Why You’ll Love Soft Fried Buns Recipe

Crispy on the outside and pillowy-soft on the inside
Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions
Perfect for sweet or savory fillings—or just plain
Great for parties, picnics, or meal prepping
Delicious warm or room temperature
Can be made ahead and stored or frozen
Kid-friendly and fun to make with family
Versatile recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers
Easily adapted into smaller or larger portions
Frying gives an irresistible golden crust without being greasy

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

milk, lukewarm
water, lukewarm
instant yeast
honey
all-purpose flour
salt
unsalted butter, room temperature
oil, for frying
optional fillings (sweet or savory)

Directions

In a bowl, combine lukewarm milk, water, instant yeast, and honey. Stir and let sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
Add softened butter and knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes by hand or 6–8 minutes with a mixer).
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball. If filling, flatten the dough, add your filling in the center, and pinch the edges to seal before forming back into a ball.
Let the shaped buns rise for another 30–40 minutes, covered, until puffy.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the buns a few at a time, seam-side down, and fry until golden brown, flipping as needed.
Remove the buns and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm, dusted with sugar, or filled with your favorite ingredients.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 10 soft fried buns.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Sweet fillings: jam, Nutella, custard, fruit compote, sweetened cream cheese, or cinnamon sugar
Savory fillings: cheese, seasoned mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, spiced meat, or herbs and garlic butter
Mini buns: Divide dough into 20 smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks
Vegan version: Substitute plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and maple syrup for honey
Baked version: For a lighter option, brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place buns in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the buns in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What type of yeast should I use?

Instant yeast is ideal for this recipe as it doesn’t require proofing and shortens rise time.

Can I fill the buns before frying?

Yes, you can add sweet or savory fillings before the second rise. Just seal the dough well to prevent leaking during frying.

How do I know the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer to reach 350°F (175°C). Or test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float within seconds.

Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes. You can shape the buns and refrigerate them before the second rise. Let them come to room temperature before frying.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil work best.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the buns will be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better texture.

Can I bake these buns instead?

Yes, although they will have a different texture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.

Are these buns sweet or savory?

The base dough is slightly sweet from the honey but neutral enough to pair with both sweet and savory fillings.

How do I keep the buns from getting oily?

Make sure the oil is hot enough, don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain on paper towels after frying.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with shaping and frying.

Conclusion

Soft fried buns are a delicious, versatile treat that can be customized to suit any craving. Whether filled with jam, cheese, or left plain and dusted with sugar, these golden buns are sure to impress. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re perfect for any occasion—from everyday snacks to special celebrations.