Get ready to enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Hush Puppies with dinner tonight!

We had the best dinner recently with Air Fryer Hush Puppies and Air Fryer Catfish.  I’ll be sharing the Air Fryer Catfish next week, stay tuned for that.  First, though, let’s talk about Hush Puppies.

First, have you ever wondered why hush puppies are called hush puppies?

I just read about it the other day that they were actually called that because this was a food fed to dogs to ‘hush the puppies’.  Funny, isn’t it?  I was expecting some crazy explanation, but that is just too funny that the name stuck!  Find out even more history on hush puppies, here.

Now, back to these Air Fryer Hush Puppies, I made these Gluten Free Air Fryer Hush Puppies, but you can do whichever that you prefer.

I’ve also convinced my entire family to purchase an air fryer, have you bought one yet?  If not, be sure to check out this post on choosing the right air fryer.

Shortly after we got our Air Fryer, my husband kept asking me to make catfish in it.  I thought that was a perfect idea too, but what is the best thing to go with catfish?  Air Fryer Hush Puppies!

Wouldn’t these be wonderful with Air Fryer Fish Sticks? YES!

My family decided this was the best dinner EVER!  It was pouring down rain this particular day and the perfect day to get in the kitchen and just test out some new recipes.  I’m thankful they quickly turned into favorites.

My son keeps a mental list of his favorite foods, he’s added these and catfish to it.  That says a lot for him too because he’s quite picky.

If you ask my daughter what’s on her list….

She responds with, “cookies, cake, ice cream, candy.”  She thinks highly of her health, can you tell?

She is also OBSESSED with watching cooking and baking shows, but can I tell you it’s incredibly hard to find appropriate shows for kids.  Who would have thought that cooking shows could be so inappropriate?

We’ve had quite a time trying to find some that are appropriate for her, that doesn’t suddenly have language she doesn’t need to hear yet.  Thankfully, shows like the Pioneer Woman are pretty good too for her.  Now, I need Ree to come to Netflix…please.

Now, back to these Air Fryer Hush Puppies.

What do you need to make Air Fryer Hush Puppies?

• Cornmeal
• Flour or Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Egg
• Milk
• Onion

Just a few things are needed, most of which you will already have on hand.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Hush Puppies

The batter is going to come out very similar to cornbread batter in consistency.

It’s best to let it sit for about 2-5 minutes after you make it just to let it rest and harden up a bit.  

Very important things to note when making this, it’s necessary to add in the dry ingredients first and whisk in the egg and milk.

In regards to the milk, this is made using dairy milk.  I do believe that other non-dairy alternatives may be too thin and change the consistency of the batter. 

When making any air fryer recipe, it’s always important to check in when it’s cooking because they all give off a varying degree of heat. 

For instance, if you make a batch of these and cook them for 10 minutes and make another batch.  The air fryer is going to be already hot which means that the second batch is going to cook for less time.

What if I’m out of Onion?

Quick tip, onion powder will work too.  If you use it though, then you won’t have those chunks of onion, but the taste is similar!

This is also a traditional hush puppy recipe, so the main flavor is onion.  If you prefer additional flavoring, add in some garlic powder as well.

More Air Fryer Recipe Ideas

Looking for more Air Fryer Recipes?  Check out the full air fryer recipe index!

If you want all these recipes right at your fingertips, be sure to grab the e-book.  This e-book features 15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes!

Enjoy these Air Fryer Hush Puppies!

I am now using a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer; however, you can check out a variety of different air fryers in my post on, How to Choose the Right Air Fryer. 

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Yield: 12 Hush Puppies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Make easy air fryer hush puppies in minutes and gluten-free too! 

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Ingredients

• 1 Cup Yellow Cornmeal
• 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour or Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1/4 Tsp Sugar
• 1/2 Tsp Salt
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Onion
• 1 Egg
• 3/4 Cup Milk

Instructions

1. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Mix in the onion.
3. Whisk in the egg and milk.
4. Let batter sit for about 5 minutes.
5. Form small balls of dough to make hush puppies.
6. Place them inside the air fryer, if preferred spray the bottom with non-stick cooking spray or you can line it with foil.
7. Spray them with a coat of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
8. Cook in air fryer at 390 degrees for 5 minutes.
9. Carefully turn them over and spray them with a coat of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Serve when crispy.  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.

Notes

This recipe is made with skim, low fat, or regular milk.  I have not tried it with dairy alternatives but believe it would alter the consistency.  The batter will be similar to cornbread or pizza dough. 

This recipe is a very traditional hush puppy recipe and the main flavor is going to be just the amount of onion that you add.  If you want to add more flavoring with additional onion powder or garlic powder, feel free.

Always remember all air fryers heat differently, it's best to check it halfway through the cook time.