Fry Bread

This fry bread recipe is made with only three ingredients and can be used to make everything from a sweet treat to a savory dinner.

Crispy, tender fry bread is delicious topped with melted butter and a drizzle of honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar like on these elephant ears. It is popular at county fairs but now you can make it home any time you want.

What is fry bread?

Fry bread is a Native American quick-bread made with simple ingredients and fried in hot oil. The flat fried dough can be served as is or it can be topped with various ingredients to make a multitude of recipes.

How To Make Fry Bread

Put self-rising flour, warm milk, and melted butter in a bowl and stir until combined. Use hands to gently knead the dough until all of the ingredients form a ball.

Is there a substitute for self-rising flour?

If you don’t have any self-rising flour on hand, you can easily make it yourself. For one cup of self-rising flour, whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

If you want to try making fry bread with yeast, check out my recipes for Indian Tacos and Deep Fried Pizza. The fry bread used in those two recipes calls for yeast and results in an airy flat bread.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 15 minutes to rest.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times.

What kind of mat is the dough on?

I’m using a silicon mat called a Roul’Pat. It is a non-stick, non-skid work surface that is perfect for working with dough, chocolate, and sugar. It can also be used as a baking mat like a Silpat.

Cut the dough into eight equal pieces.

Flatten each piece of dough into a thin circle about 5-6 inches in diameter. You can use your hands, your fingertips, a rolling pin or a combination of all three.

Put about a 1/2 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pot that is wide enough to fit your circles of dough. Use a thermometer and heat the oil to 365˚F.

Use tongs to carefully add dough rounds (1 or 2 depending on the size of your pan) to the hot oil. Cook the fry bread for about a minute on each side until golden brown. Always monitor the temperature of the oil and stay close by the skillet. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.

Can frybread be made ahead of time?

As with most fried foods, fry bread is best enjoyed while it is still fresh and crispy. But sometimes it is more convenient to make things ahead of time!

To reheat fry bread, place them in the oven at 350˚ for 10 minutes. Try wrapping each one in foil to keep them from drying out.

You could also try using a toaster oven, an air fryer, or even the microwave in a pinch.

While still warm, brush the fry bread with melted butter.

What kinds of savory toppings go on fry bread?

Fry bread is a fantastic start for making a savory meal or as a side to another dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Indian Tacos: add lettuce, taco meat, cheese, salsa, and sour cream
• Pizza: add pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni
• Garlic and Rosemary Flatbread: sprinkle with garlic salt and rosemary

Drizzle the buttered fry bread with honey or maple syrup.

What sweet toppings go on fry bread?

The wonderful thing about fry bread is that it can be the base for any of your favorite toppings! Here are a few to try:

• cinnamon sugar
• powdered sugar
• frosting
• caramel syrup
• chocolate sauce
• strawberry sauce

Want more fair food? Try these deep fried recipes next:

This deep Fried Pickles recipe is a fun way to eat fair food at home! Serve the crispy fried pickles on a stick as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

Make this easy Funnel Cake Recipe and surprise your family with fair food at home! Just add your favorite toppings to these sweet, crispy funnel cakes.

This Corn Fritter recipe makes tender little fried balls of dough with bits of sweet corn inside. Serve them warm with maple syrup and honey drizzled on top.

This Fried Cheese Curds recipe was so easy to make. These deep fried white cheddar cheese curds are the BEST appetizer and the perfect comfort food!