How to Make the Perfect Puff Puff
Nigerian · Easy · 35 min · 8 servings
These light fluffy West African fried dough balls are sweet simple and absolutely irresistible making them one of the most popular kid friendly African snacks of all time. Kids love rolling them in sugar and eating them warm straight from the fryer making this a perfect after-school treat or party snack.
Why this recipe works
This Puff Puff recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar for rolling
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Mix flour sugar instant yeast and salt in a bowl. Add warm water gradually and stir until a smooth thick batter forms. Cover with a cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot and heat over medium heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The oil should be deep enough for the dough balls to float freely while cooking.
Step 3: Fry the Puff Puff
Using a spoon or your hand scoop small balls of batter and drop carefully into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 4 to 5 minutes turning occasionally until golden brown all over.
Step 4: Sugar and Serve
Drain puff puff on paper towels then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Serve immediately for the best kid friendly West African snack experience possible.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- all purpose flour → self-rising flour and omit the yeast for a quicker no-wait version
- powdered sugar → cinnamon sugar for a warm spiced coating kids love
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not letting the batter rise long enough which results in dense heavy puff puff
- Frying in oil that is too hot which browns the outside while the inside stays raw
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 4g protein, 32g carbs, 9g fat, 1g fiber.
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