If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy on the outside and light as a cloud on the inside, I have just the thing: a Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. These golden, fried bites add that irresistible Southern charm to your table every time.

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

I’ve made these hush puppies on countless occasions, and honestly, they’re one of those crowd-pleasers that get devoured faster than you think—crispy, fluffy, just the right amount of sweetness, and a little kick of heat that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfect texture: Crispy on the outside yet tender and airy inside, every bite is pure bliss.
Simple ingredients: Most of these you probably already have on hand, which makes whipping them up a breeze.
Customizable heat: A touch of cayenne pepper adds warmth without overwhelming the flavor—you can adjust it just the way you like.
Multi-purpose snack: Serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a party finger food that impresses.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this hush puppies recipe lies in its balance of simple, classic ingredients. When shopping, reach for stone-ground cornmeal if you want extra texture, but regular cornmeal works great too. Fresh buttermilk and a good-quality onion make a noticeable difference in flavor.

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 star ingredient that gives hush puppies their signature crunch and flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind everything and provides structure to the batter.
Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements.
Baking powder: Gives the hush puppies their lovely rise and fluffiness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a gentle kick—feel free to adjust this to your heat preference.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderness, giving that classic Southern flavor.
Onion (grated): Brings moistness and a mild, savory bite throughout the hush puppies.
Peanut or vegetable oil: Essential for deep frying, peanut oil’s high smoke point is perfect, but vegetable oil works well too.

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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

The beautiful thing about this Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like a little extra kick, want to add some fresh herbs, or need a vegetarian-friendly tweak, you can make these hush puppies uniquely your own in no time.

Spicy Variation: I love adding an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a bolder, spicy kick. It really wakes up these sweet cornmeal bites and pairs perfectly with rich barbecue or fried fish.
Herb-Infused: Mixing in chopped fresh parsley, chives, or scallions brings a fresh, bright note that balances the cornmeal’s earthiness. I find this variation especially lovely for spring or summer gatherings.
Cheesy Twist: Stirring in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds gooey richness on the inside and a slight savory tang that’s hard to resist. It’s a great way to up the comfort factor.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to test the batter consistency — it should be thick yet scoopable.

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: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining 1 cup (138g) of cornmeal, ½ cup (71g) of 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. This blend gives the hush puppies that slightly sweet, mildly spicy base. Stir everything well so the ingredients are evenly distributed — you’ll notice the warm aroma of the baking powder and cayenne as you mix.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large beaten egg and ¾ cup (169g) buttermilk until smooth. Then grate ½ small onion (about ¼ to ⅓ cup) directly into this wet mixture, including the onion’s juices — this adds moisture and a subtle onion flavor that’s signature to hush puppies. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir just until combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable; don’t overmix or your hush puppies might turn out dense.

Step 3: Heat the Oil to Perfection

Pour peanut or vegetable oil about 2 inches deep into a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Using a digital thermometer here is a must — maintaining the right temperature ensures that the hush puppies cook evenly, turning golden and crispy outside while staying light inside. If the oil’s too cool, they'll absorb excess oil and become greasy; too hot, and they might burn on the outside before cooking through.

Step 4: Frying the Hush Puppies

Using two spoons, carefully drop tablespoon-sized bits of batter into the hot oil. I like to use the back of one spoon to gently push the batter off and form nice rounds. Work in small batches — overcrowding cools the oil and results in soggy hush puppies. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with a wire spatula, until they’re a beautiful golden brown all over. The smell at this point is simply irresistible!

Step 5: Drain and Cool

Use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies from the oil, then place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This setup helps drain excess oil and keeps the hush puppies crispy all around. Keep an eye on your oil temperature and adjust the heat to stay between 350°F and 375°F throughout frying for consistent results.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect crispy crust and fluffy inside of your Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe is all about the details. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve delicious results every time.

Keep Your Oil Temperature Steady: Using a digital thermometer to maintain the oil at around 375°F (190°C) is a game changer. It prevents greasy hush puppies and ensures they cook evenly with that beautiful golden crust.
Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make your hush puppies dense instead of light and fluffy inside.
Use Two Spoons to Drop Batter: This technique helps you portion out even, tidy hush puppies without getting your hands messy—or batter splattering in the hot oil.
Drain Properly: Place fried hush puppies on a wire rack over paper towels. This keeps them crisp by letting excess oil drip away instead of pooling around them.

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 little golden bites are lovely on their own, but you can dress them up with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of honey butter or a side of spicy remoulade sauce adds a perfect touch of sweetness and tang. For a classic Southern vibe, serve with a wedge of lemon and a dab of tart coleslaw nearby.

Side Dishes

Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe makes a fantastic side for fried fish, shrimp, or barbecue. Pair them with smoky collard greens, creamy mac and cheese, or a fresh tomato salad for a well-rounded, comforting Southern meal. They’re also fantastic with chili or gumbo if you want a hearty, soul-warming combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your hush puppies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their tender inside and crisp outside as much as possible.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer to a resealable airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months — perfect for quick snacks or last-minute sides.

Reheating

Thaw frozen hush puppies first before reheating. The best method to keep that crispy texture is reheating them in an air fryer or oven. Pop them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes or bake in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but be aware it may soften the crisp crust slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar added and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. However, buttermilk gives hush puppies their signature tang and tender crumb.

Why did my hush puppies turn out greasy?

Most likely, the oil temperature was too low. Keeping the oil between 350°F and 375°F ensures the hush puppies cook quickly and develop a crispy exterior without soaking up excess oil.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or corn kernels make tasty additions. Just be sure not to overwhelm the batter’s balance so the hush puppies stay light and fluffy.

What’s the best oil to use for frying hush puppies?

Peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but vegetable oil works well too. Both keep the hush puppies crisp and cook evenly at high heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about biting into a perfectly crispy, golden hush puppy with its subtle sweetness and touch of heat from the cayenne. This Crispy Cornmeal Hush Puppies Recipe brings a little Southern charm to your table with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make them often — whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish that steals the spotlight. Happy frying and happy eating!