There is something irresistibly comforting about this Indian Frybread Recipe that makes it a beloved treat across generations. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, this frybread balances simplicity and flavor in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re new to frybread or an old fan, this recipe invites you to create a warm, golden circle of delight that’s perfect for sweet toppings or savory fillings. It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in nostalgia and makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Indian Frybread Recipe come alive, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a perfectly light, crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role — from the flour that forms the dough’s base to the warm water that brings it to life.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives the frybread its structure and chewiness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the dough puff up beautifully and get that lovely light texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness or savoriness of your toppings.
3/4 cup warm water: Brings the dough together smoothly and helps activate the baking powder.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for the dough): Adds tenderness for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Vegetable oil (for frying): The sizzling hot medium that crisps up the dough into golden perfection.
Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, honey, taco fillings, or cinnamon sugar—you can get creative here!

How to Make Indian Frybread Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. These dry ingredients lay the groundwork for your frybread’s texture. Then, pour in the warm water and vegetable oil. Stir this mixture until it just comes together into a soft dough. The warmth of the water helps activate the baking powder, ensuring your bread will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for 2 to 3 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic dough that’s not sticky but not dry either — adjust with a little flour or water as needed. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial; it relaxes the dough and makes it easier to roll out later.

Step 3: Shape the Frybread

After resting, divide your dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. On a floured surface, roll or stretch each ball into a flat round about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry about perfect circles—this rustic touch adds character to your frybread.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small piece of dough sizzles and bubbles immediately upon contact. Fry each piece of dough for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, flipping when golden brown with tongs. This quick frying gives you that ideal contrast between a crunchy exterior and pillowy inside.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once fried, transfer the frybread to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. This prevents greasiness and keeps each bite light and enjoyable. Serve immediately while warm, and get ready to enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Indian Frybread Recipe

Garnishes

Indian frybread is beautifully versatile when it comes to garnishes. For a sweet twist, sprinkle it with powdered sugar, drizzle honey over the top, or toss it in cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting treat. On the savory side, tuck in taco fillings like seasoned ground beef, refried beans, shredded lettuce, cheese, and salsa. The combination of warm, crispy bread with fresh toppings is downright heavenly.

Side Dishes

This frybread pairs wonderfully with refried beans, Mexican rice, or even a fresh salad to balance richness with crisp freshness. You could also serve it alongside a hearty chili or use it as a base for a creative sandwich. The possibilities are endless, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try folding the frybread around your favorite fillings to create unique handheld delights, or cut into wedges for dipping into salsa or guacamole. For a fun party idea, set up a “frybread bar” with an array of sweet and savory toppings inviting guests to get creative. This Indian Frybread Recipe opens the door to endless delicious experiments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, separate each piece with parchment paper. The frybread may lose some crispness, but it will still taste great!

Freezing

You can freeze frybread by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you have quick and easy indulgence on hand anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated frybread in a hot skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain that signature crunch.

FAQs

Is Indian Frybread easy to make?

Absolutely! This Indian Frybread Recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients you likely already have. Even beginners can confidently master it following the step-by-step directions.

Can I use other types of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the classic texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends—just expect slight changes in softness and taste.

How much oil should I use for frying?

Use about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to ensure even frying and avoid overcrowding the pan so the frybread cooks evenly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. Let it warm slightly and rest before shaping and frying.

What are some common toppings?

Classic toppings include powdered sugar, honey, or cinnamon sugar for sweetness, and savory taco ingredients like seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and salsa for a filling meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt this Indian Frybread Recipe is a treasure to add to your recipe collection. It’s simple, fun, and incredibly delicious — perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply treating yourself to something special. Dive into making it, and you’ll quickly see why it’s become a cherished dish for so many.

Indian Frybread Recipe

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4.3 from 71 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Indian Frybread recipe yields crispy, golden brown flatbreads fried to perfection. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and warm water, this versatile frybread can be enjoyed sweet with powdered sugar or honey, or savory topped with taco fillings. The dough is quick to prepare, rested briefly, then shaped and fried in hot vegetable oil for a delicious treat reminiscent of traditional Native American cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for the dough)

For Frying

Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 2 inches in the pan)

Optional Toppings

Powdered sugar
Honey
Taco fillings (ground beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, salsa)
Cinnamon sugar

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Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, stirring the mixture until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Adjust flour or water as necessary to achieve the right consistency.
Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to shape.
Divide the Dough: After resting, cut the dough into small balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a flat circle about 1/4-inch thick. Alternatively, stretch with your hands if preferred.
Heat Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough sizzles immediately upon contact.
Fry the Frybread: Carefully place the flattened dough into the hot oil one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip with tongs.
Drain Oil: Remove the fried bread from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve: Serve frybread hot with your choice of toppings such as powdered sugar for sweetness or savory taco toppings for a filling meal.

Notes

Make sure the oil temperature is medium-high to prevent the frybread from absorbing too much oil.
Resting the dough helps the gluten relax and makes rolling out the dough easier.
Use tongs to carefully flip the frybread to avoid oil splashes.
Frybread is best served fresh and warm for optimal texture and taste.
You can customize toppings to suit sweet or savory preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Native American/Indian