If you’ve ever wondered how to get those irresistibly golden, crunchy bites with a tender inside, you’re in the right place. This Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe brings a touch of Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with easy-to-make, perfectly fried cornmeal fritters that are pure magic.

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 Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of how these hush puppies turn out every single time — perfectly crisp on the outside, light and fluffy inside, with just the right hit of sweetness and onion flavor to keep you coming back for more.

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have all of these in your pantry and fridge, making it an easy go-to recipe.
Perfectly Crispy Texture: The cornmeal gives these hush puppies their iconic crunchy, golden crust.
Flavor Boost: The bit of grated onion adds subtle depth without overpowering the sweetness.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’ll be frying up delicious bites in just 16 minutes!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we get frying, let’s talk ingredients. I always recommend using fresh cornmeal for the best texture, and scooping and leveling your flour ensures the perfect balance to keep the hush puppies light. A good quality buttermilk really brings everything together with a subtle tang.

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: The heart and soul of these hush puppies—gives the batter that unmistakable crunch and golden color.
All-purpose flour: Balances the texture by helping keep things tender while supporting the structure.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to enhance the cornmeal without getting too sugary.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that keeps your hush puppies puffed up and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the batter for a well-rounded bite.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a nice subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Egg: Binds everything together smoothly and adds richness to the batter.
Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a touch of acidity for tender hush puppies with a slight tang.
Onion (grated): The secret ingredient—fresh onion juice and bits infuse the batter with savory depth.
Peanut or vegetable oil: Perfect for frying—choose oils with high smoke points so your hush puppies crisp without burning.

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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 things I love most about this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to play up the spice, add some fresh herbs, or make it suit a specific diet, there’s so much fun to be had with flavors.

Jalapeño Kick: I love adding finely diced jalapeños along with the grated onion to give the hush puppies a lively heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the cornmeal.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in about ¼ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the batter for gooey pockets of melty goodness inside each crispy bite – perfect for cheese lovers craving extra richness.
Herbaceous Notes: Fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even a little thyme can brighten the flavor and add complexity without any fuss.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these hush puppies accessible to those with gluten sensitivities – just be sure to check the blend’s mixability with cornmeal.
Sweet Corn Boost: Fold in some whole kernel corn (drained) for added texture and bursts of sweetness that keep each bite interesting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Cornmeal 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: Combine the Dry Ingredients With Care

Start by gathering your dry ingredients — 1 cup cornmeal, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk these together in a large bowl until evenly blended. This not only ensures the flavors are distributed well but also gives your hush puppies that perfectly seasoned base. Mixing thoroughly here is key—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients and Bring In the Onion

In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with ¾ cup buttermilk until smooth and uniform. Grate about half a small onion and add it, along with all its flavorful juices, to the wet ingredients. This step adds moisture plus that subtle, savory onion undertone that sets hush puppies apart. Stir gently to combine; make sure the onion is mixed in evenly before proceeding.

Step 3: Bring It All Together—Gently!

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold them together gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here—lumps are okay! Overworking the batter can lead to tough hush puppies. You want a batter that’s thick but smooth enough to drop easily from a spoon.

Step 4: Heat Your Oil to the Perfect Frying Temp

Fill your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until your digital thermometer reads 375°F. Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial—too low and your hush puppies will soak up oil and become greasy; too high and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.

Step 5: Fry the Hush Puppies to Golden Perfection

Use two spoons to carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. I like to use the back of one spoon to gently push the batter off into the oil one piece at a time. Don’t crowd the pan—work in small batches to keep that oil temperature consistent. Fry each batch for about 3 minutes, turning the hush puppies partway through with a wire spatula so they brown evenly and get beautifully crisp on all sides.

Step 6: Drain and Let Them Rest

Once golden brown, transfer the hush puppies to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drip away, keeping them crispy instead of soggy. Keep an eye on your oil temperature between batches, adjusting heat as necessary to stay between 350°F and 375°F for best results.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is all about paying close attention to details that bring out their best texture and flavor. These tips will help you fry up golden bites every time that are light, fluffy, and irresistibly crunchy.

Maintain the Oil Temperature: I always use a digital thermometer to keep the oil steady around 365°F. This balance ensures the hush puppies cook evenly without getting greasy or burnt.
Don't Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make your hush puppies dense rather than light and fluffy inside.
Use Two Spoons to Drop Batter: This technique helps create perfect round shapes and prevents splattering hot oil. It also keeps portions consistent so everything cooks uniformly.
Drain Properly: Placing hush puppies on a wire rack over paper towels avoids sogginess by allowing excess oil to drip away, keeping their crispy exterior intact.

How to Serve Crispy Cornmeal 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

These golden nuggets shine with simple garnishes. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor. For a little extra zest, pair them with a tangy remoulade sauce, spicy mayo, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. A side of honey butter is also delightfully indulgent and highlights the slight sweetness in the hush puppies.

Side Dishes

Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies are wonderful alongside classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, tangy pickled vegetables, or buttery corn on the cob. They also pair beautifully with fried catfish, grilled shrimp, or a heaping bowl of gumbo for a true taste of Southern comfort. Don’t forget a crisp green salad to balance out the feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover hush puppies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, and they’ll keep nicely for up to 1 week. Just be sure to bring them back to a crispy state when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

Freeze cooked hush puppies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a resealable airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, pop the hush puppies in an air fryer or oven until crispy and heated through—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes in an air fryer. If you're in a hurry, microwaving a few is fine, but they won’t be quite as crunchy. The air fryer method really revives their signature crispiness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps achieve the fluffy texture and slight tang in these hush puppies. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.

What if I don’t have a thermometer to check oil temperature?

Without a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises gently to the surface quickly, the oil is hot enough. If it browns too fast or burns, lower the heat. However, a thermometer really helps get perfect results consistently.

Can I make hush puppies gluten-free?

You can experiment by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but many find it a tasty alternative while still getting that crispy crust and tender inside.

How do I keep hush puppies crisp if serving later?

Serve hush puppies shortly after frying for best crispiness. If you need to hold them, keep them warm on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F) to maintain their crunch without drying them out.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe at home brings a little piece of Southern hospitality right to your kitchen. They’re simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you get a batch just right—the golden crust, the tender inside, that hint of sweet onion—you’ll understand why they’re a beloved classic. So heat that oil, grab your spoons, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious bites that are sure to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.