Hearty Hush Puppies

Crispy, golden hush puppies perfect with seafood.

These hush puppies offer crispy, golden cornmeal bites, perfect for pairing with seafood. Whether deep-fried or air-fried, these hush puppies are fluffy on the inside with a savory crunch on the outside. The batter, made from cornmeal, flour, onion, and seasonings, comes together easily and can be cooked in two different ways. Serve these hush puppies alongside fried fish, shrimp, or a classic seafood platter. They also complement dishes like coleslaw, tartar sauce, or grilled veggies, making them a versatile and delicious side for any meal. Enjoy them warm.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • Olive oil spray or drizzle (for air frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the batter

  • In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder (if using).
  • Stir in the chopped onion.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Deep Frying Directions

  1. Heat the oil
    • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Form the hush puppies
    • Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil.
  3. Fry until golden
    • Fry the hush puppies for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
    • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Serve
    • Serve warm as a side with your favorite seafood dish.

Air Fryer Directions

  1. Preheat the air fryer
    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Form the hush puppies
    • Shape the batter into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Wet your hands if necessary to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare the air fryer basket
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or line it with perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Air fry the hush puppies
    • Place the hush puppies in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray them or drizzle them with olive oil.
  5. Cook
    • Air fry for 6-8 minutes, then flip and continue for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve
    • Let them cool slightly before serving.

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