Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Hush Puppies are a quick and easy Southern-inspired snack or side dish. Made with cornmeal, flour, and a blend of flavorful spices, these golden bites come together quickly in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic fried favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow corn meal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1 (15.25 ounces) can cream style corn
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Other
- Spray oil for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow corn meal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the minced onion, cream style corn, milk, and egg. Stir until you get a thick, well-combined batter. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the cornmeal and thicken slightly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for about 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Shape the hush puppies: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a parchment-lined or lightly oiled surface. Then, gently place them into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced evenly to allow air circulation. Lightly spray the hush puppies with oil to promote browning.
- Cook the hush puppies: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even golden brown on all sides. The hush puppies should be crispy outside and cooked through inside.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite Southern dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped jalapeños or green onions to the batter.
- If you want a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use cooking spray liberally to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without excess oil.
- Hush puppies can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
