How to Make Puff Puff: Ingredients and Step-by-Step Guide to Nigeria’s Favorite Snack
Puff Puff is a popular deep-fried dough snack enjoyed across Nigeria and many African countries. It’s delightfully soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden crispy exterior, slightly sweet with a hint of nutmeg that makes it irresistibly delicious. Perfect for parties, street food stalls, or just a comforting treat at home, making Puff Puff from scratch is easy and rewarding.
Image from: Sisi Jemimah
Ingredients Needed for Puff Puff
- 3 cups all-purpose (plain) flour — sifted to avoid lumps
- 10 grams (about 2 teaspoons) fast-acting dry yeast
- 200 to 230 grams granulated sugar (adjust to taste; less for less sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg (for aroma and flavor)
- 650 ml lukewarm water (not hot, not cold; helps activate the yeast)
- Vegetable oil or sunflower oil (enough for deep frying)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and dry yeast. Whisk or stir well so everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add Water and Make the Batter
Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hand. Mix until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter—somewhere between pancake and cake batter consistency. Avoid lumps.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or cloth (don’t use plastic wrap as the dough needs air to rise). Leave it in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the batter doubles in size and looks airy with bubbles.
4. Heat the Oil for Frying
Pour vegetable oil into a deep saucepan or frying pan. Heat the oil to medium temperature (about 350–375°F or 175–190°C). To test if it’s ready, drop a small bit of batter in oil—it should bubble and rise to the surface quickly.
5. Fry the Puff Puff Balls
Using your fingers or two spoons, scoop or pinch small portions of the batter and gently drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning the balls occasionally to ensure even cooking. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
6. Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to remove the puff puff from the oil. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Puff Puff
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady and allow puff puffs to cook evenly.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less sugar based on your taste preferences.
- Use fresh yeast: Check expiration dates, as expired yeast won’t rise well.
- Batter thickness: Add a little more water if the batter is too thick or a bit more flour if too runny.
- Add flair: Sprinkle with powdered sugar after frying or serve with dips, honey, or spicy suya powder for variety.
Why Puff Puff Is So Popular
Puff puff is quick to prepare, inexpensive to make, and loved by kids and adults alike. It is vegan-friendly as it contains no dairy or eggs, relying on yeast for its signature airy texture. It’s perfect for festive occasions, street food markets, or whenever you want a comforting snack.