Ever wondered if you can make hush puppies in an air fryer? Well, the good news is you absolutely can!
Using an air fryer to cook frozen hush puppies is super easy and makes this favorite snack even better.
Try it out and see how simple and tasty air frying can be!
![](http://cdn-621cc842c1ac1c88403fc8e7.closte.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/frozen-hugh-puppies-featured-1-683x1024.jpg)
How To Cook Frozen Hush Puppies In Air Fryer (Step By Step Instructions)
Step 1: Preheating the Air Fryer to 350°F (180°C)
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350℉ (180°C)
Preheating helps achieve that desirable crispiness without drying them out.
Step 2: Placing Frozen Hush Puppies in the Air Fryer Basket
Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the frozen hush puppies in the basket.
It’s important to space them out adequately to allow for proper air circulation.
From my experience, this spacing is key to cooking them evenly and getting that satisfying crunch on every side.
Pro tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
Step 3: Cooking Duration and Temperature Settings
Set your air fryer to cook the hush puppies for 9-11 minutes at 350℉ (180°C)
Note: The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your hush puppies.
I usually start checking mine at the 9-minute mark to avoid overdoing it.
You’re aiming for that beautiful golden-brown color with a soft, moist interior.
Step 4: Shaking the Basket Halfway Through for Even Cooking
Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket.
This step redistributes the hush puppies, ensuring that they cook evenly on all sides.
Shaking the basket is essential for achieving that uniformly crispy texture without having to flip it individually.
Step 5: Let the Hush Puppies Stand for 3 to 5 Minutes Before Serving
After they’re done, don’t rush to serve them.
Letting them sit in the basket for 3 to 5 minutes lets the outside get that final crispiness while the inside finishes cooking with the residual heat.
It might be tempting to eat them right away, but this short wait will give you that perfect hush-puppy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas for dipping sauces, sides, and creative serving suggestions:
Dipping Sauces
- Remoulade Sauce: This creamy, tangy sauce with a hint of spice is a classic pairing with hush puppies.
- Honey Butter: For a sweet and savory twist, I usually serve my hush puppies with honey butter. The sweetness of the honey paired with the richness of the butter creates a heavenly combination.
- Spicy Mayo: A simple mix of mayonnaise and hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper can give your hush puppies a spicy kick that’s hard to resist.
Sides to Accompany Hush Puppies
- Coleslaw: A classic side, coleslaw provides a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the warm, soft hush puppies.
- Fried Fish or Shrimp: Pairing hush puppies with fried seafood like fish or shrimp makes for a delightful Southern-inspired meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve hush puppies alongside a variety of grilled vegetables.
Some Questions You May Have
How can I ensure my hush puppies cook evenly?
For even cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the basket and shake it halfway through the cooking time. This helps each hush puppy get exposed to the circulating hot air, ensuring they cook evenly and get that desirable crispy texture all around.
Can I make hush puppies without an air fryer?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake frozen hush puppies in a conventional oven or deep-fry them. Follow the instructions on the packaging for oven baking, and for deep-frying, heat oil to 375℉ and fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer ensures that the cooking starts at the right temperature, leading to a consistent and crispy texture. However, if your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can start cooking immediately and add an extra minute or two to the cooking time if necessary.