Nigerian Buns are one of the go-to West African Snacks – a deep-fried thick batter known for its delicious! It’s crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and it is so addictive. If you are looking for African snacks, then these crunchy Nigerian Buns are the perfect ones. They are small chops you can enjoy for breakfast with healthy drinks & juices!
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This dish is also fun to make with your family and friends!
How to Make Nigerian Buns
Take your cooking skills to the next level by making these easy and quick buns!
Ingredients
Self-raising flour
Self-raising flour is especially appropriate for deep-fried puff pastry like this recipe. It adds to the airy quality of the buns. This ingredient also forms the base for the dough.
I’ve used this in fried pastries like Puff Puff, Vanilla Cake, and American Pancakes!
Granulated white sugar
Use granulated white sugar to add a sweetness you can enjoy at every bite. Once deep-fried, the bonds will also have a golden brown finish to make them more appetizing. The sugar will also caramelize for a slightly crispy texture.
Egg
The egg improves the consistency of the batter so that you can scoop out your preferred size and shape. It also reacts with the leavening agents in this recipe.
I especially love eggs for Scotch Eggs, Egg Rolls, and Fried Eggs!
Evaporated milk
The evaporated milk contributes a creamy flavor and tender feeling to the buns. It also provides moisture to prevent the buns from becoming dry.
It is my secret ingredient for recipes like Mashed Potatoes, French Toast, and Pound Cake!
Baking powder
Baking powder is a powerful leavening agent that will give you a fluffy quality. It allows the dough to expand as it deep fries, creating the impression of a large bun.
Salt
Use the salt to provide a balance of flavors to the recipe. It also helps in the consistency of the batter.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is one of the best oils for deep-fried foods because of its high smoke point.
With these ingredients, you’ll be cooking the perfect Nigerian buns in no time!
Directions
- Combine the self-raising flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, egg, and evaporated milk in a bowl.
- Add water to form a thick batter. Set it aside.
- Heat sunflower oil in a pot over a medium fire.
- Dip an ice cream scooper in the hot oil.
- Scoop out some batter and lower it into the oil.
- Wait for them to turn brown.
- Deep fry the buns and turn them over in the oil occasionally. Total frying time can take between 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once golden brown, transfer them into a lined plate or container to drain excess oil.
How did the buns turn out? Isn’t it so satisfying to watch them cook and expand in the oil? From the crust to the inside, it is a delightful treat that can warm your heart and fill your stomach!
Tips
How to Make Self-Raising Flour
According to Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen, you can make self-raising flour by combining all-purpose flour and baking powder. You can also add a bit of salt as an additional leavening agent.
Tips to Make Nigerian Buns
- One of the best tips for this recipe is to prepare the batter properly. It should be thick enough to separate as you fry it.
- In addition, remember to wait for the oil to heat up.
- Preheating oil can prevent the buns from sticking together and avoid oily buns.
- Cook the buns in batches to deep fry them properly. Turn the buns over in the oil to fry them all over.
- I recommend using a slotted turner to drain the oil.
How to Store Batter
Keep the batter in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate it to use within two days. Before deep-frying, let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
The batter can also be frozen in freezer bags for several weeks.
Baked Nigerian Buns
Suppose you prefer to bake the buns, grease cupcakes, or muffin tins with butter, and scoop out some batter. Then, preheat the oven to 190°C for 5 minutes. Bake the buns for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nigerian Buns Variations
For this recipe, the egg is an optional ingredient that you can omit. For the flavoring of the buns, you can add grated lime, nutmeg, vanilla extract, coconut flakes, butter, cinnamon, and other seasonings of your choice.
On the other hand, for a dairy-free recipe, you can exclude evaporated milk and egg. However, note that this will likely alter the texture and flavor of the buns.
Recommended Tools
- Pot: Deep fry the butter in a pot of oil.
- Wooden spatula: Stir the ingredients together to form the batter.
- Ice cream scooper: Scoop out the batter for uniform-sized buns.
- Slotted turner: Use the slotted turner to cook the buns on all sides.
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How to Serve Nigerian Buns
You can serve these Nigerian buns as appetizers, snacks, or desserts. Note that these are best consumed within 2 hours of deep frying.
It can also be paired with sauces and dips of your choice, such as chocolate syrup or ketchup. For added flavor, you can inject your favorite filling inside, such as Strawberry Jam or Peanut Butter. Alternatively, slice the buns into halves and pipe your preferred filling.
The batter can even coat other food, such as hotdogs, hard-boiled eggs, and other ingredients appropriate for deep-fried pastry.
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Keep the buns in an airtight container at room temperature to consume within a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my buns better?
Improving the buns starts with ensuring you have effective ingredients. Also, prepare and season your batter well to give it flavor.
Preheat the oil to prevent sticking and oily buns. Drain the oil as you take it out of the heat.
Which flour is best for buns?
There are many flour options you can use. Bread and plain flour can be good options. I especially suggest self-raising flour because of the high rise it can give. It also makes the buns airy and fluffy!
What makes buns soft and fluffy?
Leavening agents like yeast and baking powder can make buns soft and decadent. Check if the products are still viable for use.
Can you use other sweeteners?
Of course! Aside from sugar, you can use other sweetening agents but note that this can cause changes in texture and flavor. You can use powder or liquid seasonings.
Nigerian Buns (Plus Video)
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 egg (optional)
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ¼ cup water
- 1 pinch baking powder
- 1 pinch sea salt
- sunflower oil (enough to deep fry)
Instructions
- Make the batter. Combine the self-raising flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, egg, and evaporated milk in a bowl. Add water and mix thoroughly until it forms a thick batter. Set it aside.
- Cook the buns. Heat sunflower oil in a pot over a medium fire. Dip an ice cream scoop in the hot oil. Scoop out some batter and lower it into the oil. Wait for them to turn brown. Deep fry the buns and turn them over in the oil occasionally. Total frying time can take between 10 to 15 minutes. Once golden brown, transfer them into a lined plate or container to drain excess oil.
Video
Notes
- Use the seasoning of your choice to make the buns more flavorful.
- Use a deep pot to cook the buns properly.
- Wait for the oil to heat up before frying the batter.
Nutrition
