Nigerian Puff Puff
Nigerian Puff Puff is a popular West African snack that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, and fried to golden perfection, this sweet dough treat is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion—from breakfasts and tea times to parties and celebrations.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 20 puff puffs 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Nigerian, West African
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 packet (7g) Active Dry Yeast
- 1 cup Warm Water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Frying
- Vegetable Oil (enough to submerge dough balls, about 4 cups)
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps in the dough.
- Combine and Knead the Dough: Slowly pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring continuously. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer, enough to fully submerge the dough balls. Heat the oil over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C), the ideal frying temperature.
- Fry the Puff Puff: Using your hands or two spoons, scoop small portions of the risen dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally until each puff puff is golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes per batch.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the puff puff from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and to avoid greasy puff puff.
- Aim for a sticky but not runny dough for the best texture.
- Allow the dough to rise adequately (45 minutes to 1 hour) for a light and airy result.
- Use neutral-flavored vegetable oil for frying to avoid overpowering flavors and to handle high heat.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot to maintain consistent oil temperature and even cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind texture differences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces (about 90g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Nigerian Puff Puff, Puff Puff, West African snack, fried dough, sweet snack, easy appetizer, traditional Nigerian food