Name: Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Native American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1/2 cup milk (optional for softer bread); Vegetable oil for frying

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If there’s one comfort food that brings back memories of warmth, celebration, and community, it’s the Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe. Golden and pillowy, these handmade breads puff up beautifully as they sizzle in hot oil, practically begging you to load them with sweet or savory toppings. Whether you’re creating a base for hearty Indian tacos or simply enjoying them with honey and powdered sugar, you’ll find that this recipe invites everyone to gather around the table for billowy bites of pure joy.

Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how few ingredients go into making such delicious frybread. Each element plays an important role in the outcome, ensuring that every bite is soft inside, crisp on the edges, and wonderfully flavorful.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, giving frybread its classic chewiness and structure.
Baking powder: The magic behind that spectacular puff when the bread hits hot oil.
Salt: A must for bringing out all the subtle flavors and balancing the richness of the fried bread.
Warm water: Helps blend the dough smoothly and kickstarts activation of the leavening agents.
Milk (optional): Makes the frybread even softer and adds a hint of richness – ideal if you want a tender crumb.
Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral in taste and just right for that golden, crispy crust we all crave.

How to Make Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing your biggest bowl and whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that every bite of your Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe will be evenly flavored and perfectly risen—don’t rush this simple step!

Step 2: Add Liquids and Form Dough

Make a gentle well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the warm water, adding the milk as well if you’re opting for an extra tender bread. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, stir until everything just comes together into a shaggy dough. It’s tempting to keep mixing, but stop as soon as the dough forms—this keeps your frybread light.

Step 3: Knead and Rest

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, then knead gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth but not sticky consistency. Shape into a ball and cover with a damp cloth, letting it rest for 30 minutes. This crucial pause allows the gluten to relax, resulting in pillowy rounds during frying.

Step 4: Shape the Discs

After resting, divide your dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten into discs about 1/4 inch thick. Uniformity in thickness is your best friend, ensuring even puffing and browning in the oil.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Gently lower one dough disc at a time into the oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, turning once, until the frybread is golden and puffed. Remove with tongs and set onto a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with all the rounds, making your kitchen smell irresistibly inviting!

How to Serve Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe

Garnishes

There’s a world of flavor to sprinkle onto your fresh frybread. Try a generous dusting of powdered sugar for a simple treat, or drizzle with honey for a sticky-sweet finish. For a savory touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and chopped fresh herbs. Each option lets the Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe shine in a new light.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! For a classic Native American meal, use your frybread as the edible base for Indian tacos topped with ground beef, beans, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Or, serve alongside hearty stews and soups—the bread’s absorbent texture makes it perfect for soaking up rich, flavorful broths.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the basket: stack smaller frybreads with alternating layers of sweet cream and fruit compote; slice into wedges for dippable appetizers; or use as a playful base for breakfast by topping with scrambled eggs, salsa, and avocado. However you serve it, the Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe always charms a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra frybread (a rare event!), let the pieces cool completely and store them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to two days, though nothing beats the taste of day-of frybread.

Freezing

The Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe adapts well to freezing, which is handy for planning ahead. Separate cooled frybreads with parchment paper, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to two months. They’ll retain their chewy goodness and heat up beautifully when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To revive that just-fried flavor, warm leftover or thawed frybread on a hot skillet for about 1 minute per side. You can also pop them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, wrapped in foil to maintain softness—great for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous get-togethers.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! Try replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier version—just add a bit more liquid if the dough feels dry.

Why did my frybread come out tough or heavy?

Overmixing or overkneading is often the culprit, so be gentle. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough; oil that’s too cool absorbs into the dough, making it dense.

Is milk essential to the recipe?

Not at all! Milk is totally optional, but it does help create a softer, richer bread. Water alone will still yield a deliciously authentic Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe.

Can I bake instead of fry the bread?

Frying is traditional, lending that irresistible texture, but you can bake the discs at 400°F for about 10 minutes if you prefer a lighter, less oily result—just know they’ll be less puffy.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Stick to neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These let the subtle sweetness of the Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe stand out without overwhelming flavors.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted the warm, golden results of this Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s treasured by so many families. Whether you keep it classic or put your own spin on toppings, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this comforting bread again and again—everyone comes running when frybread is on the table!

Traditional Indian Frybread Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 frybreads 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious recipe for traditional Indian frybread, a versatile and popular dish often used as a base for sweet or savory toppings. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this frybread is easy to make and perfect for various occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 cup milk (optional for softer bread)
Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water and milk, if using, to form a soft dough. Knead gently for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Shape and Fry: Divide the dough, shape into balls, and flatten into discs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with desired toppings.