Air Fryer Indian Fry Bread Recipe (2024)

Published: March 24, 2021 · Modified: January 19, 2024 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Delicious homemadeAir FryerIndian Fry Breadcooked to perfection in an air fryer! Also known as "Navajo tacos" and "Indian fry bread," this Southwestern favorite can be served savory with traditional taco toppings or served sweet with honey and powdered sugar.

Try my other air fryer dinner recipes like Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Caesar Wraps and Air Fryer Breaded Sea Scallops.

Growing up in Arizona, there was plenty of Indian fry bread to go around. It's a menu staple among restaurants and food trucks throughout the Southwest and for good reason! It's delicious.

This air fryer fry bread is perfectly crisped on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Fortunately, this recipe for fry bread is so quick and easy you can make it at home in a matter of minutes.

This simple bread tastes amazing with both savory and sweet toppings. Top with your favorite toppings like refried beans or sour cream. Drizzle with honey and a cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet treat.

What Is Indian Fry Bread?

Indian fry bread recipes date back many generations. The recipe originated in the Navajo Nation and is still a beloved food enjoyed throughout the American Southwest generations later. Traditional Native American fry bread recipes call for just a few basic ingredients to make the perfect vessel for taco toppings, sweet treats and so much more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is inspired by authentic Native American fry bread recipes.It's a great way to try a regional food you can't get as easily anywhere else.

Cooking fry bread in an air fryer means no deep frying and not much oil. It's delicious topped with savory AND sweet toppings. The options are endless.

Ingredients You Need

Fry Bread:

• All-purpose flour: The main ingredient and the structure of this basic dough recipe.
• Baking powder: A leavening agent that makes bread rise.
• Salt: Helps the dough rise evenly creating a cohesive, pita-like bread.
• Warm water: Adds moisture to the dry dough ingredients so they form into a firm dough.
• Vegetable oil: Since we are air frying rather than deep-frying, vegetable oil coats the dough to achieve a lightly crisped and golden crust on the surface of each piece of fry bread.

Savory Toppings:

• Taco meat: Use your favorite taco seasoning for the ground meat. This is a great way to re-purpose leftovers from taco night!
• Shredded cheese: Like mild cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend.
• Chopped lettuce, diced onion, diced tomato: Use these classic taco toppings or a variety of your favorites.

Sweet Toppings:

• Honey
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Agave
• Cinnamon

Step By Step Photos

Knead until the dough forms a ball.

Cut dough and form golf ball size balls.

See Also

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Form a small flat disc and cook.

Top with taco meat, lettuce, cheese, onion and tomatoes.

How To Make Indian Fry Bread

Step 1. Mix dry ingredients:In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

Step 2. Add wet ingredients:Using a bread hook, mix in ¾ cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Step 3. Knead the dough:Knead the mixture on medium-slow for 5-10 minutes until the dough forms a ball and no longer sticks to the bowl.

Step 4. Let dough rest:Place the dough ball in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let the dough rest for 2 hours.

Step 5. Form dough balls:Cut the dough and form golf ball-sized balls.

Step 6. Flatten dough:Using your hands, compress the dough balls to form flat discs that are ¼” thick.

Step 7. Air fry:Place the flattened dough in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 330 °F for 7 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8.Top with taco ingredients:Once cooked, top the fry bread with prepared taco meat, shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced onions.

NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructionsbelow!

Tips

• Avoid over-kneading the dough. Stir the dough ingredients until a firm ball of dough forms and then stop.
• Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket or overlap the balls of dough. For the dough to cook evenly, it needs to have room to rise. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to work in batches.
• The high heat in the air fryer can cause the dough to curl up. To keep Indian fry bread flat, cut ⅛th of an inch slit down the middle of each piece of dough before cooking.
• Fry bread is best served fresh from the fryer (or in this case air fryer) but you can plop room temperature fry bread in the microwave for 15 seconds or so to warm it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Navajo Fry Bread

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