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Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Aug 21, 2022 · 16 Comments

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Collage with a close up of air fryer hush puppies on a small plate on top, a hush puppy being dipped into a small glass bowl of remoulade on bottom, and the words "air fryer hush puppies" in the center

The BEST Air Fryer Hush Puppies that are perfectly seasoned, crispy and golden on the outside, but have a soft, warm, savory center. This delicious take on a classic southern comfort food will make you not even miss the deep fryer!

Small plate piled with air fryer hush puppies next to 2 lemon wedges with a bunch of parsley in the background

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are cornmeal bread bites, that are deep fried to achieve a golden crispy exterior.

These Air Fryer Hush Puppies are perfectly seasoned, golden and crispy on the outside, and soft and warm on the inside, all in the air fryer instead of a deep fryer. They remind me of my favorite seafood restaurant, and best of all you can make them right at home!

Plus, these air fryer hush puppies are freezer-friendly so that you can make them in batches and then freeze for later use, making life so much easier!

The Great Sugar Debate 2.0

I know there's some contention about whether hushpuppies should have sugar between Southerners and Yankees. And yes, it's totally regional, and it's definitely up to you! (And yes this is our second sugar debate. Our first one was for Southern Skillet Cornbread)

So if you're on Team No Sugar, you might be scoffing about my addition of 1 tablespoon of sugar in this recipe. But don't run off yet. I'm actually on Team No Sugar, too. The tiny bit of sugar doesn't add much sweetness to this recipe, but it does allow the outside to darken just a little bit more and adds just the right amount of crispy to the outside. You can absolutely omit it, but there won't be much difference flavor-wise either way, as the sugar is more of a texture component here.

If you're on Team Sugar, there's nothing wrong with that! You can add up to ¼ cup sugar to this recipe. After that, I think you're venturing more into cake than hushpuppies. I would not recommend honey to this recipe, as it will make the batter runnier and more difficult to work with in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Hush Puppy Variations

This is a great basic, but certainly flavorful recipe. If you're looking for even more flavor, or even just some variety, try these simple add ins

  • Louisiana-style hot sauce - This is my favorite kind to use because it adds a little heat without altering the overall flavor
  • Red Pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon depending on your heat tolerance level
  • Diced jalapenos - Use about ¼ cup of fresh or pickled jalapenos. You can also use serrano or habanero peppers to up the spiciness even more.
  • Cheese - ½ cup cheese adds a little more savory-ness to these. I love adding cheddar, but Parmesan would also work nicely.
  • Cajun or Creole seasoning - add 1 teaspoon for some extra flavor. These will also add heat and saltiness, so you may want to taste before adding any other salt.

How to Keep Air Fryer Hush Puppies from Sticking

Prior to testing this recipe, I was very worried about sticking and dripping. However, my hush puppies ended up only dripping a little bit, even without any of the following precautions. So I recommend doing a small test batch (of 1 or 2 hush puppies) to see how your own air fryer will handle it.

Otherwise, the best method is to trace parchment paper in the shape of your air fryer basket. Place it in the bottom of the basket and scoop the hush puppies on top. Then just air-fry as normal. There are also pre-cut parchment paper rounds that are made specifically for air fryers and have holes to allow air circulation.

You can also use foil similarly to the parchment paper (but not wax paper because it will melt). A light spray of cooking oil can also help if your test batch had problems with sticking.

Air Fryer Hush Puppy dipping into a small glass bowl of remoulade. The bowl is sitting in front of 2 lemon wedges and a pile of air fryer hush puppies

What Goes Well with Air Fryer Hush Puppies?

Traditionally, hush puppies are served with fish, and these air fryer hush puppies will pair perfectly. We also serve coleslaw and classic French fries for the complete meal. Here are a few of our favorite recipes:

  • Southern Pan Fried Catfish - catfish coated in cornmeal and pan-fried in a skillet
  • Salmon Croquettes - simple and quick salmon patties that are both delicious and cheap for the family.
  • Baked Catfish Nuggets - catfish nuggets breaded in cornmeal and baked in the oven to crispy perfection.
  • Lemon Pepper Baked Catfish - cornmeal coated catfish that's baked instead of fried. I promise you won't even miss the skillet or the oil.
  • Beer Battered Catfish - catfish filets fried in a light, crisp beer batter

Can You Freeze Air Fryer Hush Puppies?

Yes! Cook according to recipe instructions. Then lay out on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours. Then transfer for a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, air fry at 370°F for about 5-10 minutes.

How to Cook Frozen Hush Puppies in the Air Fryer

Cook pre-made frozen hush puppies in the air fryer at 380°F for about 8 minutes. Check for doneness and gently toss. If they are not cooked through and crispy yet, cook for an additional 3-8 minutes.

More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love

  • Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters - a summer favorite in the air fryer! Use up that summer zucchini in these easy fritters that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
  • Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks - a simple recipe that are far better than the boxed version, but CAN be frozen so you can make them as quickly as the boxed version in the future!
  • Air Fryer Crab Cakes - my favorite crab cakes adapted for the air fryer. We make this every Christmas!
  • Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers - quick, simple, low carb. Even my kiddos who are not fans of spicy couldn't get enough of these amazing snacks!
  • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - another great way to use up summer zucchini and make veggies extra fun. Coated in a garlicky, parmesan breading and air fried to perfection.

Air Fryer Hush Puppies Video

Small plate piled with air fryer hush puppies next to 2 lemon wedges with a bunch of parsley in the background

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

The BEST Air Fryer Hush Puppies that are perfectly seasoned, crispy and golden on the outside, but have a soft, warm, savory center. You won't even miss the deep fryer!
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 15 hushpuppies
Calories: 82kcal
Author: Michelle
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • ⅓ cup minced onion
  • 4 green onions minced
  • ⅓ cup whole kernel corn
  • 2 tablespoons minced celery

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, add flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine.
  • To the flour mixture, add buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk to combine.
  • Fold in remaining ingredients.
  • Allow batter to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  • Line inside of air fryer basket with parchment paper.
  • With a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out dough and make into round balls (as much as possible. You won't be able to roll it, as the mixture will be too wet)
  • Place inside lined air fryer basket so that they're not touching. (You may need to work in batches.)
  • Cook in air fryer at 380°F for 5 minutes. Carefully turn them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve when cooked through and crispy on the outside. 

Notes

  • Add some spice with a tablespoon or 2 of finely chopped jalapenos. You can also add a couple dashes of Louisiana-style hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the batter.
  • Remember all air fryers put off a varying degree of heat, so be sure to check them and cook a few extra minutes if needed.
  • Buttermilk: If you don't have any buttermilk on hand, use this super easy buttermilk substitute.
  • Sugar: The sugar in this recipe adds some crispy browness to the edges. You can omit it completely if you'd rather, or up the amount to ¼ cup if you're actually a fan of the sweetness.
  • Corn: Fresh off the cob, frozen, or canned corn all work equally well for this recipe. I like to thaw the frozen, and make sure corn is patted dry to not increase the moisture in the batter.
  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp and heated through.
  • Freezer Directions: After cooking the hushpuppies, freeze flat on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 390°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1hush puppy | Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aimee Mars says

    August 21, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    Just got a new air fryer and am looking for all the recipes I can! Bookmarking this and can't wait to try the hush puppies!

    Reply
  2. Dana Sandonato says

    October 07, 2022 at 10:22 am

    This is such a smart recipe! Love hushpuppies, and this is a much better and easier (and cleaner!) way to make them!

    Reply
  3. Beth says

    October 07, 2022 at 10:30 am

    This is why I love my air fryer so much. I can make healthier versions of my favorite fried classics. Hush puppies are one of my favorite sides ever, so I can't wait to try these.

    Reply
  4. Beth says

    October 07, 2022 at 10:42 am

    These air fryer hush puppies are better than deep fried. They are so heavy and your air fryer version are perfectly crisp outside with a glorious center. Thanks

    Reply
  5. Janessa says

    October 07, 2022 at 10:53 am

    I love that these are made in the air fryer and turn out so crispy! We ate them so quickly.

    Reply
  6. Mirlene says

    November 01, 2022 at 12:31 pm

    Love these hush puppies. They were seasoned to perfection and a little crispy on the outside how I like them when I use my air fryer!

    Reply
  7. Catherine says

    November 01, 2022 at 12:45 pm

    A perfect recipe for the air fryer! These look so delicious...I haven't made hush puppies in a good while so I know the family will love these!

    Reply
  8. Jayne says

    November 01, 2022 at 1:44 pm

    What a great idea to use the air fryer when cooking your Hush puppies. Love it and plan to do this recipe this weekend.

    Reply
  9. Gina Abernathy says

    November 01, 2022 at 3:06 pm

    These went great with the fried fish we had for dinner last night. The jalapenos were perfect in the mix.

    Reply
  10. Sara Welch says

    July 13, 2023 at 10:25 pm

    Enjoyed these with dinner tonight and they are like straight bites from heaven! Turned out so quick, easy and delicious; a classic recipe that never goes out of style!

    Reply
  11. Sara Welch says

    July 13, 2023 at 10:27 pm

    Enjoyed these with dinner tonight and they were a savory success! Turned out quick, easy and delicious; a classic recipe that never goes out of style!

    Reply
  12. Dannii says

    July 14, 2023 at 2:08 am

    This was such a great way to use the air fryer. My kids loved them too.

    Reply
  13. Ava M says

    July 14, 2023 at 2:14 am

    Loved the recipe! They are a crispy and flavorful delight! The perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion 🙂

    Reply
  14. Stephanie says

    July 14, 2023 at 4:41 am

    These air fryer hush puppies are just delightful - so nice to make these in the air fryer! This was my first time making hush puppies so thanks for the detailed instructions.

    Reply
  15. Katheryn Pack says

    September 06, 2024 at 11:51 am

    I wanted to know how to make these gluten-free; can I substitute King Arthur's measure for measure gluten free flour? Or some other flour, such as rice or sorghum?

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      September 06, 2024 at 12:10 pm

      The measure-for-measure flour will work best!

      Reply

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