Landscape photo of crispy homemade saucer pastries filled with savory ingredients, arranged on a white ceramic platter with vibrant garnishes and soft shadows against a clean, modern background.
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Frying Saucer Recipe: The Ultimate Crispy Delight at Home

Creating a delicious frying saucer at home is not just about preparing a snack—it’s about embracing tradition, technique, and the sheer joy of deep frying. This guide explores every angle of the frying saucer recipe, helping home cooks master a crispy, savory dish that’s portable, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. From dough to filling, from frying to freezing, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.

What is a Frying Saucer?

A frying saucer is a deep-fried, round-shaped pouch made from dough and filled with a flavorful, often savory filling. The term can sometimes be confused with flying saucers due to their disk-like appearance, but these are culinary creations, not UFOs. Popular in various cultures under different names, frying saucers are known for their golden, crispy outer layer and soft, juicy interior.

The Origin of the Saucer Recipe

Though there is no single origin story, the saucer recipe has emerged from culinary traditions where portable and filling snacks are essential. Similar in spirit to empanadas, meat pies, or handheld pastries, these deep fryer recipes have taken on regional twists across households.

Why Choose a Frying Saucer?

If you’re looking for an easy to make, crispy, and savory snack that appeals to all ages, the frying saucer is ideal. It’s one of those favorite recipes that combines crunchy texture with rich filling. You can experiment with ground beef, potatoes, veggies, or cheese for variety.

Ingredients for the Frying Saucer

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Seasoning or spice blend of your choice
  • Optional: chopped veggies or cheese

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: Mix

In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Add oil and stir.

Step 2: Knead

Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms. It should not be sticky. Knead for 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Rest

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Making the Filling

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a pan, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess oil.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Add chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasoning. Stir and cook for a minute or two more.

Step 3: Cool It

Allow the filling to cool completely before assembly.

Assembling the Frying Saucers

Step 1: Divide

Divide the dough into small balls and flatten into a round shape.

Step 2: Fill

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each disk.

Step 3: Fold and Seal

Fold over and press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to press the edges for a classic pastry look.

Frying the Saucers

Using a Fryer or Pan

Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pan. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

Fry to Golden Brown

Fry each saucer until golden and crispy—about 3–4 minutes on each side.

Drain the Excess Oil

Place on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

For safe frying practices, refer to this oil temperature guide from Serious Eats.

Tips for Getting a Crispy Outer Layer

  • Use dry dough.
  • Ensure oil temperature is consistent.
  • Avoid overfilling.
  • Seal edges well to prevent leaks.

Freeze Your Frying Saucers for Later

To make these ahead of time:

  • Assemble as usual.
  • Place on a tray lined with parchment and freeze.
  • Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container.

To cook from frozen, fry directly—just add a minute or two.

Learn more about freezing dough foods from The Spruce Eats.

Reheat Instructions

If you have leftover frying saucers, store them in the fridge or freezer:

  • Refrigerator: Use within 3 days.
  • Freezer: Use within a month.

To reheat:

  • Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
  • Air fryer: 5–6 minutes at 375°F

Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy texture.

More on reheating fried food without sogginess at Epicurious.

Making Your Frying Saucer Healthier

  • Use whole wheat flour.
  • Try air-frying instead of deep frying.
  • Use lean beef or plant-based alternatives.
  • Add chopped veggies to the filling.

Creative Variations to Try

Vegetarian Saucer Recipe

  • Replace meat with mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, and seasoning.

Cheesy Jalapeño Frying Saucer

  • Add cheese and chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Breakfast Flying Saucers

  • Scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and cheese make a great morning option.

Dough Tips for the Perfect Pastry

  • Always use warm water to knead.
  • Letting the dough rest helps with elasticity.
  • Flatten evenly to ensure uniform frying.

More dough handling techniques can be found at King Arthur Baking.

Saucer vs. Flying Saucer: What’s the Difference?

Flying saucers often refer to UFOs or novelty ice cream sandwiches, while saucers in cooking refer to the crispy, savory disk-shaped pastries like these frying saucers.

Why You’ll Love This Yummy Snack

  • It’s homemade.
  • It’s customizable.
  • You can freeze and reheat with ease.
  • It fits any occasion, from lunch to party appetizers.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Soggy texture: Caused by low oil temperature or under-frying.
  • Leaking filling: Not sealing the edges well.
  • Dry dough: Not enough rest time or improper kneading.

Nutrition Insights

A standard frying saucer contains:

  • Calories: ~250–350 (depends on size/filling)
  • Protein: ~10–15g (if using beef)
  • Fat: ~10–15g (from meat and frying oil)

For detailed nutrition breakdowns, see Healthline’s calorie counter.

Storing Tips: Keep It Fresh

  • Use an airtight container to retain crispness.
  • Avoid stacking until they cool.
  • Use parchment to separate layers in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making them for the first time or improving your old saucer recipe, these crispy, savory pouches offer a fantastic home-cooking project. The frying saucer stands out for its flavor, texture, and versatility—making it a must-try recipe for any home chef.

Explore more deep fryer recipes at The Kitchn.

Enjoy experimenting, and may your frying saucers always be golden brown and delicious!

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