Indian Fry Bread, also known as Navajo Fry Bread, is a traditional American Indian flatbread that can be made in an air fryer. This cooking method makes the bread healthier and less greasy than frying it in oil. The air fryer's circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior without the added calories and fat of deep frying.
Indian Fry Bread can be enjoyed as a snack, appetiser, or main course, and can be served savoury or sweet. It is typically served as a taco with beans, ground beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and other favourite taco toppings, or with powdered sugar and melted butter for a fun treat.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Healthier alternative to deep frying | Less greasy, less oil used |
Taste | Crispy, fluffy, tender, chewy |
Time | 15-20 minutes cooking time, 2 hours resting time |
Toppings | Savory (taco meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, etc.), sweet (maple syrup, powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon, ice cream) |
Ingredients | All-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, water, oil, milk, ground beef, onion, pinto beans, taco seasoning, lettuce, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, black olives, vegetable oil, buttermilk biscuits, garlic salt, chili powder |
Equipment | Air fryer, mixing bowl, skillet, shallow bowl/plate |
What You'll Learn
Indian Fry Bread in the Air Fryer: A Healthier Alternative
Indian Fry Bread, also known as Navajo Fry Bread, is a traditional American Indian flatbread. This delicious, crispy, and puffy bread is usually deep-fried, but an air fryer can be used to make a healthier version.
How to Make Indian Fry Bread in an Air Fryer
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar if you want a sweeter bread.
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the water and oil using a bread hook or a spoon. Continue mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the dough tough.
- Let the dough rest: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 2 hours.
- Form dough balls: Cut the dough into equal pieces and roll them into smooth balls.
- Flatten the dough: Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the dough balls into small, flat discs about 1/4-inch thick.
- Air fry: Place the flattened dough in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 330-375°F for 7-10 minutes. Flip the dough and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Toppings: Indian Fry Bread can be enjoyed with various toppings. For a sweet treat, top with cinnamon, powdered sugar, honey, or ice cream. For a savoury option, fill it with ground beef, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favourite taco toppings.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to make Indian Fry Bread has several advantages:
- Healthier alternative: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, reducing the amount of fat and calories in the bread.
- Crispy texture: The air fryer's circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil.
- Convenience: Air frying is a simpler and less messy method of cooking, as it eliminates the need for a skillet full of hot oil or lard.
- Versatility: Indian Fry Bread made in an air fryer can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, and can be enjoyed with both sweet and savoury toppings.
Tips for Perfect Indian Fry Bread
- Use warm water to activate the baking powder and create a fluffy interior.
- Roll out the dough thinly for a crispier exterior.
- Cook the dough in batches to prevent overcrowding in the air fryer and ensure even cooking.
- For a sweeter bread, add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough.
- For a savoury bread, sprinkle the dough with herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder before rolling it out.
Storing and Reheating Indian Fry Bread
Indian Fry Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, warm the bread in the air fryer or oven.
Enjoy the delicious and healthier version of Indian Fry Bread, made conveniently in your air fryer!
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Navajo Indian Fry Bread: A Traditional Recipe
Indian Fry Bread is a traditional American Indian flatbread that is beloved in the United States. It is also known as Navajo Fry Bread, Navajo Tacos, and Scones. This recipe is a healthier version of the traditional Navajo Fry Bread, made in an air fryer with much less oil.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2-3 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk or water
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
Method:
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix in milk or water to form a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into 6-18 equal pieces and roll them into smooth balls.
- Flatten or roll each ball into a 1/8-1/2 inch thick round, keeping the edges slightly thicker than the center.
- Make a small hole in the center of each round to help keep them flat while frying.
- Heat oil in an air fryer or a large saucepan to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully place the dough rounds into the hot oil, frying 3-4 at a time.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the surface has bubbles and is golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot, drizzled with honey or dusted with powdered sugar, or use as a base for Navajo Tacos.
Navajo Tacos:
To make Navajo Tacos, top the fry bread with traditional taco fillings such as:
- Ground beef or shredded beef/chicken/pork with taco seasoning
- Beans
- Chopped lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Black olives
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
Tips:
- The dough should be soft and smooth but still tacky to the touch.
- Do not overmix the dough, as it will become tough.
- The dough can be made the night before and stored in the fridge.
