If you're craving a snack that's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, you're in for a treat with this Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe. These golden fried cornmeal bites bring a little sweet, a little spice, and a whole lot of comfort to your plate.

A white round plate filled with about a dozen golden brown, round and irregularly shaped fried fritters stacked on top of each other. One fritter is on the white marbled surface near the plate. A small white bowl containing a creamy white sauce with tiny green specks is placed on the plate near the fritters. In the background, a metal rack holds more fritters on the white marbled surface. A gray cloth is spread on the bottom left corner of the image. The overall look is warm and crispy, with a light and cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these hush puppies, they disappear in minutes! Their perfect crunch with a tender, slightly sweet crumb is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Perfectly Crispy: The high-heat frying locks in a golden crust that’s irresistible.
Light and Fluffy Inside: Thanks to the right blend of leaveners and buttermilk, these pups stay tender within.
Flavorful Kick: Grated onion and a touch of cayenne add subtle depth without overpowering the batter.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a Southern-inspired feast, they fit right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients is half the magic here. Freshly grated onion brings moisture and subtle onion flavor, while buttermilk adds tang and helps keep the hush puppies nice and tender. I always use cornmeal with a bit of texture for that traditional bite.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow cornmeal, a small white ceramic bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with white granulated sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale beige baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, one large whole egg with a clean light brown shell, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, half a small fresh white onion with a few grated onion shreds beside it, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear golden peanut oil, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cornmeal: Provides the signature grainy texture and hearty flavor that defines hush puppies.
All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal to keep the texture light and helps the batter hold together.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory elements.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps make the hush puppies fluffy and light inside.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a gentle, warm kick without overwhelming the dish.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to tender crumb structure.
Buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture, reacting with baking powder to keep these pups airy.
Grated onion: Brings natural sweetness and a hint of sharpness for complexity.
Peanut or vegetable oil: For frying, chosen for their high smoke points to get that perfect crunchy crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want a little extra kick or a milder flavor, these golden bites welcome your own twist.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch more cayenne or even a dash of smoked paprika to the dry ingredients for a deeper smoky heat that truly wakes up the palate.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in about ¼ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the batter. It melts beautifully inside and adds a rich, savory layer.
Herb Infusion: Fresh finely chopped chives or parsley mixed into the batter brighten the hush puppies nicely for a fresh, garden touch.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture stays tender, and the hush puppies remain fluffy.
Sweet Corn Variation: Try adding a few tablespoons of corn kernels to the batter for a pleasant pop of sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of small, round, golden-brown fried balls with a rough and crispy outer texture. One ball in the foreground is split open, revealing a soft, moist, and crumbly yellow inside. Behind it, several whole fried balls are placed on a white plate, along with a small white cup of white dipping sauce. The background includes more fried balls slightly out of focus, all set on a white marbled surface. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the texture and warm colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients for a Balanced Base

Start by combining 1 cup (138g) cornmeal, ½ cup (71g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly so every bite has a perfect balance of flavor and lift. This mix forms the foundation of our hush puppies' signature texture.

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients, Then Add Onion for Moisture and Flavor

In a separate bowl, lightly beat 1 large egg and mix it with ¾ cup (169g) buttermilk until smooth. Grate ½ a small onion (about ¼ to ⅓ cup) and stir it, along with its juices, into the wet mixture. The grated onion adds subtle sweetness and moisture, keeping the hush puppies tender inside with a hint of savory depth.

Step 3: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures for Fluffy Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix—the batter will be slightly lumpy, and that’s okay! Overmixing can make the hush puppies dense, but a gentle fold keeps them light and airy once fried.

Step 4: Heat the Oil to the Perfect Frying Temperature

Heat about 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F on a digital thermometer. Keeping the oil between 350°F and 375°F is key to achieving those crispy golden exteriors without oily sogginess. If the oil is too cool, the hush puppies absorb excess oil; too hot, and they brown too fast on the outside but stay raw inside.

Step 5: Fry Delicious Golden Hush Puppies in Batches

Using two spoons, carefully scoop tablespoon-sized portions of batter and drop them into the hot oil. Use the back of one spoon to push the batter off gently, one at a time. Don't overcrowd the pan—frying in batches lets the temperature stay consistent. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway with a wire spatula, until beautifully golden and crisp all over.

Step 6: Drain and Cool for the Best Crunch

Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This setup lets excess oil drip away so your hush puppies stay crisp and not greasy. Keep an eye on the oil temperature during frying, adjusting the heat as needed for the best results.

Top Tip

Getting your Crispy Southern Hush Puppies just right can feel like a bit of an art, but these tips have made all the difference in my kitchen and will help you achieve that perfect golden crunch every time.

Oil Temperature Control: Using a good digital thermometer to keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F is key. I learned that maintaining this temp range helps the hush puppies cook evenly without soaking up too much oil or burning on the outside.
Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding your pan. Frying in small batches keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures each hush puppy fries to that ideal crispy finish.
Gentle Mixing: Stir the batter just until combined to keep your hush puppies light and fluffy inside. Overmixing can make them dense, and that’s not what you want.
Draining Properly: Letting the cooked hush puppies drain on a wire rack over paper towels prevents sogginess and keeps them crisp longer. I used to skip this step and noticed they got oily fast.

How to Serve Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, creamy mixture of light yellow color with small specks throughout, showing a slightly grainy texture. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl, partially covered in the mixture, and positioned towards the right side of the bowl. The mixture looks smooth but firm, covering the bottom and filling most of the bowl to about three-quarters full. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your hush puppies with a little flaky sea salt right after frying for an extra punch of flavor. You can also serve them with a side of honey butter or a creamy remoulade sauce for dipping. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top adds a delightful zing that brightens their slightly sweet cornmeal taste.

Side Dishes

Crispy Southern hush puppies make a fantastic companion to fried catfish, BBQ pulled pork, or spicy shrimp. Pair them with a fresh coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. They’re also great alongside classic Southern favorites like collard greens and fried green tomatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keeping them sealed helps preserve their crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

To freeze, spread your cooked hush puppies out on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a resealable airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to 3 months, perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

For the crispiest reheated hush puppies, thaw if frozen and then warm them in an air fryer or oven. The air fryer is my go-to—it takes about 3-4 minutes to re-crisp the outsides beautifully, almost like fresh. You can use a microwave too for convenience when reheating just a few, but they won’t stay quite as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make hush puppies without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will give you the tangy acidity needed for tender hush puppies.

What type of oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Peanut or vegetable oil is ideal for frying hush puppies because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. This helps you achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without imparting unwanted tastes.

How do I know when the hush puppies are done frying?

They’re done when they’re golden brown and crisp on all sides, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch. Make sure to turn them halfway through frying for even color and texture.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe includes grated onion and a touch of cayenne for mild heat, you can experiment by adding chopped jalapeños, corn kernels, or herbs like parsley to customize your hush puppies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about biting into a Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe—those warm, golden bites that perfectly balance sweet cornmeal and subtle spice. Whether you’re serving them as a nostalgic Southern appetizer or alongside your favorite meal, these hush puppies never fail to bring smiles and satisfied sighs around the table. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen and a delightful treat for your family and friends. Happy frying!