Few things in the world of comfort food compare to a warm, golden round of Indian Fry Bread. This classic Native American bread is delightfully puffy with tender layers inside and irresistible crispness on the outside. Whether you top it with honey and powdered sugar for dessert or pile it high with savory taco fillings, Indian Fry Bread is as versatile as it is delicious, making it a favorite for festive gatherings and cozy family meals alike. If you’ve never tried making it at home, you’re in for an easy and thrilling treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of Indian Fry Bread is built on just a handful of pantry staples, and each one has a special job to do! These simple ingredients come together to create a beautiful dough that fries up perfectly light, soft, and golden brown.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, flour provides structure and a soft, chewy texture.
- Baking powder: This is what gives Indian Fry Bread its signature puffiness by creating air bubbles in the dough as it fries.
- Salt: Just a teaspoon brings out all the flavors in the dough, making every bite sing.
- Warm water: Hydrates the dough and helps bring everything together for a soft, pliable consistency.
- Vegetable oil (in dough): A couple of tablespoons go right into the dough, making it extra tender and enhancing the richness.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral-flavored oil is best for frying because it lets the natural flavors shine and creates that perfectly crisp exterior.
How to Make Indian Fry Bread
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start your Indian Fry Bread adventure by grabbing a big mixing bowl. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until everything’s well combined and any lumps are gone. This is what ensures the dough rises beautifully and evenly.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
Next, gradually pour in the warm water along with the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. If the dough is a little sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle in a bit more flour as you knead.
Step 3: Knead and Rest
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes, just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once it feels right, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This pause lets the gluten relax, which makes the bread extra light and tender.
Step 4: Divide and Shape
After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each one into a ball. Gently flatten each ball into a disk about a quarter-inch thick. If you want crispier Indian Fry Bread, flatten them just a bit more!
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke (about 350°F if you like to use a thermometer). Carefully lay in a disk of dough and let it fry for around 2 minutes per side, or until it puffs up and turns a deep golden brown. Use tongs to flip and remove the bread, then drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
How to Serve Indian Fry Bread
Garnishes
There’s magic in the way a simple garnish transforms Indian Fry Bread. Dust it generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with honey for sweetness, or scatter a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. Even a sprinkle of flaky salt elevates its flavor!
Side Dishes
Indian Fry Bread pairs beautifully with hearty stews, chili, or a fresh tomato salad. If you’re hosting a crowd, let everyone fill their fry bread with their choice of beans, shredded meat, lettuce, and cheese for a DIY dinner that brings everyone to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Indian Fry Bread into Navajo tacos by topping with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. You can also use it to wrap grilled veggies or as a base for a sweet or savory breakfast sandwich. It’s wonderful as the centerpiece at a brunch or as a fun twist at taco night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Indian Fry Bread, let it cool completely first. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain its soft texture while keeping it fresh.
Freezing
Indian Fry Bread freezes quite well! Once cooled, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—perfect for spontaneous cravings or a quick meal later on.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Indian Fry Bread in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave works, but the oven will help bring back a bit of that crispiness that makes them irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for Indian Fry Bread?
Absolutely! Swapping in whole wheat flour will add a nutty flavor and slightly denser texture. You might need a touch more water to keep the dough soft, but it’s a fun way to experiment.
What oil is best for frying Indian Fry Bread?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil is ideal. You want something that can handle high heat and doesn’t add its own strong flavor to the bread.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready. You can also use a thermometer and aim for about 350°F for perfectly golden fry bread.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerate until you’re ready to shape and fry. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before working with it.
Why does my fry bread turn out chewy or tough?
This often happens if the dough gets overworked or if it’s rolled out too thick. Remember to knead gently and keep the disks about a quarter-inch thick for the lightest, fluffiest results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried homemade Indian Fry Bread, now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and savor something truly special. Every crunchy, tender bite is a celebration of tradition and comfort—so go ahead, give it a try and make some delicious memories in your own kitchen!
Print
Indian Fry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces
- Category: Bread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make traditional Indian Fry Bread, a delicious Native American bread that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for Navajo tacos.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Shape and Fry: Divide the dough into 8 pieces, roll each into a ball, flatten into 1/4-inch thick disks. Heat oil in a skillet, fry each disk until golden on both sides.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with honey, powdered sugar, or as a base for Navajo tacos.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour while kneading.
- For crispier bread, make the disks thinner.
- Best served warm and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
