Southern Hush Puppies Recipe Air Fryer

If you’re craving the quintessential Southern side dish but want to skip the mess and excess oil of deep frying, the Southern Hush Puppies Recipe Air Fryer is your perfect solution! These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-savory-on-the-inside cornmeal fritters are a delicious accompaniment to dishes like fried catfish, barbecue, or even as a stand-alone snack. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture with a fraction of the oil, making this classic recipe lighter and easier to prepare.

---

Introduction

Hush puppies are a staple in Southern cuisine, with their origins rooted in simplicity. Legend has it that these golden fritters got their name when cooks would toss leftover batter to their barking dogs with the command, “Hush, puppies!” Whether the story is true or not, there’s no denying their enduring appeal.

Traditionally, hush puppies are deep-fried, but the air fryer offers a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create perfectly crispy hush puppies with minimal oil while still embracing all the flavors of the South.

---

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

---

Recipe Details

• Cuisines: Southern
• Course: Side Dish, Snack
• Servings: 12 hush puppies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 12 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

---

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Mixing bowls
3. Whisk
4. Spoon or cookie scoop
5. Non-stick spray or oil mister

---

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Add-ins:
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion or green onion
  • ¼ cup diced jalapeños (optional, for spice)
• For Air Fryer:
  • Cooking spray or oil mister

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Mix well.
• Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—stop once everything is just combined.
• Add the diced onion and jalapeños (if using), and gently mix until evenly distributed.

2. Rest the Batter

• Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This helps hydrate the cornmeal, resulting in fluffier hush puppies.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

4. Shape the Hush Puppies

• Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the batter into evenly sized balls. Aim for about 1–1.5-inch diameter per ball. This ensures they cook evenly.

5. Air Fry the Hush Puppies

• Place the hush puppies in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each ball to allow for air circulation. Do not overcrowd; you may need to cook in batches.
• Lightly spray the hush puppies with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The hush puppies are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

6. Cool and Serve

• Remove the hush puppies from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey butter, tartar sauce, or spicy remoulade.

---

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Hush Puppies

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense hush puppies. Mix just until combined.
2. Keep Sizes Consistent: Ensuring all hush puppies are the same size will help them cook evenly.
3. Reheat Leftovers in the Air Fryer: If you have leftovers, reheat them at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

---

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air frying offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying by reducing the amount of oil needed. It also eliminates the lingering smell of deep-frying and is quicker and easier to clean up. The result? Light, crispy hush puppies with fewer calories and less guilt.

---

Conclusion

The Southern Hush Puppies Recipe Air Fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves Southern food but wants a healthier twist. These light, crispy, and flavorful fritters capture the essence of traditional hush puppies while being easier to prepare and less indulgent. Whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite seafood dish or enjoying them as a snack, these air-fried hush puppies are sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your air fryer and try this recipe today—you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your taste of Southern charm with a modern, healthy twist!