Are you ready to get your fry on? Crispy, golden-brown fried dough can elevate any occasion from a casual gathering to a special celebration. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats like classic homemade donuts or savory snacks like cheesy fried dough bites, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey around the world to discover 20 mouthwatering crispy fried dough recipes that are perfect for every occasion. From comforting desserts like apple fritters with caramel drizzle to savory appetizers like garlic butter fried dough knots, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends.
So, grab a deep fryer or a pot of hot oil and get ready to dive into the world of crispy fried dough. In this article, we’ll explore different flavors and techniques to help you create the perfect fried dough dish for any time of day or night.
Classic Homemade Donuts
Start your day off right with these soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious homemade donuts. This classic recipe yields a batch of 8-10 donuts that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 egg, beaten
– Flavorings of your choice (e.g. vanilla extract, chocolate chips)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and yeast until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and add flavorings of your choice (if using).
4. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and use a donut pan to shape the donuts.
6. Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil with paper towels and let cool before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes (including rising time)
Easy Churros with Chocolate Dip
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these scrumptious churros and rich chocolate dip! Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of churro mix
– 1 cup of water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Chocolate chips (semisweet or milk)
– Heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. Follow the package instructions to mix the churro dough with water.
3. Pipe the dough through a star tip into long strips.
4. Fry the churros for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil and dust with powdered sugar.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second intervals, stirring between).
7. Serve the warm churros with the melted chocolate dip and a dollop of whipped cream (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fluffy Beignets with Powdered Sugar
These sweet treats are a classic New Orleans delight, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these tender and airy beignets smothered in a thick layer of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add sugar, warm water, and mix until smooth.
3. Knead dough for 5 minutes until elastic.
4. Cover and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
5. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down dough and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into 2-inch squares or shapes of your choice.
8. Fry beignets for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
9. Drain excess oil and dust with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Golden Fried Dough Balls (Zeppole)
This classic Italian dessert is a crowd-pleaser, with crispy fried dough balls dusted in powdered sugar and often filled with a sweet surprise. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these tasty treats at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
– Filling of your choice (e.g., Nutella, jam, or ricotta)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add sugar and milk; mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough into the hot oil in small balls.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon; drain excess oil.
8. Dust with powdered sugar (if using) and fill with your chosen filling.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total frying time.
Sweet Fried Dough Twists (You Tiao)
Sweet Fried Dough Twists (You Tiao) Recipe
A classic Chinese street food, You Tiao is a sweet and crispy fried dough twist that’s perfect for snacking or as a dessert. This recipe yields 8-10 twists.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– Sesame seeds and confectioner’s sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in vegetable oil and mix until the dough forms a ball.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
5. Roll each portion into a long rope, then twist it into a spiral shape.
6. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the twists for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil and toss with granulated sugar while still warm.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds and confectioner’s sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Savory Fried Dough Sticks (Churros de Queso)
These crispy, cheesy fried dough sticks are a game-changer for snack time or as a side dish. Perfectly balanced between savory and sweet, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup grated cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional: paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cheese, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add milk, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes pliable.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Cut the dough into long sticks (about 1/4 inch thick).
6. Fry the dough sticks in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Crispy Fried Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Elevate your snack game with these crispy fried doughnuts coated in a sweet and sticky cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or as a delicious addition to your favorite beverage.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
3. Gradually add milk and mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes and let it rest for 1 hour.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. While still warm, toss in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Fritters with Caramel Drizzle
Start your day or satisfy your snack craving with these crispy, sweet, and juicy apple fritters drizzled with a rich caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add chopped apple and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
4. Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove fritters from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve warm fritters drizzled with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Fried Dough Bites
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these crispy and sweet Pumpkin Spice Fried Dough Bites, perfect for fall gatherings or as a snack any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, and egg until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into bite-sized pieces and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total (frying time: 2-3 minutes per batch)
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Fried Dough Bites!
