Keto Crispy Fluffy Cornmeal Hush Puppies
These golden-brown hush puppies combine sweet cornmeal with a tangy buttermilk mixture, diced jalapeño, and red onion for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The apple cider vinegar and milk create a buttermilk-like tang that keeps the interior fluffy while the exterior crisps up beautifully in hot oil. Perfect as a side dish for barbecue, fried fish, or Southern comfort meals, these bite-sized fritters are always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ¼ cups cornmeal
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, dicedserrano pepper1:1spicy
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- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1
Combine milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and set aside
- 2
Whisk together cornmeal, baking powder, garlic granules, and salt in a large bowl
- 3
Combine beaten egg, melted butter, chopped red onion, and diced jalapeño in a medium bowl
- 4
Stir the milk and vinegar mixture into the wet ingredients
- 5
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir well
- 6
Roll the mixture into round balls
- 7
Heat oil in a large skillet on high heat
- 8
Carefully add dough balls to hot oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side
- 9
Remove from pan with tongs and place on paper towels
- 10
Garnish with fresh dill if desired and serve with dip of choice
Tips
Let the milk and vinegar mixture sit for a few minutes to create a buttermilk substitute that adds extra tang and helps create fluffy interiors.
Make sure oil is properly heated before adding dough balls - test with a small piece of batter that should sizzle immediately when dropped in.
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, soggy hush puppies.
Good to Know
Store leftover hush puppies in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container.
Dough can be mixed up to 2 hours ahead and kept covered in refrigerator before frying.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy with honey butter, remoulade, or ranch dressing.
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix the batter to avoid tough hush puppies
Maintain proper oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked results
Don't skip draining on paper towels to remove excess oil
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
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FAQ
Can I make these ahead and reheat them?
Yes, you can reheat cooled hush puppies in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, though they're best served fresh and hot from the oil.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute white vinegar or lemon juice in the same amount, or use 1/2 cup buttermilk instead of the milk and vinegar combination.
How long do these keep and can I freeze them?
Hush puppies keep for 3 days refrigerated and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.