- Fry bread can be kept warm in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve.
- Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For best results, reheat in an air fryer.
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How to Make Indian Fry Bread in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide
Indian Fry Bread is a traditional American Indian flatbread that can be made healthier and less greasy by using an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Warm water
- Vegetable oil
- Milk (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour the warm water and vegetable oil into the mixing bowl and mix until a dough forms. You can use a bread hook attachment for this step. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to over-knead the dough, as this can make it tough.
- Let the dough rest: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 2 hours.
- Form the dough balls: Cut the dough into equal pieces and roll them into smooth balls.
- Flatten the dough: Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the dough balls into small, flat discs about 1/4-inch thick. You can also cut a small slit in the middle of each disc to prevent the bread from curling up during cooking.
- Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 330-375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the bread: Place the flattened dough in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes. Then, flip the bread and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Top and serve: Once cooked, top the Indian Fry Bread with your desired toppings. It can be served sweet with toppings like cinnamon, powdered sugar, honey, or ice cream, or savoury with traditional taco toppings such as ground beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Indian Fry Bread is best served fresh, but you can also reheat it in the air fryer or microwave if needed. Enjoy!
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Indian Fry Bread: A Versatile Dish for Any Meal
Indian Fry Bread, also known as Navajo Fry Bread, is a traditional American Indian flatbread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. This versatile dish can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, making it a delicious addition to any meal. Here's how you can make this tasty treat in an air fryer.
Ingredients
To make Indian Fry Bread in an air fryer, you'll need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Warm water
- Vegetable oil
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, powdered sugar, honey, taco meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, etc.
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Use a bread hook to mix in the warm water and vegetable oil. You can also do this by hand.
- Knead the dough: Work the dough on medium-slow speed for 5-10 minutes until it forms a ball and no longer sticks to the bowl. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the dough tough.
- Let the dough rest: Place the dough ball in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 2 hours.
- Form dough balls: Cut the dough into smaller pieces and roll them into golf ball-sized balls.
- Flatten the dough: Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the dough balls into small, flat discs about 1/4" thick.
- Air fry: Place the flattened dough in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 330°F for 7 minutes. Then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Top and serve: Once cooked, top the fry bread with your desired toppings and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough or top with cinnamon, powdered sugar, or honey.
- For a savory version, sprinkle the dough with herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder before rolling it out.
- You can also stuff the fry bread with cheese, beans, meat, or other fillings of your choice.
- To reheat, place the fry bread in the air fryer or oven to warm it up.
- Indian Fry Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 3 days in the fridge.
Indian Fry Bread is a versatile and tasty treat that can be enjoyed in endless ways. So, go ahead and experiment with different toppings and fillings to find your favorite combinations!
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Toppings and Variations for Indian Fry Bread
Indian Fry Bread is a traditional American Indian flatbread that can be served with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings and variations to make your Indian Fry Bread even more delicious:
Sweet Variations:
- Powdered sugar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Cinnamon Honey Butter
- Ice cream
- Jam
- Butter
- Honey Butter
- Pie filling
Savory Variations:
Indian Fry Bread can also be used as a base for Navajo Tacos, topped with:
- Beans
- Ground beef
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Black olives
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
- Shredded chicken
- Steak
- Pork carnitas
- Bell peppers
- Jalapenos
- Cilantro rice
- Chili
- Shredded lettuce
- Ground beef with taco seasoning
- Shredded beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Chopped onions
Other Tips:
- If you want to make your Indian Fry Bread in a frying pan, heat the oil to 350°F.
- To keep the bread from curling up, cut a small slit in the centre of each piece before frying.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Indian fry bread can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep-frying and yields a crispy and fluffy texture.
Indian fry bread, also known as Navajo fry bread or Navajo tacos, is a traditional American Indian flatbread. It is typically fried or deep-fried in oil, shortening, or lard.
Indian fry bread is versatile and can be served with both sweet and savoury toppings. Sweet toppings include maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, honey, and ice cream. Savoury toppings include traditional taco fillings such as ground beef, shredded chicken or pork, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
To make Indian fry bread in the air fryer, combine dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add wet ingredients like water and oil, and knead the dough until it forms a ball. Let the dough rest, then cut it into golf ball-sized pieces and flatten them into discs. Place the discs in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 330-375°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, fried doughs are best served fresh.