Go Back
+ servings
puff puff

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!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Nigerian, West African
Servings 8 people
Calories 180 kcal

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
  

  • 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.
Puff puff is perfect as a party snack, breakfast treat, or sweet bite with tea or coffee. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic across West Africa!

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 7g
Keyword African snack, fried dough balls, Nigerian recipe, puff puff, street food
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!