Gluten-free Hush Puppies are a delightful twist on the Southern classic, perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.

Close up view Gluten-Free Hush Puppies served in a whtie bowl with grey lining. — Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

These crispy, golden morsels can be enjoyed either fried or air-fried, making them versatile for different dietary preferences

To prepare, mix the dry ingredients with buttermilk, eggs, and finely chopped onions, a few veggies, creating a batter that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

For a traditional approach, fry spoonfuls of the batter in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, for a healthier option, use an air fryer. Simply shape the batter into small balls or drop a spoonful of batter into the air-fryer basked, and cook until crispy and golden brown.

Top view Gluten-Free Hush Puppies served in a whtie bowl with grey lining. Seen in the background are some flowers and air fried hush puppies. — Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Whether fried or air-fried, these gluten-free hush puppies make an excellent side dish or appetizer, perfect for pairing with your favorite dipping sauce or a hearty meal.

Serve them with some Spicy Avocado chutney or along side with Easy Vegan Coleslaw with Beans.

Frying the Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

For frying, we drop a spoonful of batter into hot oil and cook it on medium until golden brown on both sides. The hush puppies come out very nice and soft. However, they do absorb a lot of oil and I would stick to the air-fried option for the guilt-free eating.

Texture of fried Hush puppies. Seen in the background are some flowers and air fried hush puppies. — Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Air Frying Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

The air frying hush puppies too were good and soft. The texture and taste were perfect. However, I found that for the air fryer option, we would need to add a little less liquid if you want to shape them in those perfect round balls. Else, if you are fine with the shape, they were perfect for me.

Top view of Air Fried Gluten-Free Hush Puppies served in a whtie bowl with grey lining. — Air Fried Hush Puppies

Texture of air fried Hush puppies. Seen in the background are some flowers and air fried hush puppies. — Air Fried Hush Puppies

Ingredients used in Gluten-Free Hush Puppies

Cornmeal or Polenta – The main ingredient. I have used Polenta. The only difference is the consistency of the grain for cornmeal and polenta. Polenta is more coarse.

Rice Flour – As I have made it gluten-free I have used rice flour. One can use all-purpose flour or plain flour, but in that case, it will not be gluten-free.

Buttermilk and egg – to bind all the dry ingredients and for texture. Eggs can be replaced with chia or flax eggs. I have used buttermilk at home with 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon Vinegar.

Baking powder and Baking Soda – to make them soft and used as leavening agents.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Cheddar Cheese for flavor and taste. Cheese can be skipped too.

Vegetables – Onion, Celery, and Corn are used. One can change the veggies as required. I would say do not skip the onion and corn, they add a nice taste and texture.

Sugar – gives that a little sweet taste. I have used half of sugar as generally used as we do not like this overly sweet.

Air fried, Gluten-Free Hush Puppies served in a whtie bowl with grey lining. — Air Fried Hush Puppies

Gluten-Free Hush Puppies served in a whtie bowl with grey lining.

Gluten-Free Hush Puppies (Fried and Air Fryer)

Gluten-free Hush Puppies are a delightful twist on the Southern classic, perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.

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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Gluten Free, Vegetables, Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Resting Time: 10

Servings: Servings

Calories: 56kcal

Author: Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Equipment

Ingredients

1 Cup Cornmeal or Polenta
1 Cup Rice Flour
¾-1 Cup Milk – Vegans can use soy milk
1 tablespoon Vinegar
1 tablespoon Sugar
1.5 teaspoon Baking Powder
3/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1.5 teaspoon Salt – to taste
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 medium onion – finely chopped
¼ cup celery – finely chopped
¼ cup corn – kernels
¼-½ cup cheese – Cheddar cheese
2 medium Eggs – can be replaced with flax egg or chia egg.
Oil for frying If Frying

Instructions

Making Buttermilk

Mix in ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a bowl and keep it aside.
¾-1 Cup Milk, 1 tablespoon Vinegar

Making of batter for Hush Puppies

In a large bowl add the cornmeal, rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, sugar, and onion powder.
1 Cup Cornmeal, 1 Cup Rice Flour, 1 tablespoon Sugar, 1.5 teaspoon Baking Powder, 3/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda, 1.5 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Give it a nice mix.
Add in onion, celery, corn, and cheese. Mix everything.
¼ cup celery, ¼ cup corn, ¼-½ cup cheese, 1 medium onion
Add in the egg and buttermilk slowly and mix until combined.
2 medium Eggs
Let it rest for 10 minutes as the cornmeal will absorb liquid and thicken.
Add the remaining milk only if required.

Frying the Hush Puppies

Heat oil in a heavy bottom wok.
Oil for frying
Heat oil to medium temperature and not very hot.
Drop a spoonful of batter into the hot oil and fry on medium heat turning in between.
Do not turn immediately, let it cook on the bottom and then turn.
They are done when they are golden brown on all sides.
Remove it in absorbent paper.
Serve it with a dip of your choice or alongside main meals

Air Frying the Hush Puppies

Shape the hush puppies into lemon-sized balls and place them in the inner of the air-fryer basket.
If you are unable to shape them, simply drop a spoonful of batter in the inner (with parchment lining or use an insert).
Keep spacing in between or else they might stick.
Cook in the air-fryer at 180 Deg C for 10-15 minutes.
Do check the Hush Puppies after 10 minutes, as they get cooked quite fast, and all air-fryers are different.
Once they are golden brown on the top remove and serve.

Notes

Standard US-Size cups and spoons used. 1 Cup = 235 ml, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml
Read above for substitutions.

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Nutrition Facts

Gluten-Free Hush Puppies (Fried and Air Fryer)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 56 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 0.3g2%

Trans Fat 0.001g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.3g

Cholesterol 12mg4%

Sodium 153mg7%

Potassium 39mg1%

Carbohydrates 10g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 32IU1%

Vitamin C 0.03mg0%

Calcium 14mg1%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

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