Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine all dry ingredients.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully blended.

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped onion. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

     
     

2. Form the Hush Puppies:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.

   • Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of the batter and form them into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use your hands, but wetting them lightly with water will help prevent sticking.

   • Place the hush puppies on a parchment-lined tray while you form the remaining batter.

     
     

3. Air Fry the Hush Puppies:

   • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly brush with olive oil to prevent the hush puppies from sticking.

   • Arrange the hush puppies in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

   • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The hush puppies should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through.

     
     

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the hush puppies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm.

Pro Tips:

• Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter until the ingredients are just combined to keep the hush puppies light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Shape Uniformly: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure the hush puppies are uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly.

• Spray Well: Make sure to spray the hush puppies with cooking spray before air frying. This helps them achieve that classic fried crispiness even without deep frying.

• Add Mix-Ins: For an extra burst of flavor, add finely chopped jalapeños, grated cheese, or even cooked crumbled bacon to the batter.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Side: Serve alongside fried fish, BBQ, or shrimp for a classic Southern meal.

• Dipping Sauce: Pair with tartar sauce, honey butter, or a zesty remoulade for dipping.

• Appetizer Platter: Include in an appetizer spread with other finger foods like air-fried pickles or mozzarella sticks.