Description
This American fry bread is more than just a delicious snack. It is a symbol of resilience, family, and tradition. This recipe stays true to traditional roots while remaining easy for modern kitchens, resulting in a golden treat that is crunchy on the outside and cloud-like on the inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups warm water (plus more if needed)
- Vegetable oil or shortening for frying (1-2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Liquid: Create a small well in the middle of the flour. Pour in the warm water slowly and use your hands to gently mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Gently: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead only 3 or 4 times—do not overwork.
- Let it Rest: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- Shape the Dough: Pull off golf ball-sized pieces, pat flat, and stretch into a 5-7 inch circle (about half an inch thick).
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil to 350°F. Carefully slide dough into the oil and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Place on paper towels to soak up extra oil and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Resist the urge to over-knead the dough; overworking it makes the bread tough rather than fluffy. For the best texture, always allow the dough to rest for the full 30 minutes before frying. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to maintain the crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread/Appetizer
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: Native American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg