This easy, healthy fried bread made with baking powder is a quick alternative to traditional yeast-based fry bread because it requires no rising time. That saves you a lot of prep work while still delivering the familiar, golden fry bread texture.
If you’d like to use this fry bread to make Navajo tacos, the Healthy Navajo Tacos recipe that uses this fry bread is available on the same site.
One of my favorite summer memories is wandering fairs and farmers’ markets where you often find Navajo tacos. They taste amazing, but I used to think they were a lot of work—until I developed this simplified version. This recipe keeps things lighter by using only a small amount of oil in the pan instead of deep-frying in lots of oil, and the baking powder dough means no lengthy rise time.
I usually add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet, though you can add more if you prefer. Because this dough uses baking powder rather than yeast, it comes together quickly and reduces overall hands-on time.
My kids love rolling their own dough into discs. I fry each piece until golden and then they start competing for the first piece. The breads cook fast, so they’re ready almost as quickly as I can make them.
I’ve tested this recipe with several flours: white, spelt, and einkorn. All work well but each requires a slightly different amount of liquid. Regular all-purpose flour typically needs about 1 cup of milk, though this can vary by brand and altitude. Spelt usually needs a bit less liquid, and einkorn often needs noticeably less—sometimes around 1/4 cup less. I rarely measure precisely; I add milk gradually until the dough comes together and can be kneaded without sticking to my hands.
I don’t often use whole wheat for this recipe, preferring einkorn for its light, easy-to-handle texture and great flavor. If you choose whole wheat, plan to add more liquid and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes (rather than 5) so the flour can absorb the liquid and the finished bread won’t be dry or gritty.
If you like a hands-off option, pulse the dry ingredients in a food processor on the dough setting and add milk slowly until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides. It’s a fun, efficient way to make the dough.
Recipe
Easy Healthy Fried Bread Recipe with Baking Powder
- Author: Rebecca Baron
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Clean Eating
Description
This clean-eating fry bread is quick and easy because it doesn’t require rising. The dough comes together in minutes, and you can cook it with only a thin layer of oil for a lighter result. Kids and adults both love it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white einkorn flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt (such as Real Salt)
- 1 cup whole milk (adjust as needed)
- 2 Tbsp oil for frying (avocado oil recommended for its high smoke point)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir in the milk until a workable dough forms. The exact amount of milk will vary by flour; einkorn typically needs less liquid.
- If needed, add a little more flour so the dough is easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes (or 10 minutes if using whole wheat).
- Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet to about 365°F (180°C). Use just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan up to 1½ inches deep, depending on your preference.
- Divide the dough into pieces about 3/4 cup each. Flatten into round discs about 1/4 inch thick, pressing a slight depression in the center. Fry the breads in the hot oil until golden on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
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