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Warm, pillowy fry bread with a crispy exterior—just like the classic Native American recipe. Perfect for tacos, sweet toppings, or as a side with stews.
Why This Recipe Works
Simple ingredients – Pantry staples only
No yeast, no wait – Ready in 30 minutes
Versatile – Serve savory or sweet
Crowd-pleaser – Always disappears fast!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (+ extra for dusting)
- 1½ tbsp baking powder (key for lift)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or oil)
- 1¼ cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or lard)
(Optional toppings: Honey butter, powdered sugar, or taco fixings!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter and milk, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead lightly on a floured surface for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
2. Rest & Shape
- Cover dough and let rest 15-20 minutes (relaxes gluten for tender bread).
- Divide into 8-10 balls, then flatten into ½-inch thick rounds (keep edges slightly thicker).
3. Fry to Perfection
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each piece 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
Pro Tips
Oil temp matters: Too hot = burnt outside; too cool = greasy bread. Use a thermometer or test with a dough scrap (it should sizzle immediately).
Keep warm: Place finished fry bread in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack.
For extra fluffiness: Replace ½ cup milk with ½ cup club soda.
Serving Ideas
- Sweet: Drizzle with honey, cinnamon sugar, or fruit jam.
- Savory: Top with taco meat, cheese, and lettuce for Navajo tacos.
- Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs and chorizo.
Storage & Reheating
- Room temp: Best fresh, but keeps 1 day in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Warm in a dry skillet or 10 sec in the microwave.
- Freeze: Wrap individually for 1 month (reheat in oven at 350°F).
Yield: 8-10 pieces
Fun fact: Fry bread is a traditional Native American recipe, often enjoyed at powwows and family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This fry bread is crispy outside, soft inside, and utterly addictive—whether you’re making tacos or a sweet treat.
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Description
Warm, pillowy fry bread with a crispy exterior—just like the classic Native American recipe. Perfect for tacos, sweet toppings, or as a side with stews.
Ingredients
-
3 cups all-purpose flour (+ extra for dusting)
-
1½ tbsp baking powder (key for lift)
-
1 tsp salt
-
2 tbsp melted butter (or oil)
-
1¼ cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
-
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or lard)
(Optional toppings: Honey butter, powdered sugar, or taco fixings!
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
-
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add melted butter and milk, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
-
Knead lightly on a floured surface for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
2. Rest & Shape
-
Cover dough and let rest 15-20 minutes (relaxes gluten for tender bread).
-
Divide into 8-10 balls, then flatten into ½-inch thick rounds (keep edges slightly thicker).
3. Fry to Perfection
-
Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
-
Fry each piece 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Drain on paper towels.