
Nigerian Puff Puff Recipe

Nigerian Puff Puff Recipe
Soft, golden, and lightly sweet — puff puff is one of West Africa’s favorite street foods and party snacks. With a fluffy inside and crispy outside, these little fried dough balls are simply irresistible!
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Deep fryer or deep pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels or wire rack
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cups warm water (355 ml)
- 1 tbsp instant yeast (10 g)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (370 g)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup powdered milk (20 g)
- ½ tsp salt (3 g)
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (0.5 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (4 g)
- Oil, for frying I use ghee
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, powdered milk, salt, nutmeg, and baking powder.
- Combine & mix: Add dry ingredients to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms (it should be thicker than pancake batter).
- Let rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and set aside in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Heat oil: In a deep pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small bit of batter — it should sizzle and float.
- Fry puff puff: Using your hand or a small scoop, drop balls of dough into the oil. Fry in batches until golden brown, turning occasionally (about 4–5 minutes).
- Drain & serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon.
- Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Best served fresh, but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 7g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!