I once attended a Nigerian party where that was more like a ”Puff Puff festival” because, all guests dipped their hands down the bottom of the Puff Chafer till it was finished before asking if there were other dishes. . In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact ingredients, the perfect batter method, expert frying tips, common mistakes to avoid, and fun variations, so you can finally master Nigerian Puff Puff Recipe: How to Make Puff Puff
If you’ve ever tasted Nigerian Puff Puff, then you already know why this soft, sweet, stretchy West African snack steals hearts at every party. Because puff puff needs only a few ingredients and comes together very quickly, it remains one of the easiest snacks anyone can make at home.
What Is Nigerian Puff Puff?
Nigerian Puff Puff is one of West Africa’s most beloved street and party snacks, and for good reason. Imagine a bowl of simple ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, and warm water, coming together to create something unbelievably soft, airy, and irresistible. After mixing, the dough rests quietly, slowly rising until it becomes light, bubbly, and full of life. That pillowy batter is then dropped gently into hot oil, where it transforms right before your eyes.
As each scoop hits the oil, it puffs instantly → expanding into perfectly round, golden-brown balls. The outside fries into a thin, delicate crust that is slightly crisp when you bite into it, while the inside stays warm, stretchy, and melt-in-the-mouth soft. The combination of sweetness, subtle nutmeg, and warm, yeasty aroma makes it feel like comfort in every bite.
Ingredients for the Best Nigerian Puff Puff
Here’s what you need:
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3 cups of All-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon of Active dry yeast
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2 1/2 cups of Warm water or milk
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1/2 cup of Sugar
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1/2 teaspoon of Salt
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1/2 tablespoon of Nutmeg (optional but recommended for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of Ground Pepper (optional)
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1 liter of vegetable Oil for deep frying
How to Make Puff Puff Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather and Measure All Ingredients
First, gather your basic puff puff ingredients so you start on the right foot. Measure your flour, sugar, yeast, warm water, salt, and nutmeg accurately. Activate your yeast by dissolving it in luke warm water and keep aside. This step helps you avoid mistakes later, and it also ensures your batter forms smoothly. Additionally, measuring beforehand makes the process faster and cleaner.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, pour your flour into a large mixing bowl. Add your sugar, salt, nutmeg if you are using it . Then, use your hand or a whisk to combine everything thoroughly. It guarantees that the ingredients spreads evenly through your entire batch of puff puff.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Then, add your fresh ground pepper, warm milk and begin adding warm water slowly while stirring the mixture. Keep stirring in one direction until the batter becomes smooth, stretchy, and slightly thick. Avoid adding all the water at once. Instead, add small amounts so you don’t end up with a runny batter. As you mix, the yeast starts activating, and gradually, the scent becomes warm and inviting.
Step 4: Allow the Batter to Rise
After that, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot so the yeast can work. Allow the batter to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. During this time, bubbles will form across the surface, showing that the yeast is alive and working perfectly. Consequently, your puff puff will turn out soft and airy.
Step 5: Heat the Oil and Scoop In the Batter
Now, pour oil into a deep pot and heat it on medium heat. Add a chunk of onions for flavor. To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of batter inside; it should rise to the top immediately. Once the oil is hot enough, scoop small balls of batter with your palm and release them gently in a circular shape into the oil. The batter will puff up right away, turning golden as it fries. Additionally, allow them to float freely so they cook evenly.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden Brown
Finally, fry the puff puff until they turn deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them as they cook so they don’t burn. Once done, transfer them onto a paper towel to drain excess oil. They should look round, soft, and lightly crisp on the outside. At this point, you can serve them hot, dust them with sugar, or pair them with pepper sauce for extra spice.
Tips on How to Fry Puff Puff Perfectly
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Heat oil until moderately hot (about 350°F / 175°C).
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Then Scoop small portions of batter into the oil at a time.
- Also, do not overcrowd the pan to give room for turning.
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Always fry both sides until golden brown while turning occasionally.
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Finally, medium heat gives puff puff time to puff and cook through.
Common Puff Puff Mistakes & Fixes on Nigerian Puff Puff Recipe: How to Make Puff Puff
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Flat puff puff: batter is too watery
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Puff puff not rising: yeast is expired or water is too hot
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Too oily: oil was not hot enough
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Burning outside, raw inside: heat was too high
Flavor Variations of Nigerian Puff Puff You Should Try
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Spicy Pepper Puff Puff (add fresh pepper)
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Cinnamon Sugar Puff Puff
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Banana Puff Puff (add mashed banana)
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Chocolate Puff Puff
Puff Puff Without Yeast (Alternative Method)
Refer to Step by Step Recipe on No Yeast Puff Puff.
If you don’t have yeast, use:
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Baking powder
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Milk or warm water
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Sugar
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Flour
This version is quicker but less stretchy.
How to Store and Reheat Nigerian Puff Puff
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Store at room temperature for 1 day
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Refrigerate for 2–3 days
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Freeze up to 1 month
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Reheat: air fryer or oven at low heat
Puff Puff Nutrition & Calories
A ball of 54 g contains
For a lighter version, air fry or oven-bake them.
FAQ About Nigerian Puff Puff Recipe: How to Make Puff Puff
Why is my puff puff not rising?
Your yeast may be expired or the water was too hot (which kills yeast).
Can I make puff puff without nutmeg?
Yes, but nutmeg gives the signature Nigerian flavor.
Why are my puff puff flat?
Your batter may be too watery or you didn’t allow it to rise enough.
How long should puff puff rise?
Between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on temperature.
Can I air fry puff puff?
Yes—brush with oil and bake/air fry at 350°F.
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