Air Fryer Hush Puppies
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Craving crispy, golden hush puppies without the guilt? Your air fryer can help! These tasty bites are ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll get 12 servings of crunchy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside hush puppies with only 85 calories each.

The recipe uses simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk. A touch of cayenne and garlic powder adds a nice kick. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up the batter and pop these puppies in your air fryer. Get ready for a healthier twist on this classic Southern treat!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty air fryer hush puppies:
- Non-fat cooking spray
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced bell pepper
- 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1 large egg
These simple ingredients come together to make 12 yummy hush puppies. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up!
Remember, you can add more cayenne if you like it spicier. The bell pepper can be any color you prefer or have on hand.
Make sure to have your air fryer ready to go at 390°F. With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have crispy, golden hush puppies in no time.

Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Line the basket with foil and spray it with non-fat cooking spray.
Mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Add the onion and bell pepper.
Make a hole in the middle of the dry mix. Pour in the buttermilk and egg. Whisk them together, then slowly mix in the dry stuff. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Use a cookie scoop to drop batter into the basket. Don’t let them touch. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
Cook for 9-10 minutes until golden brown. They should be crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Keep cooking in batches until you use all the batter. Serve your hush puppies hot and enjoy!
Remember to check them as they cook. Each air fryer is a bit different, so you might need to adjust the time.
For extra flavor, try adding some cheese or corn kernels to your batter. You can also dip them in your favorite sauce.

Possible Substitutes List
You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your needs or preferences. Here are some tasty swaps:
- Cornmeal: Use polenta or corn flour instead.
- All-purpose flour: Try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- Buttermilk: Mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Egg: Mash 1/4 cup of banana or use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
For the veggies and spices:
- Onion: Swap for green onions or shallots.
- Bell pepper: Try jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Cayenne: Use paprika or chili powder.
- Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic works too.
Want to jazz up your hush puppies? Add these yummy mix-ins:
- 1/4 cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon
Remember, these swaps might change the taste and texture a bit. But that’s part of the fun! Play around and find your perfect hush puppy combo.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make these air fryer hush puppies more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. This change lowers the carb count and adds fiber.
Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar. These options won’t spike your blood sugar like regular sugar does.
Try using whole grain cornmeal instead of regular yellow cornmeal. Whole grain versions have more fiber and nutrients.
You can also add some veggies to boost nutrition. Try grating in some zucchini or carrot. This adds vitamins and fiber without changing the taste too much.
Consider using unsweetened almond milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice instead of buttermilk. This swap cuts down on carbs and adds healthy fats.
For extra flavor without extra carbs, try adding herbs like fresh parsley or chives. They pack a flavor punch without affecting blood sugar.
Remember to watch your portion size. Stick to one or two hush puppies as a side dish rather than making them the main part of your meal.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best results, make sure your air fryer is preheated before cooking. This helps create a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each hush puppy so they cook evenly. You might need to cook in batches.
Try adding different flavors to your batter. Some tasty options include:
- Grated cheese
- Diced jalapeños
- Corn kernels
- Crumbled bacon
To keep your hush puppies warm while cooking the rest, place them in a 200°F oven. Spread them out to prevent steaming and sogginess.
Leftover hush puppies? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F.
You can also freeze hush puppies for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.