Navajo Fry Bread Recipe
This traditional Navajo Fry Bread recipe delivers a golden, crispy fried bread that’s soft and airy on the inside. Perfectly simple with flour, baking powder, and salt, this fry bread can be enjoyed with sweet toppings like honey and powdered sugar or savory options such as ground beef, beans, and cheese. A beloved dish with a tender chew and an irresistible fried crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 6 pieces 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups oil for frying
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
Optional Toppings
- Honey and powdered sugar
- Ground beef, beans, and cheese
- Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Add a splash more water if the dough feels dry. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Knead Gently: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for 2 to 3 minutes just until smooth and elastic. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
- Rest and Relax: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting step helps the dough soften and become easier to shape.
- Shape the Bread: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a round disc about ¼ inch thick using your hands or a rolling pin. Uneven edges are fine and add a rustic charm.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until shimmering and reaching approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Until Golden: Carefully place one dough disc into the hot oil. It should puff up immediately. Fry for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown and crisp.
- Serving: Transfer the fry bread to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm, plain or with your choice of toppings such as honey and powdered sugar or savory fillings.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure the bread puffs properly and cooks evenly.
- Do not over-knead the dough to keep it tender and avoid toughness.
- Fry bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in a skillet.
- Optional toppings can transform the fry bread into a sweet treat or a hearty meal.
Keywords: Navajo fry bread, traditional fry bread, Native American bread, fried dough recipe, simple fry bread
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/navajo-fry-bread-recipe/
