If you’re a seafood lover, you know that hush puppies are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite dishes. These Southern-style fried cornmeal balls are crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. And now, with the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy the same deliciousness without the guilt of deep frying.

Our easy hush puppy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Made with a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and a blend of spices, these homemade hush puppies are a treat for the taste buds. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crispy every time, with a golden brown color that will make your mouth water.

Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or simply craving a tasty snack, these air fryer hush puppies will hit the spot. Serve them as a standalone appetizer or pair them with dishes like catfish, red beans and rice, or oven-roasted corn for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

Key Takeaways:

Air fryer hush puppies are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.
They are made with a flavorful blend of cornmeal, flour, and spices.
The air fryer delivers a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Serve hush puppies as an appetizer or alongside your favorite seafood dishes.
Experiment with variations like adding jalapenos and cheddar to elevate the flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Hush Puppies

To make delicious air fryer hush puppies, follow these simple steps:

In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This combination of ingredients adds flavor and helps create the perfect texture for your hush puppies.
In a separate bowl, mix milk and vinegar to create buttermilk. Adding vinegar to milk allows you to achieve the tangy flavor and creamy consistency of buttermilk without the need to buy a separate carton.
Add an egg, vegetable oil, and grated onion to the buttermilk mixture. These ingredients provide moisture and enhance the overall taste of the hush puppies.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense hush puppies.
Preheat your air fryer to 365 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drop rounded tablespoons of the cornmeal batter into the hot oil of your air fryer. The batter should sizzle upon contact.
Cook the hush puppies for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Once cooked, remove the air fryer hush puppies and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade hush puppies! Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to complement seafood meals.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Hush Puppies

To achieve perfect air fryer hush puppies, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use a high-smoking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying.
Maintain a constant oil temperature by using a deep fryer or heavy pot with a thermometer.
Drop the hush puppies into the fryer using two spoons – one to scoop up the batter and the other to gently push it off.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
Drain the fried hush puppies on paper towels to remove excess oil.

If desired, add variations to the basic hush puppy recipe by incorporating ingredients like jalapenos and cheddar, corn and scallion, or Gouda and chive.

Make It your own with Delicious Variations

Elevate your hush puppies by adding tasty variations to the classic recipe. Try mixing in chopped jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy and cheesy twist. Or, add kernels of corn and chopped scallions for a burst of sweetness and freshness. For a more savory option, include grated Gouda cheese and finely chopped chives for a rich and herby flavor profile. These variations allow you to customize your hush puppies to suit your taste preferences and add an extra layer of deliciousness to this beloved Southern snack.

Serving and Storing Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Air fryer hush puppies are best served fresh and warm. These delightful golden treats can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or paired with your favorite seafood dishes. Whether you prefer to dip them in tangy Southern comeback sauce or creamy tartar sauce, the combination of flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

When it comes to storing leftover hush puppies, it’s essential to keep them fresh and maintain their crispy texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store and reheat air fryer hush puppies:

Allow the hush puppies to cool completely.
Transfer the hush puppies to an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Place the container in the refrigerator and store for up to 4 days.

To reheat the hush puppies, you have a couple of options:

If you want to maintain their crispy exterior, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the hush puppies on a baking sheet and bake for 4-6 minutes or until they are heated through.
If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can also use your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the hush puppies for 4-6 minutes or until they are warmed up.

If you find yourself with a surplus of hush puppies and want to save them for later, freezing them is a great option. Follow these steps to freeze and reheat hush puppies:

Place the cooled hush puppies on a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
Put the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the hush puppies to freeze individually.
Once frozen, transfer the hush puppies to a freezer bag or airtight container.
To reheat frozen hush puppies, start by partially thawing them in the microwave.
Finish reheating the hush puppies in a preheated 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for 4-6 minutes or until they are hot throughout.

Freezing hush puppies is a convenient way to have a delicious snack or side dish ready whenever you crave it. Just remember to label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

Now that you know how to serve and store air fryer hush puppies, you can indulge in these delectable treats any time you want. Whichever method you choose, whether it’s reheating in the oven or air fryer, these hush puppies will retain their irresistible crispy exterior and tender interior.

Your Hush Puppy Serving Ideas

Looking for creative ways to serve and enjoy your air fryer hush puppies? Here are a few suggestions:

Pair them with fresh seafood like fried catfish, shrimp, or oysters for a classic Southern combination.
Top them with melted cheese and your favorite toppings to create hush puppy sliders.
Make a hush puppy po’ boy by stuffing them into a soft roll along with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.
Serve them as a side dish with dishes like red beans and rice, corn chowder, or barbecued meats.

Feel free to get creative and explore different flavors and dipping sauces to enhance your hush puppy experience. Whether you prefer them spicy or mild, tangy or creamy, there’s no doubt that air fryer hush puppies will become a favorite in your household.

Conclusion

Air fryer hush puppies are a mouthwatering delight that can easily be prepared in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or craving a tasty snack, these delicious hush puppies are the perfect choice. With their crispy golden exterior and irresistibly soft center, they are sure to impress your taste buds.

By following the easy hush puppies recipe and incorporating the provided tips, you can achieve perfect results every time. The combination of cornmeal, flour, and a blend of seasonings creates a flavorful batter that perfectly captures the essence of Southern cuisine.

Whether you choose to enjoy these homemade hush puppies fresh out of the air fryer or have some leftover for later, their delightful taste will leave you wanting more. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or as a side dish to complement your favorite seafood dishes. No matter how you choose to savor them, air fryer hush puppies are bound to become your new go-to appetizer.

So why wait? Grab your air fryer and embark on a culinary adventure with these delectable homemade hush puppies. Indulge in the crispy perfection of air fryer hush puppies and treat yourself to a delightful experience of Southern flavors.

FAQ

What are hush puppies?

Hush puppies are a popular Southern side dish consisting of crispy, golden balls made from a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and various seasonings.

How do you make air fryer hush puppies?

To make air fryer hush puppies, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, mix milk and vinegar to create buttermilk, then add egg, vegetable oil, and grated onion to the buttermilk mixture. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Drop rounded tablespoons of the cornmeal batter into the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and cooked through.

What are some tips for perfect air fryer hush puppies?

Use a high-smoking oil for frying, maintain a constant oil temperature, drop the hush puppies into the fryer using two spoons, avoid overcrowding the fryer, and drain the fried hush puppies on paper towels to remove excess oil. Variations can also be added to the basic hush puppy recipe by incorporating ingredients like jalapenos and cheddar, corn and scallion, or Gouda and chive.

How should air fryer hush puppies be served and stored?

Air fryer hush puppies are best served fresh and warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in sauces like Southern comeback sauce or tartar sauce. Leftover hush puppies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. Hush puppies can also be frozen for longer storage.

Are air fryer hush puppies gluten-free?

Air fryer hush puppies are not gluten-free as they contain flour, which is a gluten-containing ingredient. However, gluten-free flours can be used as a substitute in the recipe for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.