The Golden, Fluffy Indian Frybread Recipe Everyone Loves

Native american culinary traditions shine through this incredible Indian frybread that connects generations of home cooks.

Delicate dough becomes a golden canvas for countless flavor possibilities.

Ancient techniques merge with modern kitchen magic to create something truly special.

Soft, pillowy breads emerge crispy and light from hot oil.

Salt and simple ingredients dance together in a rustic celebration of culture.

Each bite tells a story of resilience and creativity passed down through families.

Hungry?

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start mixing right now.

What Makes Indian Frybread a Classic Dish

• Craft Cultural Delight: Experience the rich culinary heritage of Native American cuisine through this authentic Indian frybread recipe that brings traditional flavors to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an easy cooking method that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to explore new culinary adventures.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Create a delicious bread that can be served as a standalone snack, side dish, or transformed into a base for tacos, honey drizzles, or savory toppings that appeal to all ages.
• Quick Comfort Food: Prepare a satisfying dish in under an hour that offers a warm, crispy texture and golden-brown goodness everyone will love, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual meals.

Ingredients for Indian Frybread

• Flour: A base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the frybread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the frybread.

• Warm Water: Helps bind the dry ingredients together and activate the baking powder.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior when frying the bread.

How to Prepare Indian Frybread Properly

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re evenly combined, creating a smooth base for your frybread.

Step 2: Creating the Dough

Pour warm water into the dry mixture gradually. Stir and mix until a soft, pliable dough starts to form.

Continue mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough feels cohesive.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Use your hands to knead the dough, working it thoroughly for 3-5 minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic texture that feels soft and pliable.

Step 4: Resting the Dough

Cover the dough and let it relax for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to settle and makes the dough easier to work with.

Step 5: Shaping the Frybread

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a round ball, then gently flatten each into a disc shape.

Aim for thin, even rounds that will cook quickly and evenly.

Step 6: Preparing the Frying Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan.

Bring the oil temperature to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure precise heating for perfect golden-brown frybread.

Step 7: Frying the Bread

Carefully place each dough disc into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color.

The bread should puff up and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 8: Serving the Frybread

Remove the fried bread from the oil and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve the frybread warm, enjoying its crispy outside and soft inside.

Key Tips for Indian Frybread Success

• Use fresh, high-quality all-purpose flour for the most tender and light frybread texture.
• Allow the dough to rest for the full 15 minutes to help gluten develop and make rolling easier.
• Maintain a consistent 350F to ensure crispy, golden-brown frybread without absorbing excess oil.
• Gently pull and stretch the dough rounds by hand for a more rustic, authentic appearance.
• Top with honey, powdered sugar, or use as a base for savory taco-style toppings for versatile enjoyment.

Flavorful Twists on Indian Frybread

• Whole Wheat Frybread: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious version with added fiber and depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the frybread accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining a similar texture and taste.
• Herb-Infused Frybread: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly into the dough for an aromatic and savory upgrade that elevates the classic recipe.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Reduce or eliminate salt in the recipe, using alternative seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs to maintain flavor while cutting sodium content.

Ideal Pairings for Indian Frybread Dish

Fresh, tangy mango salsa adds bright, zesty flavors that perfectly complement the crispy, golden frybread’s richness.

Hearty, warming New Mexican green chile stew provides a traditional Native American accompaniment that balances the bread’s crispy texture.

Creamy, herbed yogurt sauce offers a refreshing contrast to the frybread’s deep-fried crunch, cutting through the oil with its light, cooling sensation.

Sweet, cinnamon-infused rice drink provides a smooth, creamy beverage that cleanses the palate after each crispy bite of frybread.

How to Keep Indian Frybread Fresh Longer

• Store leftover frybread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to absorb moisture and prevent sticking.
• Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread frybread on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
• Quickly restore crunchiness by heating in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Indian Frybread?

Indian Frybread originated with Native American tribes during the mid-1800s when they were forced onto reservations and given limited government food supplies like flour, sugar, and lard.

• Is Indian Frybread considered healthy?

Indian Frybread is a deep-fried bread and is not considered a health food. It’s a traditional comfort food high in calories and carbohydrates, typically enjoyed as a special treat.

• Can I make Indian Frybread without a thermometer?

You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready for frying. If it burns quickly, the oil is too hot.

Indian Frybread Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Indian Frybread transports palates through crispy, golden layers of cultural comfort. Pillowy dough promises a hearty embrace of Native American culinary tradition you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend dry ingredients, creating a uniform powder mixture.
2. Pour warm water incrementally while stirring, transforming the powdery substance into a cohesive, elastic dough.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface and vigorously knead, developing a silky, pliable texture for approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Encase the dough in a clean kitchen towel, allowing it to relax and settle for a quarter-hour.
5. Partition the rested dough into six symmetrical segments, gently rolling each into a spherical shape.
6. Using fingertips, press and stretch each ball into thin, circular discs approximately 1/4 inch thick.
7. Prepare a deep skillet with vegetable oil, heating to a precise 350°F, creating a shimmering, ready cooking surface.
8. Carefully slide each dough disc into the sizzling oil, monitoring the transformation for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden amber.
9. Flip the frybread, cooking the opposite side until achieving an evenly bronzed, crispy exterior.
10. Extract the frybread using a slotted utensil, allowing excess oil to drip onto absorbent paper towels.
11. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and crispness.

Notes

• Maintain precise oil temperature to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning the frybread.
• Use a kitchen thermometer for accurate oil heat, preventing soggy or overly greasy results.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a celiac-friendly version, adding xanthan gum for better texture.
• Allow dough to rest completely to develop elasticity and make rolling easier, reducing potential tearing during frying.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg