If you're craving a taste of the South that's crunchy, tender, and just a little bit sweet, this Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These golden fried bites are comfort food at its finest, with a perfect balance of flavors and texture that I love to share with friends and family.

A white plate full of golden brown fried dough balls with a crunchy texture is placed on a white marbled surface. The dough balls are round and uneven in shape, some slightly larger than others, showing a rough and crispy outer layer. In the center of the plate is a small white bowl filled with creamy white dipping sauce that has tiny green herb bits. Around the plate, a few dough balls are scattered, and in the background, there is a cooling rack with more fried dough balls on it. A beige cloth is visible in the lower left corner. 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

I can’t get enough of how these hush puppies turn out—super crispy on the outside with a fluffy, slightly sweet inside, plus a hint of savory onion that really makes them sing. It’s one of those classic Southern recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Perfect Texture: The batter fries up with a delightfully crispy crust while staying airy inside.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything already, and the grated onion adds a subtle zing.
Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes prep and 6 minutes cooking, they’re great for a last-minute snack or side dish.
Versatile Serving: Serve them as an appetizer, a side, or even a fun party snack.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Alright, for this Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe, it’s all about balance. You want a cornmeal that’s not too coarse or fine, and fresh buttermilk really brings tang and tenderness. Let me walk you through the key players in this batter so you get the best results.

Flat lay of a small mound of bright yellow cornmeal, a small bowl of fine white all-purpose flour, a small bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl filled with pale beige baking powder, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl with vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl filled with creamy white buttermilk, half a small fresh yellow onion grated with visible juice droplets, and a small white bowl filled with golden peanut oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, 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: This is the star ingredient, providing that classic corny flavor and a lovely grainy texture that’s essential to hush puppies.
All-purpose flour: It lightens the mixture, helping with the fluffiness while keeping the hush puppies tender.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch adds a hint of sweetness that complements the cornmeal perfectly.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your hush puppies puff up beautifully when fried.
Salt: Balances all the flavors, enhancing the sweetness and savoriness.
Cayenne pepper: A small kick gives a subtle heat that wakes up the taste buds without overpowering.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the batter.
Buttermilk: Its slight acidity tenderizes the cornmeal and batter, plus it adds a slight tang that’s unmistakably Southern.
Onion (grated): Gives bursts of gentle onion flavor and moisture, keeping each hush puppy flavorful and moist inside.
Peanut or vegetable oil: The perfect frying medium—high smoke point and neutral flavor that crisps the hush puppies 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 best things about this Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. Whether you like a little extra heat, a touch of sweetness, or want to adapt it for dietary preferences, there’s a way to make these golden bites just right for you.

Spicy Kick: For an extra punch, I sometimes add a teaspoon of finely chopped jalapeño or boost the cayenne pepper slightly. It wakes up the flavor without overpowering the classic hush puppy taste.
Herb Infusion: Adding a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley or chives to the batter adds a fresh, savory layer that pairs beautifully as a side dish with seafood or barbecue.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to keep the ratio the same to maintain that fluffy, light interior texture.
Sweet Corn Addition: Fold in a quarter cup of fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels right before frying to add pops of sweetness and more texture.

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

The image shows several golden-brown fried dough balls with a crispy outside and a soft, yellow inside. One dough ball is broken open in the front, revealing its moist, crumbly texture. In the background, more dough balls are piled in a white plate, with a small white cup of white dipping sauce placed at the center of the plate. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by gathering all your dry ingredients—cornmeal, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper—in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together thoroughly until it’s evenly distributed. This ensures each hush puppy has that perfect balance of flavors and a consistent texture throughout.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients and Add Onion

In a separate bowl, lightly beat one large egg, then whisk in the buttermilk to create a smooth, creamy mixture. Next, grate half a small onion until you have about ¼ to ⅓ cup, including the juices—this adds moisture and a subtle onion sweetness. Stir the grated onion gently into the wet ingredients, distributing it evenly without overworking the mixture.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients to Form Batter

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until everything is just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can make hush puppies dense instead of light and fluffy. A few lumps are perfectly okay!

Step 4: Heat the Oil to 375°F

Fill a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with enough peanut or vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat this over medium-high heat and use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature. When the oil reaches 375°F, it’s ready for frying. Getting this temperature right is crucial for that crispy, golden exterior without soaking up excess oil.

Step 5: Fry Your Hush Puppies

Using two spoons, carefully scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the batter and drop them into the hot oil—one at a time. Use the back of one spoon to shape or press each bit gently before letting it fry. Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy hush puppies.

Fry each batch for about 3 minutes total, turning once halfway through with a wire spatula. Look for that perfect golden brown crisp on all sides before removing them.

Step 6: Drain and Serve Warm

Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the hush puppies to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off nicely without sogginess. Maintain your oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F while frying additional batches, adjusting the heat as needed to keep your hush puppies crisp and evenly cooked.

Serve these golden gems warm, and enjoy the fluffy, tender inside complemented by a satisfyingly crispy outside—a truly classic Southern treat.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect batch of Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe comes down to a few simple but important details. These tips will help you achieve those golden, crunchy bites with a fluffy center every time.

Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a digital thermometer is a game changer. Keeping the oil around 375°F ensures the hush puppies crisp quickly without soaking up too much oil or burning.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense hush puppies, and we want that light, fluffy texture.
Use Freshly Grated Onion: Adding the grated onion with its juices adds moisture and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the cornmeal batter.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Giving each hush puppy room lets the oil circulate evenly, helping them brown beautifully on all sides.

How to Serve Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, yellow mixture that looks slightly grainy and creamy. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the mixture, its handle angled to the right. The mixture has some small clumps and a smooth texture with a rich, golden color, showing hints of darker specks spread throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your hush puppies, try sprinkling them with a little flaky sea salt right after frying to enhance their flavor. Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. For an extra kick, a drizzle of honey butter or a side of tangy remoulade sauce is a delicious pairing.

Side Dishes

Crispy Southern hush puppies work wonderfully alongside classic Southern dishes like fried catfish, shrimp po’boys, or barbecue ribs. They also make a delightful companion to creamy coleslaw, collard greens, or rich baked beans—balanced perfectly with their crispy texture and slightly sweet cornmeal flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your hush puppies have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and tasty.

Freezing

To freeze, first spread the cooked hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop them in the freezer for 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer to a resealable airtight container. Properly stored, they’ll keep well for up to 3 months—ready for whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat thawed hush puppies in an air fryer or oven to revive their signature crispiness. About 3-4 minutes in the air fryer works perfectly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is fine too, just be aware they won’t be quite as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to fry hush puppies soon after mixing the batter to preserve their fluffy texture. However, you can prepare the batter up to 30 minutes in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.

What oil is best for frying hush puppies?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil works best because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, helping the hush puppies crisp evenly without burning.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

Using a digital thermometer is ideal to keep the oil close to 375°F. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small spoonful of batter in—the hush puppy should sizzle and float to the surface fairly quickly.

Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! Some people like to add chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Just remember to adjust seasoning accordingly and keep the batter consistency similar for best frying results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a plate of hot, golden hush puppies fresh from the skillet. This Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe brings a little piece of Southern hospitality straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them as an appetizer or alongside a hearty meal, these delightful bites never fail to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give the recipe a try—you’ll soon find they’re a beloved favorite at your table!