppies are a delightful addition to any meal or a stand-alone treat.

Made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, and flavored with a touch of onion and spices, these bite-sized morsels are quick and easy to prepare.

Plus, cooking them in the air fryer reduces the mess and hassle of deep frying while still delivering that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish at a barbecue, a snack for game day, or a tasty appetizer, these air fryer hush puppies are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Air Fryer Hush Puppies are a fantastic twist on the classic Southern treat, offering all the flavor and crunch with less oil.

These savory bites are made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a hint of onion, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Cooking them in the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal snack or side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a barbecue, as a game day snack, or alongside your favorite seafood, these air fryer hush puppies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the deliciousness without the guilt and mess of traditional frying!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make air fryer hush puppies recipe:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds rich flavor and creates a tender hush puppy. 
• Eggs: Eggs create the structure needed to form hush puppies.
• Salt: A touch of salt helps create the perfect flavor. 
• Butter: While this is a simple ingredient, it produces a powerful result. Be sure to melt the butter before adding it to the other ingredients. 
• All-Purpose Flour: The mixture of flour and cornmeal create the unique flavor of hush puppies. Just be careful to follow the recipe. Too much flour makes the hush puppies heavy and bread-like. 
• Yellow Cornmeal: If you use self-rising cornmeal and flour, simply omit the baking soda.
• Granulated Sugar: It is important to add sugar to balance the flavor of savory and sweet. While this may seem like an odd ingredient, you will know exactly why it is there after the first taste of the air fryer hush puppies! 
• Baking Soda: Similar to bread, baking soda helps the air fryer hush puppies rise. 
• Jalapeño Peppers: Add some minced jalapeño peppers for some heat! 

How To Make Hush Puppies In Air Fryer

This simple air fryer hush puppies recipe will go into your table’s weekly rotation of delicious offerings. 

Step One: Mix the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and salt in a large mixing bowl. 

Step Two: Then, mix in the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking soda. Mix until just combined. Fold in the diced jalapeños.

Step Three: Grease your air fryer pan with olive oil or cooking spray. Fill the pan with the batter. Be careful not to overflow the pan because the hush puppies will rise while cooking. 

How Long To Cook Hush Puppies In Air Fryer

Step Four: Place the pan in the air fryer and set the temperature to 350 degrees F (air fryer setting) for 5 minutes.  Ensure you fully cooked the hush puppies before removing them. They should be golden brown. The actual time will depend on the air fryer you are using.

Step Five: Allow the hush puppies to cool. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or leave them as a delicious side. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations For Hush Puppies Air Fryer

• Jalapeño Cheddar Hush Puppies: Add finely chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a spicy, cheesy twist on the classic hush puppy.
• Sweet Corn Hush Puppies: Mix in a cup of sweet corn kernels to the batter for added sweetness and texture, creating a delightful contrast with the crispy exterior.
• Herb and Garlic Hush Puppies: Incorporate minced garlic and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill for a flavorful and aromatic variation.
• Crab Hush Puppies: Fold in some lump crab meat and a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the batter for a seafood-inspired version perfect for coastal cuisine lovers.
• Bacon and Scallion Hush Puppies: Add crispy crumbled bacon and finely chopped scallions to the mix for a savory and smoky flavor boost that pairs wonderfully with the cornmeal base.

Pro Tips For Hush Puppies In Air Fryer

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your wet ingredients, especially buttermilk and eggs, cold. This helps the batter to stay thick and the hush puppies to hold their shape better while cooking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in dense hush puppies instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Chill the Batter: Allow the batter to rest in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps to firm it up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring the hush puppies hold their shape in the air fryer.
• Lightly Grease the Basket: Spray the air fryer basket muffin tin lightly with cooking oil to prevent the hush puppies from sticking and to help them achieve a golden-brown crust.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the batter evenly. This ensures uniform size and even cooking for all hush puppies.
• Check for Doneness: Hush puppies are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Serve Immediately: Hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they are hot and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a main dish for maximum enjoyment.

Hush Puppies Recipe Air Fryer FAQs

Can I use store-bought hush puppy mix in the air fryer? Yes, you can use store-bought hush puppy mix. Follow the package instructions for preparing the batter, then cook in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

What air fryer temperature should I set my air fryer to for cooking hush puppies? Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the hush puppies to cook evenly and develop a nice golden-brown crust.

How long should I cook hush puppies in the air fryer? Cook the hush puppies for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Can I make gluten-free hush puppies in the air fryer? Yes, you can make gluten-free hush puppies by using a gluten-free cornmeal and flour blend. Follow the same cooking instructions for delicious gluten-free hush puppies.

How do I store leftover hush puppies? Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Can I freeze hush puppies? Yes, you can freeze cooked hush puppies. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions: Serve hush puppies with dipping sauces like honey butter, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli. They also pair well with seafood dishes, barbecue, or as a side to soups and stews.

Can I add other ingredients to the hush puppy batter? Yes, you can customize the batter by adding ingredients like chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, corn kernels, or herbs for extra flavor and variety.

How do I get my hush puppies to be light and fluffy? To achieve light and fluffy hush puppies, avoid overmixing the batter and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the batter to firm up and ensures a tender texture.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER SKILLET CORNBREAD
• AIR FRYER BOXED CORNBREAD
• AIR FRYER PUMPKIN CORNBREAD
• EASY AIR FRYER CREAMED CORN CORNBREAD
• AIR FRYER PILLSBURY CORNBREAD SWIRLS

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