This easy fry-bread recipe is perfect for anyone craving a warm, crispy treat. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make golden, delicious fry bread at home. Whether you enjoy it sweet with honey or as a savory snack, this recipe is super versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started on making this simple, irresistible fry bread!
Key Benefits
Fry bread is a true crowd-pleaser with its golden, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and quick to make.
- Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make something tasty without the hassle. The dough is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any long rising times.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it sweet with honey or savory as a taco base, fry bread adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for. Add your favorite toppings and make it your own!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Fry bread can be served as a snack, a side dish, or even as part of a meal. It’s a great addition to family gatherings and casual dinners or a fun treat for the kids.
- Golden and Crispy: The outside of the fry bread becomes perfectly crisp, while the inside stays soft and warm, creating the perfect balance of textures.
- Versatile in Flavor: You can experiment with different spices and toppings to suit your tastes. From a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to savory chili or cheese, fry bread makes a great base for endless possibilities.
This frybread recipe will quickly become your go-to whenever you want something easy, satisfying, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – All-purpose flour is recommended for fry bread to achieve the ideal texture. Substituting with other flours may change the texture and flavor.
Baking powder – Baking powder is necessary for the fry bread’s puffiness and light texture. Do not substitute it with baking soda, as it will alter the results.
Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of the fry bread without making it overly salty. Use it in moderation to balance the taste.
Warm water – Warm water activates the baking powder and helps form the dough. It should be warm, not hot, to maintain the proper dough texture.
Vegetable oil – Vegetable oil is used for frying, giving the fry bread a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Other oils like canola or sunflower oil can be used as substitutes.
Instructions
Making fry bread is simple and fun! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have golden, crispy fry bread in no time.
Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the warm water and stir until the mixture comes together into a dough. You may need to use your hands to knead it a bit.
Knead the dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2-3 minutes. You want a soft dough that’s not too sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overwork it.
Divide and shape:
Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disk shape, about 1/2 inch thick. You can make them as small or as large as you like, but remember, the bigger the fry bread, the longer it may take to cook through.
Heat the oil:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that when you drop a small piece of dough into it, it sizzles immediately.
Fry the dough:
Carefully place one of the flattened dough disks into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the fry bread and ensure both sides cook evenly.
Drain and serve:
Once golden and crispy, remove the fry bread from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, whether sweet or savory!
Pro Tips
Making the perfect fry bread is all about getting the right balance of texture and flavor. Here are some pro tips to ensure your fry bread turns out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside every time.
Use warm water: When mixing the dough, make sure the water is warm, not hot. Too hot, and it could affect the dough’s texture. Warm water helps activate the baking powder, giving the bread its light and airy texture.
Don’t overwork the dough: When kneading, be gentle. Over-kneading can make the dough tough, which will affect the fry bread’s texture. Just knead it until it comes together and is smooth.
Adjust the thickness: For fluffier fry bread, keep your dough disks a bit thicker. If you prefer a crispier, thinner bread, roll the dough out more. The thickness will affect both cooking time and texture, so adjust it based on your preference.
The temperature of the oil matters: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles and floats to the top, it’s ready. If it sits at the bottom and doesn’t bubble, the oil is too cool.
Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fry bread. Give each piece enough space to cook evenly.
Drain properly: Once fried, place the fry bread on a paper towel to drain excess oil. This keeps it crisp and prevents it from becoming greasy.
Variations
Fry bread is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there are countless ways to tweak this recipe to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Sweet Variations:
Cinnamon Sugar Fry Bread: Once your fry-bread is fried and golden, sprinkle it with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This sweet topping gives the fry-bread a delightful, dessert-like twist—perfect for a snack or as a treat after dinner.
Honey Butter Fry-Bread: For a rich, indulgent version, top your fry-bread with a drizzle of honey and a pat of melted butter. The combination of sweet and buttery flavors makes this variation irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Fry-bread is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right toppings or served alongside other dishes. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your fry-bread experience:
Sweet Serve Ideas:
With Jam or Jelly: Spread your fry-bread with your favorite jam or jelly for a simple and delightful treat. Strawberry, blueberry, or even a tangy apricot jam work wonderfully!
As a Breakfast Dish: Serve fry-bread with eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty breakfast. It adds a crispy, golden crunch that complements the richness of eggs and meats.
Ice Cream Topping: For a fun dessert, top your fry-bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with chocolate syrup, and finish wit ith a sprinkle of nuts or sprinkles.
More Bread recipes you will love!
FAQs
What country is fry bread from?
Fry bread has roots in Native American cuisine, particularly from the Navajo tribe. It was created during the 19th century when Native Americans were forced to adapt to new ingredients provided by the U.S. government. Fry bread became a staple in many Native American communities and is still enjoyed across the United States today, often as part of cultural events and celebrations.
What is another name for fry bread?
Fry bread is known by several names depending on the region. Some popular alternatives include “Indian fry bread,” “Navajo fry bread,” and “sopapillas” (in the Southwestern U.S. and parts of Mexico). The name may vary, but the delicious, crispy texture remains the same!
Can I make fry bread in advance?
While fry bread is best served fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply store the dough in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to fry, bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and cooking.
fry bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the warm water and stir until the mixture comes together into a dough. You may need to use your hands to knead it a bit.
Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2-3 minutes. You want a soft dough that’s not too sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overwork it.
Divide and shape:
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disk shape, about 1/2 inch thick. You can make them as small or as large as you like, but remember, the bigger the fry bread, the longer it may take to cook through.
Heat the oil:
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that when you drop a small piece of dough into it, it sizzles immediately.
Fry the dough:
- Carefully place one of the flattened dough disks into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the fry bread and ensure both sides cook evenly.
Drain and serve:
- Once golden and crispy, remove the fry bread from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, whether sweet or savory!