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Air Fryer Hush Puppies

These golden Air Fryer Hush Puppies deliver crispy exteriors with tender, flavorful centers using minimal oil. A perfect blend of cornmeal, flour, and savory seasonings creates authentic Southern flavor without the deep-fry mess or guilt.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Southern American
Servings 24 hush puppies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 small onion finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ¾ cup buttermilk or regular milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Cooking spray or olive oil in a spritzer
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped green onions or 1 jalapeño finely diced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures your hush puppies start cooking immediately when placed inside.
  • Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl—cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if using. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
  • Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl—beaten egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir until well incorporated.
  • Add the diced onion (and any optional add-ins like green onions or jalapeño) to the wet mixture and stir to distribute evenly.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few small lumps are okay. The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Scoop the batter using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon to form small balls, placing them in the air fryer basket with at least 1 inch between each to allow for expansion. Work in batches if needed.
  • Spray the hush puppies lightly with oil to help achieve that golden-brown exterior.
  • Air fry for 6-8 minutes until the hush puppies are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to flip them halfway through for even browning, depending on your air fryer model.
  • Remove carefully using tongs and place on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Repeat with remaining batter.
  • Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the most authentic flavor, use buttermilk rather than the milk and vinegar substitute if possible.
  • The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped—if it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of cornmeal; if too dry, add a splash of buttermilk.
  • You can prepare the batter up to 1 hour ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—the hush puppies need room to expand and for air to circulate around them.
  • These can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.