Name: Traditional Indian Fry Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Native American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup warm water (approximately); Vegetable oil, for frying

Indian Fry Bread is a beloved Native American dish, cherished for its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying bread made with just a few pantry staples. This golden, fried delight is perfect on its own, but it's also commonly used as a base for Indian tacos or served alongside savory stews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this fry bread turns out light, puffy, and irresistibly golden. It’s a no-yeast recipe, so I don’t have to wait around for dough to rise. Whether I’m craving a comforting snack, a delicious base for a hearty meal, or a touch of tradition, this recipe always delivers. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to make with ingredients I already have at home.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Warm water
Vegetable oil (for frying)

directions

I start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
I slowly add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, I sprinkle in a bit more flour.
I knead the dough gently on a floured surface until it's smooth, then cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
After resting, I divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a flat circle, about ¼ inch thick.
I heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
One at a time, I fry the dough circles until golden and puffed, about 1-2 minutes per side.
I drain them on paper towels and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 pieces of fry bread and takes roughly 45 minutes total—30 minutes for resting the dough and 15 minutes for frying. It serves 4 to 6 people.

Variations

Sometimes I mix in a bit of cornmeal with the flour for added texture. For a sweet version, I sprinkle the fried bread with cinnamon sugar right after frying. When I want to make Indian tacos, I top the bread with seasoned ground beef, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. I’ve also added herbs or minced garlic to the dough for a savory twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or warm it in a dry skillet on the stovetop. I avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy instead of crisp.

FAQs

How do I keep the fry bread from getting too greasy?

I make sure the oil is hot enough—around 350°F—before frying. If it’s not hot enough, the bread will soak up too much oil.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a few hours in advance and let it rest covered in the fridge. I bring it back to room temperature before frying.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

I use vegetable oil because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, but canola or sunflower oil also works well.

Why did my fry bread turn out tough?

Over-kneading the dough or adding too much flour can make the bread tough. I knead just until smooth and soft.

Can I freeze fry bread?

Yes, I let it cool completely, wrap it in plastic, and freeze it in a freezer bag. I reheat it in the oven to keep it crisp.

Conclusion

Traditional Indian Fry Bread is a timeless favorite I keep coming back to. With a crisp bite and pillowy center, it’s easy to see why it’s so treasured. Whether I enjoy it plain, sweet, or savory, this recipe never disappoints.

Traditional Indian Fry Bread

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Sue
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 pieces
Category: Bread
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Native American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Traditional Indian Fry Bread is a cherished Native American dish known for its crispy outside and fluffy inside. Made with simple ingredients, it's perfect on its own or as a base for savory meals like Indian tacos.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm water (approximately)
Vegetable oil, for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Slowly add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if sticky.
Knead dough gently on a floured surface until smooth. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
Divide dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a flat circle about ¼ inch thick.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry each dough circle until golden and puffed, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.