Deep-Frying Bread: Is It Possible?

Frying bread is a simple and tasty way to elevate a meal or turn it into a treat. While some people opt to shallow fry their bread in a pan, others swear by the use of a deep fat fryer to achieve the perfect crispness. Deep-fried bread is a popular side dish, especially for a full English breakfast, and can be topped with sweet or savoury toppings.

Using stale bread

Ideally, you want to use bread that is at least 48 hours old, or slightly stale. This will ensure the bread doesn't absorb too much oil and will help it fry better. The drier texture of stale bread means it will soak up the oil quickly and fry to a perfect golden brown.

If your bread is very fresh, you can try toasting it lightly before frying, to remove some of the moisture. However, this is not necessary if you are using stale bread.

When frying stale bread, make sure your oil is hot enough. The ideal temperature will depend on the type of oil you are using, but generally, you want it to be shimmering and giving off heat. This will help keep the bread crisp and prevent it from becoming greasy.

Add your stale bread to the hot oil and fry for a few seconds on each side, or until golden brown. If your oil is hot enough, this should only take a few seconds, and your bread will be perfectly crisp and golden.

Frying in a pan vs. deep fat fryer

Frying in a pan and deep-fat frying are two different methods of cooking food, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed comparison of the two techniques:

Pan Frying:

Pan frying is typically done in a shallow skillet on a stovetop with a small amount of fat, such as canola or avocado oil. For this method, you heat the fat first and then add the food, flipping it midway through to ensure even cooking. Pan frying is well-suited for smaller quantities of quick-cooking foods, like eggs and vegetables, as well as delicate foods like soft fish fillets that may fall apart in a deep fryer. It gives you more control over the cooking process as you can easily adjust the heat and flip the food as needed. Additionally, pan frying uses less oil, resulting in a lighter taste and texture for the food.

Deep-Fat Frying:

Deep-fat frying, on the other hand, involves completely submerging food in hot oil, usually at temperatures between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. This method is commonly used in restaurants and can also be done at home using a deep pot or saucepan with a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Deep-fat frying is ideal for larger quantities of food and is highly effective in producing an ultra-crispy texture with a speedy cooking time. Foods like French fries, fried chicken, onion rings, and tempura are commonly prepared using this technique. However, due to the amount of oil involved, deep-fat frying can impart a heavier, richer taste to the food.

In the context of frying bread, both methods can be used. Some people prefer to fry bread in a pan, using bacon fat or butter, while others opt for deep-fat frying to achieve a crispier texture. Ultimately, the choice between pan frying and deep-fat frying depends on the specific food being cooked, the desired texture and taste, and the quantity of food being prepared.

Oil temperature

The ideal oil temperature for frying bread is around 350°F (176.6°C). This temperature range is suitable for various types of oil, including vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and rapeseed oil.

If you don't have a thermometer to measure the oil temperature, there are a few tricks you can use to determine when the oil is ready for frying. One method is to place a wooden spoon handle into the hot oil. When bubbles gather around the stick, the oil has reached the optimal temperature for frying. Alternatively, you can add a single kernel of popcorn to the oil; if it pops, the oil is ready, as popcorn pops at 350°F.

It's important to maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the frying process. If the oil is too cool, the bread will absorb more oil and become soggy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the bread will cook too quickly and may be doughy in the middle.

Additionally, the type of oil you use can affect the quality of the fried bread. High-temperature oils, such as rapeseed or groundnut oil, are recommended for achieving crispy results.

Dough preparation

The dough for fried bread is simple and quick to prepare. It requires a short list of basic, everyday ingredients, which are combined and left to rest before frying. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the dough:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 and 2/3 cups of white, all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 teaspoons of white, granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of instant or active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt
• 1 cup of milk (preferably whole)
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, plus more for frying

Mixing the Dough

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool back to room temperature. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, warm the milk in the microwave, aiming for a temperature that is warm but not hot. Combine the melted butter and milk, stirring to mix, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, yeast, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Next, add the milk and butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture until a rough, shaggy dough forms. The dough should be fairly sticky, but still workable. If it seems too dry, add a small amount of milk, and if it is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour.

Kneading and Resting

Lightly flour your hands and gently knead the dough just a few times, shaping it into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Drizzle a tablespoon of vegetable oil into the bottom and sides of your mixing bowl, and place the dough ball back inside, turning it to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to form the dough into pieces before frying.

Dividing and Shaping the Dough

After the dough has rested, it's time to divide it into portions for frying. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Cut the dough ball in half, then cut each half into triangles. You should end up with 8 equal triangles.

Lightly flour your hands and work with one piece of dough at a time, keeping the rest covered. Holding the piece of dough gently, work it into a circle by pressing it out with your fingers. Aim for a thin 5- to 6-inch circle, and don't worry about making it perfectly shaped—a rustic look is best! The thinner the pieces, the better, so keep working the dough outwards, being careful not to rip it.

Serving suggestions

Homemade fried bread is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, both sweet and savoury. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your fried bread:

Savoury Options:

• Full English Breakfast Companion: Fried bread is the perfect side to a hearty full English breakfast, featuring sausages, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, and beans. It's a classic combination that never fails to satisfy.
• Breakfast Protein Boost: Top your fried bread with shredded beef, pork, chicken, or seasoned ground beef. This adds a savoury boost of protein to your breakfast or brunch.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use fried bread as a sandwich bread replacement or as a wrap. Fill it with your favourite sandwich fixings or go for a taco-inspired filling like ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
• Soup or Chili Dunkers: Cut your fried bread into smaller pieces and use them to dunk into your favourite soup or chili. The crispy texture and savoury flavour will complement a warm bowl of soup perfectly.
• Breakfast in a Pan: Cook your fried bread in the same pan as your bacon, sausages, or other breakfast meats. This allows the bread to absorb all the delicious flavours and juices, making it extra tasty.

Sweet Options:

• Straight Out of the Fryer: Fried bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. Indulge in the warm, crispy treat as-is, or sprinkle it with a bit of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
• Sweet Toppings: Drizzle honey, honey butter, jam, or syrup on your fried bread for a sweet treat. You can also sprinkle on a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra indulgent bite.
• Dessert Accompaniment: Serve your fried bread with a scoop of ice cream or your favourite dessert. The warm, crispy bread will provide a delightful textural contrast to cold, creamy desserts.

Frequently asked questions