Navajo fry bread is a four-ingredient (non-yeast) bread that fries up crunchy and crispy on the outside while light, tasty, and tender on the inside. Customize it to make a savory dinner or a sweet dessert.
For dessert, sprinkle the fry bread with brown sugar and cinnamon straight out of the fryer, or better yet, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey. For Navajo tacos, top with taco meat and fixings. Use all your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, tomatoes, black olives, scallions, pickled jalapenos, pickled red onions, and sour cream, and you have a match made in heaven.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- Ground beef: Please use ground beef with a little fat in it. Fat is what makes the beef juicy and flavorful.
- Taco seasoning: You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning for more flavor and gusto.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.
How To Make Fry Bread
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir in warm water with a fork and mix until the fry bread dough comes together. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 1 – 2 hours. Pull off a piece a little smaller than a golf ball. Then pat it out like a mini pizza on a lightly floured surface. Fry the dough in hot oil until puffy.
How To Make Navajo Tacos
While you are making the bread, brown some ground beef. Add the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for five to ten minutes. Spoon the taco meat onto the warm bread. Top with shredded cheese, tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and sour cream. Serve it as soon as possible while everything is tasty and warm.
Preparation Tips
- Add just enough water for the dough to pull together, which is usually 1 cup; however, flour contains moisture, so it may be a tiny bit less.
- Stir just until the dough ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can make the fry bread tough.
- Fry one or two to begin with, so you have time to adjust the thickness if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in an air fryer.
Recipe Variations For Fry Bread
- As soon as the fry bread comes out of the fryer, dust it with powdered sugar and serve it with fresh maple syrup or honey.
- When warm, top with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. They are just as delicious as bakery doughnuts.
- Take your peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a new high. Just be sure to add the peanut butter first because it makes it easier to spread peanut butter on warm fry bread.
- Pile on steak or chicken fajitas for an original taste and filling meal.
More Taco Recipes
Navajo Indian Fry Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Fry Bread
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- vegetable oil for frying
Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 1-2 sliced green onions
- sour cream
- lettuce optional
- avocado optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir in warm water with a fork. Mix just until the dough comes together. Use only as much water as you need for the dough to come together. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 1 to 2 hours.
- Flour your hands and the working surface. Pull off a piece a little smaller than a golf ball. Roll into a ball, then pat it out to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- In a heavy pan, heat 1-2 inches of oil to 375 degrees. Fry until the bread is golden brown and puffs up, about 2-3 minutes. Flip halfway through to brown the other side. Remove to paper towels to drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Drain any excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water; simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Spoon on top of fry bread and sprinkle with cheddar cheese, tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Top with sour cream and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Sarah
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Was light and fluffy on the inside with a perfectly crunchy exterior! Easily, a new favorite recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sarah! We love the fry bread too!
Elisa
Love this Native American Fry Bread recipe!! it is so versatile and easy to make, you can make it salty or sweet. Will make it again, soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Elisa! We love it too!
Jade
Great easy recipe . I used it for sloppy joes.
Beth Pierce
Sounds delicious!
Sangeetha
I tried this Native American Fry Bread recipe, and it turned out amazing! The bread came out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like you described. I loved trying it both ways – as a sweet treat with brown sugar and cinnamon, and as a savory Fry Bread Taco. So delicious and versatile! 😋
Zane
This fry bread cooked up delicious. I can decide whether I like it better with taco topping or cinnamon and brown sugar. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth.
Sammie
Wow, Native American Fry Bread sounds absolutely delicious! I love the idea of bread that’s crunchy on the outside and light and tender on the inside. And the fact that it only has four ingredients and is easy to whip up is a huge bonus. I’m definitely going to have to try it out soon. And the dessert and savoury options sound equally amazing – I can’t decide which one I want to try first!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sammie! I sure hope you enjoy it.
Mel
We love tacos but not the crunchy taco shells. This fry bread is a much better alternative. So darn tasty.
Moni
This Native American fry bread recipe is fantastic! The step-by-step instructions and helpful tips made it easy to follow. The end result was delicious, and I appreciate the cultural background shared. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes! 🍞👌👍
Ned
Thie fry bread makes the best tacos.I make them often and every one loves them.
Alita
There are many recipes for fry bread but this is by far the best! This made me realize how delicious fry bread is!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Alita! So glad that you like the fry bread!