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Navajo Fry Bread

Pillowy, golden rounds of fry bread that are crispy on the outside and tender within, perfect for sweet or savory toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Bread / Appetizer
Cuisine: Native American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • Oil for frying vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, about 2 to 3 quarts

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook
  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Deep-fry or candy thermometer
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Paper towels
  • Shallow bowl or plate for draining
  • Rolling pin (optional)

Method
 

  1. Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
  2. Pour 3/4 cup warm water into the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and flatten each one into a 1/4-inch-thick round using your hands or a rolling pin.
  6. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 375°F, monitoring with a deep-fry or candy thermometer.
  7. Carefully fry one dough round at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping with a slotted spoon when golden brown.
  8. Remove the fry bread with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; keep warm in a 200°F oven if necessary.
  9. Serve warm with desired sweet or savory toppings.

Notes

Keep finished fry bread warm in a 200°F oven while frying remaining batches to maintain crispness.