Banana-Stuffed Fried Dough Pockets
These indulgent treats combine the comfort of a warm dough pocket with the sweetness of ripe bananas, all wrapped up in a crispy fried package. Perfect as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour and salt to the bowl, mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough into thin sheets, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Place a banana slice in the center of each sheet, fold over to form a pocket, and press edges together to seal.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F. Fry pockets for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Maple-Glazed Fried Dough Squares
Sweet and crispy, these Maple-Glazed Fried Dough Squares are a delightful treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Maple syrup (about 1/2 cup)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into squares (about 2 inches each).
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the dough squares for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Drizzle with maple syrup while still warm.
9. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Fried Dough Bites with Marinara
Savor the simplicity of Cheesy Fried Dough Bites with Marinara, a delightful twist on classic pizza dough. This recipe yields crispy, cheesy bites perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into disk shapes.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry dough disks, 2-3 at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Sprinkle fried dough with mozzarella cheese and cook an additional minute, until melted and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Fried Dough Knots
These soft and fluffy dough knots are infused with the rich flavors of garlic butter, making them a perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy these delicious treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a ball and then stretch into a knot shape.
6. Place knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each knot.
7. Drizzle melted butter mixture (garlic and egg wash) over the knots.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fried Dough Pancakes with Honey Syrup
These crispy and fluffy fried dough pancakes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Top them off with a drizzle of warm honey syrup for an added layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Honey Syrup (see below)
Honey Syrup:
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add in milk to form a smooth batter.
3. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the batter into the oil, flattening slightly with a spatula.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
6. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Drizzle warm honey syrup over the fried dough pancakes.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Chocolate-Filled Fried Dough Puffs
These indulgent treats combine the crispy texture of fried dough with a rich, gooey chocolate center. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add milk to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut into squares, about 3 inches per side.
5. Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and let cool slightly.
7. Place a spoonful of chocolate chips in the center of each puff.
8. Fold the dough over to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Lemon-Glazed Fried Dough Rounds
Lemon-Glazed Fried Dough Rounds Recipe
Sweet and tangy, these crispy fried dough rounds are infused with the brightness of lemon glaze, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough; knead for 5 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces; roll each piece into a ball.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry dough rounds for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and lemon juice; drizzle over fried dough.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Red Bean Paste-Fried Dough Rolls
These chewy, crispy, and sweet treats are a classic Chinese dessert. By filling soft dough with red bean paste, you’ll create a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Red bean paste (homemade or store-bought), about 1/2 cup
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Roll out each piece into a thin circle.
5. Place 1-2 teaspoons of red bean paste in the center of each circle.
6. Fold and seal the edges to form a triangle or a square shape.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to medium-high heat.
8. Fry dough rolls for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
9. Drain excess oil and serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Spicy Fried Dough Strips with Chili Oil
A crispy and spicy twist on traditional fried dough, these strips are perfect as a snack or appetizer. The addition of chili oil gives them an extra kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Chili oil, for serving (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a thin sheet.
4. Cut the sheets into long strips, about 1/2 inch wide.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the strips in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve warm with chili oil drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peanut Butter-Stuffed Fried Dough Balls
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these soft and fluffy dough balls filled with a rich peanut butter center. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, salt, and sugar. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut into small squares (about 2 inches per side).
5. Place 1 teaspoon of peanut butter in the center of each square.
6. Fold the dough over the peanut butter, forming a ball shape. Press edges together to seal.
7. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
8. Fry the dough balls for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
9. Drain excess oil with paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramelized Fried Dough with Ice Cream
Transform ordinary dough into a crispy, golden-brown delight and pair it with your favorite ice cream for a match made in heaven. This simple recipe yields a sweet and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Your favorite ice cream
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add lukewarm milk to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes pliable and slightly sticky.
4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Roll out the dough into thin sheets, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Fry the dough sheets in batches for 30-45 seconds or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve warm with your favorite ice cream.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of crispy, golden fried dough treats! From classic donuts and churros to savory sticks and sweet puffs, these 20 recipes have got you covered for every occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet and indulgent or savory and satisfying, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to hit the spot. From comforting breakfast treats like fried dough pancakes with honey syrup to decadent desserts like caramelized fried dough with ice cream, this collection has something for everyone. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and satisfy your cravings with these crispy fried dough recipes!
