Print

Traditional Indian Fry Bread Recipe

4.7 from 76 reviews

This Traditional Indian Fry Bread recipe offers a simple and authentic way to make crispy, golden-fried dough that is soft on the inside and perfect as a base for savory dishes like Navajo Tacos or enjoyed with sweet toppings. The dough is made from basic pantry ingredients and fried to perfection in hot oil, making it a delightful treat or meal accompaniment.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil for frying (enough to reach at least 1 inch depth in pan)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk while stirring until the mixture starts to come together and form a dough ball. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead gently, taking care not to overwork it. Then return the dough to the bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest.
  2. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or kettle until it is at least one inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
  3. Shape the Dough: Remove the chilled dough and divide it into four equal parts. On a floured surface, pat and roll each piece into a disc roughly the size of a baseball and about 1/4 inch thick. Poke a hole in the center of each disc with your finger or a knife to allow even frying and to keep the bread flat during cooking.
  4. Fry the Bread: Carefully place each dough disc into the hot oil. Fry until the bottom side turns golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown as well. The entire frying time will be approximately 3 minutes depending on thickness and oil temperature.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the fry bread from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite sweet toppings or use as the base for Navajo Tacos by adding beans, meat, vegetables, and sauces.

Notes

  • Be careful not to over-knead the dough to keep the fry bread tender.
  • Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
  • The hole in the center helps the bread cook evenly and prevents puffing up too much.
  • This fry bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal texture and flavor.
  • You can customize toppings to your preference, from sweet (honey, powdered sugar) to savory (cheese, beans, meat).

Keywords: Indian fry bread, traditional fry bread, homemade bread, fried dough, Navajo tacos base, easy fry bread recipe