There’s something magical about the aroma of fried dough wafting through the air. It instantly transports you to the hustle and bustle of a country fair, where every bite is a moment of pure joy.
But what if I told you that you could recreate that same magic right in your own kitchen? This homemade fried dough recipe is everything you love about fair food—light, crispy, airy, and utterly irresistible. And the best part? It takes just 15 minutes to make!
Whether you’re craving a quick treat or looking to impress your family with a nostalgic dessert, this fried dough recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for a last-minute treat.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
- Customizable: Top it with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even a drizzle of honey for your own twist.
- Fair-Inspired Delight: It tastes just like the fried dough from your favorite fair or carnival.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious fried dough:
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ⅔ cup milk
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This creates the base for your dough.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and melted butter. Mix everything together with a fork until it starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the mixture onto a clean surface and knead it by hand for about 2 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly elastic.
4. Rest the Dough
Form the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps it relax, making it easier to roll out.
5. Divide and Roll
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece out to about ⅜-inch thickness.
6. Heat the Oil
In a deep pan, heat about 1 inch of oil to 375°F (180°C) over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the dough quickly without absorbing too much oil.
7. Fry the Dough
Carefully lower each piece of rolled dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Let each piece cook for about 1 minute on one side, then flip and cook for another minute on the other side.
8. Add the Finishing Touch
Once golden brown and crispy, remove the fried dough from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Fried Dough
- Don’t Skip Resting: Allowing the dough to rest helps it become more pliable and easier to roll out.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil stays at 375°F (180°C). Too hot, and the dough will burn; too cool, and it will absorb too much oil.
- Experiment with Toppings: While powdered sugar is a classic choice, feel free to get creative! Try cinnamon sugar, chocolate drizzle, or even savory toppings like grated cheese.
Storing and Reheating Fried Dough
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that fried dough is best enjoyed fresh, as it loses some crispiness over time.
To bring back that freshly-fried texture, reheat the dough in a preheated oven at 350°F (170°C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 51
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 165mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 1g
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and toppings.)
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade fried dough to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a little fairground fun to your day. This recipe is quick, easy, and endlessly customizable—perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all!
So, grab your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy a warm, crispy treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. Trust me—your family (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Happy frying!
Print
Fried Dough | The Best Homemade Fried Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Detailed Recipe & Step By Step Instruction Here
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ⅔ cup milk
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix with a fork until combined.
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead by hand for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about ⅜-inch thick.
Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil in batches—do not overcrowd the pan.
Fry each side for about 1 minute, then flip and cook for 1 more minute, or until golden brown and puffed.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
Storing: Keep leftover fried dough in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (170°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Flavor Tip: You can also top with cinnamon sugar, honey, or even chocolate syrup for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried dough
- Calories: 51 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 165 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
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