Buzz
Fried dough encompasses a wide variety of treats. Doughnuts, elephant ears, funnel cakes, and beignets all belong to this delicious category, and while each has its unique flavor, they are universally delightful. The simplest version of this carnival favorite? Small pieces of store-bought pizza dough, fried until golden and crispy.
Fried pizza dough doesn’t have the same texture as a doughnut. It’s chewy, thanks to the gluten developed through extensive kneading, and it can be customized for sweet or savory flavors. When sprinkled with powdered sugar, it resembles a quick zeppole; when topped with marinara and a sprinkle of parmesan, it evokes the “fried dough” my Italian-American partner fondly recalls from the “Feast,” which also involves a saint’s statue being paraded through town. (Dollar bills are also part of the tradition.)
In any case, frying pizza dough is both enjoyable and straightforward. Simply tear it into 1-inch pieces and fry until golden brown for a chewy, doughy treat. The finishing touches are entirely up to you, but I highly recommend powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or any other sugary coating.
Simple Fried Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
A package of store-bought pizza dough
Vegetable oil (enough to fill at least two inches in your preferred frying pot)
Powdered sugar for garnish
Pour a couple of inches of vegetable oil (or another neutral, high-temperature oil) into a deep frying pan, pot, or Dutch oven. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature between 325℉ and 350℉ on a candy thermometer or digital instant-read thermometer. Avoid letting the temperature exceed 350℉, as this can cause the dough to brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
Tear the pizza dough into 1-inch pieces and fry them for 3-5 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown, flipping once to ensure even coloring on both sides. Remove the pieces using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, let the excess oil drain on a wire rack for a few minutes, and then generously dust with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy while still warm.
