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Tearing a piece of Fry Bread.
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4.50 from 6 votes

How to Make Fry Bread

Homemade Fry Bread is soft, pillowy dough, gently fried to golden perfection. Use it for savory Navajo Tacos or sweet Elephant Ears. Fast and simple to whip up!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time4 minutes
Total Time24 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cinnamon, Fry Bread, Sugar
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 366kcal
Author: Emily Walker

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup dry milk
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • oil canola or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Heat oil to 375 degrees in a frying pan or electric skillet.
    Skillet with oil to fry Fry Bread.
  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
    Mixing bowl with dry ingredients and water in the center to mix dough for Fry Bread.
  • Mix dough thoroughly, you may have to add more flour to get a soft dough consistency.
    Dough ball on floured surface to make Fry Bread.
  • Divide dough into 4 equal parts.
    Dough cut into four equal sections on a floured surface to make Fry Bread.
  • Roll each dough part of dough out on a floured surface making a thin circle.
    Rolling out a round circle of dough on a floured surface for Fry Bread.
  • Lift it like a pizza dough off the surface.
    Lifting a flattened piece of dough for Fry Bread.
  • Fry the dough in hot oil.
    Tongs lifting a piece of Fry Bread from a skillet with oil.
  • When you see the dough turning a golden brown - about 20-30 seconds. Flip over and cook the other side. It's normal to see big bubbles in the dough.
    Remove from oil when both sides are a golden brown.
    Drain off excess grease on a paper towel. Keep warm in oven (200 degrees) until ready to serve.
    Stack of Fry Bread on paper towels.

FOR NAVAJO TACOS

  • Top fry bread with hot chili, cheese, olives, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
    Navajo Taco on a plate with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, olives and sour cream.

FOR ELEPHANT EARS

  • Brush with butter then sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar, and/or honey.
    Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on a piece of Fry Bread with butter and honey.

Video

Notes

  • You can make the dough ahead of time and store covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge overnight before frying. Make sure to bring the dough back to room temperature before frying.
  • Freeze leftover scones in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to two months.
  • To reheat, it’s best to wrap the scones in foil, then heat in the oven at 375 degrees for about ten minutes until hot. Open up the foil for the last five minutes to get that golden crisp crust back to perfection.
  • Try frying in a heavy cast iron skillet on the stove top.
  • Use a rolling pin to roll out pieces of dough on a lightly floured surface to the perfect size circles. Or just stretch the balls of dough out with your fingers before frying. To make it less sticky, spray your fingers with cooking spray.

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 1230mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 1.4mg | Calcium: 247mg | Iron: 3.9mg