SouthernTurk
Unusual recipes for curious cooks.
https://www.southernturk.versust.com/recipe/air-fried-muhammara-hushpuppies
Printed September 1, 2026
Printed September 1, 2026
Air Fryer Alchemist
Air-Fried Muhammara Hushpuppies
Classic Southern hushpuppies get a Syrian-Turkish twist with roasted red peppers and walnuts mixed right into the batter. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, zero oil needed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Cooking spray
Preparation
At a fish fry in Charleston, someone asked if I could make hushpuppies healthier. Challenge accepted. Then I remembered the muhammara I'd had in Gaziantep, and everything clicked.
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat egg with buttermilk and pomegranate molasses.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in roasted red peppers, walnuts, green onions, cumin, and Aleppo pepper.
- Let batter rest for 15 minutes to thicken.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form batter into 1.5-inch balls.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange hushpuppies with space between each.
- Spray tops of hushpuppies lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Work in batches as needed.
Flavor note: The pomegranate molasses adds a tangy sweetness that makes these utterly unique. Don't skip it!
