In a medium bowl, whisk together the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and self-rising flour. You want to ensure they are well combined so that your hush puppies have a consistent flavor throughout. The mixture should look fluffy and light at this point.
Next, add in the egg, grated onion, buttermilk, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. The batter should be thick but smooth, and every ingredient should be evenly distributed.
Now, it's time to heat your oil. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to approximately 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because the right temperature will give you that beautiful golden brown finish.
Once the oil is ready, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you want enough space for the hush puppies to fry evenly. As they hit the oil, you’ll hear that delightful sizzling sound.
Fry the hush puppies until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them, turning gently with tongs if necessary. Look for that beautiful deep golden color that indicates they are perfectly cooked.
Once they’re done, carefully remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy and not greasy.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or just plain.