Apache Fry Bread
Fry bread is a crispy, golden treat with a soft interior, perfect for toppings or savory fillings, enjoyed by many as a comforting and versatile dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: baking powder, flour, and salt.
- Add water gradually and mix until a dough forms, adding more water if needed.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal balls.
- Roll each ball out on a floured surface to about 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
- Poke a hole in the middle of each dough circle.
- Fry each piece, one at a time, in 1/2-inch hot grease until golden brown, splattering hot grease on top to puff it up.
- Turn the fry bread over and cook until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve topped with honey, powdered sugar, or as a tostada with meat, beans, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter and fluffier fry bread, ensure your baking powder is fresh. If you're out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Adding a pinch of sugar can enhance the taste as well. To avoid greasy fry bread, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying—test it by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Fry bread can be served warm and topped with honey or powdered sugar for a sweet treat, or transformed into a savory dish by using it as a base for a tostada. Top with meat, beans, lettuce, tomato, and onion for a hearty meal. Pair it with a side of Citrus Slaw for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until crispy, or pop them in a toaster oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apache Fry Bread contains roughly 11 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for frying. This will help maintain its elasticity and ensure even cooking.
What type of oil is best for frying fry bread?
For frying fry bread, a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, works best. Avoid using olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can impart an undesirable flavor. Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F to 375°F for optimal frying.
Can I make fry bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).