Description
Authentic Indian Fry Bread is a traditional Native American fried bread known for its soft yet crispy texture. Made with a simple dough of flour, salt, baking powder, and hot water, this bread is fried until golden brown and served warm, often topped with honey or powdered sugar, or used as a base for savory fry bread tacos.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups hot water (120℉ to 130℉)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Frying Oil
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder until well combined.
- Add Water: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups hot water to the dry ingredients, mixing with a spoon or your hands until the dough is soft, smooth, and tacky to the touch.
- Oil the Dough: Drizzle 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over the dough to prevent drying. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
- Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for 2 hours at room temperature. Note this dough does not rise but resting improves texture.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a pot to a depth of 2 inches and heat on stovetop over medium-high heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, maintaining consistent temperature.
- Shape Dough: Tear off golf ball-sized pieces of dough. Using hands or a rolling pin, stretch or roll each piece thinly without ripping the dough.
- Fry the Bread: Fry each piece of dough in the hot oil, cooking about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the fry bread warm, drizzled with honey, dusted with powdered sugar, or used as a base for fry bread tacos with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Keep fried bread warm on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven until all pieces are ready to serve.
- The dough does not rise, so do not expect puffiness; resting the dough improves texture and handling.
- Ensure the oil temperature is consistent at 350°F for even frying and best texture.
- Stretch or roll dough as thin as possible without tearing for optimal crispiness.
- Use a neutral vegetable oil suitable for high-heat frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
