Here’s a complete, detailed, step-by-step recipe for Homemade Hush Puppies—crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside.

Homemade Hush Puppies – Full Recipe + Directions

Servings: 20–24 hush puppies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

Total Time: ~25 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional but improves browning & flavor)
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients

1 large egg
¾ cup buttermilk (or substitute: ¾ cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar)
½ small onion, very finely minced (or ¼ cup)
1 small green chili or jalapeño (optional), finely minced
1 teaspoon melted butter or oil (optional, adds softness)

For Frying

Oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, peanut oil)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Dry Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Cornmeal
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Sugar
Paprika and black pepper

Mix well so all ingredients blend evenly.

2. Prepare the Wet Mixture

In another bowl:

Lightly beat the egg.
Add buttermilk (or milk mixture).
Stir in onions, chili/jalapeño, and melted butter/oil.

3. Combine the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.
Stir gently until just combined.
Batter should be thick and scoopable—not runny.

Tip:
If the batter is too dry → add 1 tablespoon buttermilk.
If too wet → sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour.

Let the batter rest 5 minutes—this helps the hush puppies puff up nicely.

4. Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a deep pot (2–3 inches deep).
Heat to 350–360°F (175–182°C).

Check without a thermometer:
Drop a tiny bit of batter in—if it rises and sizzles immediately, oil is ready.

5. Fry the Hush Puppies

Use a small scoop or two spoons to drop 1–2 tablespoon–sized balls into hot oil.
Fry in batches—do NOT overcrowd the pot.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally.
They should be golden brown and crisp.

6. Drain and Serve

Remove with a slotted spoon.
Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve warm.

🍽 How to Serve

Hush puppies are perfect with:

Fried fish
Barbecue
Coleslaw
Tartar sauce
Honey butter
Garlic mayo dip

⭐ Extra Tips for Best Results

✔ Add corn kernels for extra texture
✔ Add green onions or parsley for flavor
✔ Do not make them too big—they may stay doughy inside
✔ Keep cooked hush puppies warm in the oven (100°C) while frying the rest