Name: Perfect Gluten-Free Hushpuppies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: ¾ cup yellow cornmeal; ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; ¼ cup grated onion; 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onion (optional); Oil for frying

Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these Perfect Gluten-Free Hushpuppies are an irresistible bite-sized treat. Whether you’re serving them alongside fried fish, pairing them with Southern BBQ, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these golden nuggets of joy deliver the satisfying crunch and savory depth you crave—without the gluten.

Crafted with a mix of cornmeal and gluten-free flour, these hushpuppies retain that classic texture and flavor you love, while being safe for those with gluten sensitivities. They fry up beautifully golden, with a tender crumb and just the right touch of seasoning. Trust me, you won’t miss the gluten one bit.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, it’s key to set yourself up for hushpuppy success with the right prep and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: A large one for combining your dry and wet ingredients is essential.
Whisk & Spatula: Whisk helps incorporate air into the batter for fluffiness, while a spatula assists in gently folding ingredients.
Cookie Scoop or Small Ice Cream Scoop: Ensures uniform balls for even frying.

Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: Maintains consistent oil temperature, crucial for golden crust and soft interior.
Candy or Fry Thermometer: Accuracy matters; you’ll want your oil at 350°F for perfect results.
Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: To safely remove the hushpuppies without carrying too much oil.

Paper Towels & Cooling Rack: For draining excess oil and keeping the hushpuppies crisp after frying.

Having these tools ready makes the process smoother and ensures your gluten-free hushpuppies come out deliciously perfect every time.

Ingredients for the Perfect Gluten-Free Hushpuppies

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating that perfect bite—crisp, tender, and packed with Southern flavor:

Yellow Cornmeal: The star of any hushpuppy, offering that unmistakable texture and slight sweetness.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Keeps everything together without compromising the fluffiness.
Baking Powder: Adds lift to ensure your hushpuppies are light and not dense.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the savoriness.
Buttermilk: Brings tang and richness, while helping bind the dry ingredients.

Egg: Adds structure and moisture.
Grated Onion: Gives a mild savory bite and extra flavor.
Chives or Green Onion (Optional): Adds freshness and a little color.

Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil to get that crispy finish without flavor interference.

How To Make the Perfect Gluten-Free Hushpuppies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk well to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.

Step 2: Stir in the Flavor Builders

Add the grated onion and optional chives or green onion. Stir into the dry mix to coat evenly. This helps prevent the onion from sinking to the bottom.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness.

Step 4: Combine to Form the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold together just until combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, or until deeply golden and crispy.

Step 7: Drain and Cool

Transfer the hushpuppies to a paper towel-lined cooling rack. Let them sit for a few minutes to drain excess oil and set their structure.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Gluten-Free Hushpuppies

These hushpuppies are best served warm, fresh out of the fryer when their outer crust is still perfectly crisp. Pair them with tangy tartar sauce, spicy remoulade, or even a drizzle of honey for a savory-sweet twist. They’re a fantastic companion to fried fish, shrimp, BBQ platters, or even chili.

If you’ve got leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that signature crunch—microwaving will soften them and is best avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my hushpuppies don’t fall apart when frying?

If your batter is too wet, the hushpuppies may fall apart in the oil. Make sure your batter is thick enough to hold its shape when scooped. You can add a bit more cornmeal if needed.

Can I make these dairy-free too?

Yes! Substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) mixed with 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Use an egg replacer if needed.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While baking is an option, it won’t produce the same crisp texture. If you want to try, bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through, until golden.

Can I freeze hushpuppies?

Absolutely. After frying and cooling completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen.

Why are my hushpuppies greasy?

This usually happens when the oil isn’t hot enough. Keep it steady around 350°F so they fry quickly without absorbing too much oil.

Are hushpuppies supposed to be sweet or savory?

Traditionally savory, but a hint of sugar enhances the corn flavor. You can adjust sweetness to suit your taste.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Perfect Gluten-Free Hushpuppies, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious appetizers from Life With Olivia:

Taco Ranch Bites for a bold and cheesy bite.

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes when you crave a mini twist on classic pizza.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole that delivers creamy, comforting flavor in every spoonful.
Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs for a fun, melty snack.

Mississippi Sin Quiche when you want a savory brunch favorite with an indulgent touch.

Looking for even more ideas? Head over to my Pinterest where I share daily recipes: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with jalapeños? Add herbs? Or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one hushpuppy at a time.

Perfect Gluten-Free Hushpuppies

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 18 hushpuppies

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Perfect Gluten-Free Hushpuppies are a classic Southern treat—made safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. They’re quick to whip up, flavorful with onion and buttermilk, and fry to golden perfection. Ideal as a side, appetizer, or snack.