Olivia Carter
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, crispy piece of fried dough. Whether you call it fried dough, fry bread, or beaver tails, this indulgent treat is a classic crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer to make it! With just a skillet and a few simple ingredients, you can create golden, pillowy dough that rivals any carnival or fairground version.
Making fried dough in a skillet is a fun and easy way to enjoy this mouthwatering snack right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Plus, you can customize your fried dough with various toppings and sauces to suit your taste buds. So, if you’re ready to satisfy your fried dough cravings, let’s get started!
First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For the dough, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, and milk. These basic pantry staples come together to create a dough that fries up beautifully. Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start mixing them together to form the dough.
Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start making fried dough in a skillet, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth cooking process and a delicious end result.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil, for frying
- Additional sugar for dusting (optional)
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, measure them out and set them aside. Having everything pre-measured will help you streamline the cooking process.
Mix the Dough
To make fried dough in a skillet, start by mixing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Use a whisk or fork to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly. This will ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk and 1 egg. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the milk mixture into the well.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the wet and dry ingredients together until a dough starts to form. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the dough tough.
If the dough looks too dry, you can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. If it looks too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches the right consistency.
Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 1 minute. This will help develop the gluten and give the dough a nice texture.
Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to roll out.
After the dough has rested, you can proceed to roll it out and fry it in a skillet to make delicious fried dough.
Let the Dough Rest
After you have finished kneading the dough, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the dough to relax and makes it easier to roll out and shape.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm spot for the recommended time. This resting period also allows the yeast to activate and ferment, giving the dough a better flavor and texture.
During this time, you can prepare your frying skillet and oil. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to reach a depth of at least 1 inch.
Once the dough has rested, it will be noticeably softer and more pliable. This makes it easier to roll out into the desired shape, whether it be rounds, squares, or twists. Use a lightly floured surface and a rolling pin to roll the dough to your desired thickness. Remember to flip and rotate the dough as you roll to ensure an even thickness.
If you are making different shapes, use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the desired shapes. Place the cut-out dough pieces on a lightly floured baking sheet or tray, making sure to leave enough space between them to prevent sticking.
Now that the dough is ready, you can move on to frying it to a golden brown perfection!
Heat the Skillet
Before making fried dough, it’s essential to heat the skillet properly. A well-heated skillet ensures that the dough cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown color. Here’s how to heat the skillet:
Step 1: Choose the Right Skillet
Opt for a heavy skillet or frying pan that can distribute heat evenly. Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for making fried dough due to their excellent heat retention.
Step 2: Preheat the Skillet
Place the skillet on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes, ensuring that it is evenly heated.
Step 3: Add Oil
Once the skillet is hot, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the dough is added but not smoking.
Note: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point is suitable for frying dough.
Step 4: Check the Temperature
Before adding the dough to the skillet, test the heat by dropping a small piece of the dough into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a minute, the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
Tip: Using a cooking thermometer is also an effective way to monitor the oil temperature. It should be around 350°F (180°C) for frying dough.
Once the skillet is heated and the oil is at the right temperature, you are ready to start making delicious fried dough.
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into individual portions for frying.
1. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
2. Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
3. Transfer the dough onto the floured surface and knead it a few times to form a smooth ball.
4. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to divide the dough into smaller portions.
5. Take one portion and roll it into a ball between your hands. Repeat with the remaining portions.
Make sure the portions are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. If desired, you can also shape the dough into other shapes, such as rectangles or ovals.
Fry the Dough
1. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add enough oil to the pan to fully cover the dough when frying.
3. Use a thermometer to ensure that the oil reaches a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
4. Carefully place the dough into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs.
5. Fry the dough for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until it turns golden brown.
6. Flip the dough using a spatula or tongs to cook the other side.
7. Remove the fried dough from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough, adding more oil as needed.
9. Serve the fried dough warm and enjoy it plain or with your choice of toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon, or chocolate sauce.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. |
| 1 teaspoon baking powder | In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. |
| 1 tablespoon sugar | Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. |
| 1 egg, beaten | Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes. |
| 1/2 cup milk | After the dough has rested, roll it out into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle shape. Cut the dough into desired shapes, such as strips or circles. |
| Oil for frying | Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the dough when frying. |
Serve and Enjoy
Once the fried dough is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious treat. Here are a few ideas for serving and accompanying your freshly made fried dough:
Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar
A classic way to enjoy fried dough is to sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough. Use a sifter or a fine-mesh strainer to evenly distribute the powdered sugar over the fried dough.
Dip in Chocolate Sauce
If you’re a fan of chocolate, why not take your fried dough to the next level by serving it with a side of warm chocolate sauce? Melt your favorite chocolate and mix it with a little bit of cream to create a rich and decadent dipping sauce. Place the sauce in a small bowl and serve it alongside the fried dough for dipping.
Add Fresh Fruits
For a lighter option, consider serving your fried dough with a selection of fresh fruits. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or peaches make great toppings for the dough. The combination of the warm, crispy fried dough with the juicy and refreshing fruits creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Pair with Ice Cream
If you want to transform your fried dough into a fully indulgent dessert, serve it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The cold and creamy ice cream complements the warm and crispy dough perfectly. Choose a classic flavor like vanilla or experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Remember, fried dough is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while it’s still warm and crispy. Whether you choose to sprinkle it with powdered sugar, dip it in chocolate sauce, add fresh fruits, or pair it with ice cream, be sure to savor every bite of this homemade delight!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make fried dough in a skillet?
To make fried dough in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and vegetable oil for frying.
Can I make fried dough without a skillet?
Yes, you can make fried dough without a skillet. If you don’t have a skillet, you can use a deep fryer or a large pot for frying the dough. Just make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the dough while frying.
