Air Fryer Fry Bread - Crispy Golden Native American Flatbread

Prep: 30 minCook: 9 minmedium
Air Fryer Fry Bread - Crispy Golden Native American Flatbread

This traditional Native American flatbread gets a modern twist in the air fryer, creating perfectly golden, puffy rounds with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The yeast-risen dough develops beautiful bubbles and char marks while cooking at lower temperature than traditional deep frying. Serve warm with honey, jam, or use as a base for Indian tacos. This method uses significantly less oil while still achieving the characteristic texture that makes fry bread so beloved.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ⅝ cup whole milk
    2% milk1:1

    Slightly less rich but works well

    Full guide →
  • 1 ½ tablespoons butter flavored shortening
    regular shortening1:1Use regular shortening or lard for traditional flavordairy-free

    high

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 4 cups bread flour
    all-purpose flour1:1

    May result in slightly less chewy texture but still delicious

    Full guide →
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine yeast, sugar and salt in a small bowl

  2. 2

    Heat milk and shortening in a saucepan over medium heat until shortening melts and bubbles form around edges, do not boil

  3. 3

    Remove from heat and cool until warm to the touch

  4. 4

    Stir together yeast mixture and milk mixture in stand mixer bowl

  5. 5

    Allow mixture to proof for 10 minutes

  6. 6

    Stir in beaten egg and 1 1/2 cups flour

  7. 7

    Attach dough hook and mix on low setting until combined

  8. 8

    Continue adding flour until dough forms a ball and no longer sticks to bowl sides

  9. 9

    Place dough in lightly greased bowl and cover with towel

  10. 10

    Allow dough to rest for 1-2 hours until doubled in size

  11. 11

    Set air fryer to 300 degrees F

  12. 12

    Break off golf ball sized portions of dough

  13. 13

    Roll flat on lightly floured surface

  14. 14

    Place dough in air fryer basket and cook for 9 minutes until puffy and browned

  15. 15

    Repeat with remaining dough

Tips

Tip 1

Don't overheat the milk mixture - it should be warm to touch, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

Tip 2

The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add flour gradually until it pulls away from bowl sides.

Tip 3

Work in batches since air fryer baskets have limited space. Keep remaining dough covered while cooking.

Good to Know

Storage

Store cooled fry bread in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Make Ahead

Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before shaping.

Serve With

Serve warm with honey, jam, or powdered sugar. Use as base for Indian tacos with beans and meat.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overheat milk mixture to avoid killing yeast

Watch

Don't skip the proofing time or bread won't be light and airy

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter flavored shortening→
regular shortening1:1Use regular shortening or lard for traditional flavordairy-free

high

General Alternatives

bread flour→
all-purpose flour1:1

May result in slightly less chewy texture but still delicious

Full guide →
whole milk→
2% milk1:1

Slightly less rich but works well

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, you can deep fry in 350°F oil for 2-3 minutes per side, or bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes until puffed and golden.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough should double in size, which typically takes 1-2 hours at room temperature. Cooler temperatures will take longer.

Can I freeze leftover fry bread?

Yes, wrap cooled fry bread individually and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw and warm in toaster or oven before serving.