Nigerian Buns: How to Make Authentic African Crunchy Buns

February 4, 2025 Odiraa

Nigerian Buns: How to Make Authentic African Crunchy Buns

Please watch: https:https://youtu.be/ncz4FWZRR-Y

Experience Africa through Its Flavors!

You can transport yourself to the heart of Nigeria without leaving your kitchen by making these irresistible Nigerian buns!

These delicious fried dough balls have a perfectly crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.

A beloved street food, they are found across Nigeria and many other West African countries.

Nigerian bun resemble cake donuts but are less sugary, making them an ideal snack for those who enjoy a balance of sweetness and texture.

Their distinct flavor and rich taste make them unforgettable!

What Are Nigerian Buns?

Buns Nigeria are a popular West African fried snack made from a simple batter of flour, baking powder, milk, sugar, and optional flavorings like nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla.

These buns are a staple treat in Nigeria, bringing joy to both young and old.

Why Are Nigerian Buns So Special?

Part of Nigerian Culture – Nigerian buns are deeply rooted in the country’s food culture, often sold by street vendors and enjoyed at gatherings.
A Popular Snack – They are as well-loved as their close relatives: puff-puff, fish rolls, meat pies, and sausage rolls.
Easy & Quick to Make – Unlike puff-puff, which requires yeast and rising time, buns come together in just about 30 minutes.
Less Oily than Puff-Puff – Although deep-fried, they absorb less oil, making them a lighter option.

If you’ve never made homemade snacks before, this easy recipe will change your mind. You’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along!

Buns Recipe Nigerian: Customizing Your Nigerian Buns at Home

There are many variations of Nigerian buns. The version shared in this recipe has a crispy exterior and a soft interior, with a balanced sweetness.

However, you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste:

Add extra sugar for a sweeter taste.
Swap nutmeg for cinnamon or vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different types of milk (regular, evaporated, or sweetened condensed milk) to achieve unique results.

Feel free to use this recipe as a foundation, making it once and tweaking it according to your preferences!

Traditional Nigerian Buns Recipe

Ingredients for Buns Nigerian

450g (3 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
70g (1/3 cup) sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
1 large egg
3 tablespoons butter (softened)
125ml (1/2 cup) whole milk or evaporated milk
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and nutmeg (or your chosen spice). Stir well.
Add Wet Ingredients – Whisk the egg separately, then add it to the dry mix along with softened butter and milk. Mix gently until the dough is well combined but not overmixed.
Rest the Dough – Cover and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare for Frying – Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. The oil should be deep enough to submerge an egg-sized dough ball.
Test the Oil Temperature – Use a skewer or drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
Shape & Fry – Scoop the batter using an oiled or wet hand, a spoon, or an ice cream scoop. Gently drop each portion into the hot oil.
Control the Heat – Reduce the heat slightly to ensure even cooking. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally.
Check for Doneness – Pierce a bun with a skewer to confirm the inside is fully cooked. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Drain Excess Oil – Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

How to Serve Nigerian Buns

Nigerian buns are mainly eaten as a snack but can also be enjoyed as a breakfast item alongside tea or coffee.

They taste best when served warm but are still delicious at room temperature. Perfect for:

Parties
Side dishes
Quick snacks
Light breakfast

Storage Tips

Nigerian buns are best eaten fresh but can last:

1-2 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
Reheating tip: Warm in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Nigerian Buns

Size Matters – Keep buns small to ensure they cook evenly inside.
Oil Temperature is Key – Too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil; too hot, and they’ll brown too fast while staying raw inside.
Test First – Fry one test batch to ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the whole batch.

Nigerian Buns vs. Puff-Puff: What’s the Difference?

While both are snacks, they differ in texture and ingredients:

Puff-Puff: Uses yeast, making it airy and soft, with a slightly chewy texture.
Nigerian Buns: Uses baking powder, creating a denser, sometimes crunchy exterior with a soft interior.
Cooking Time: Puff-puff requires proofing time for the yeast to rise, whereas buns come together much faster.