Another reason for the “hole in the middle” is for even cooking. With doughnuts, bagels, etc., the outside overcooks while the inside is still doughy.
I make “fry bread” quite often for Indian Tacos. Especially for out of state guests, who are not familiar with our local Lakota Sioux treat. Instead of the hole in the middle, I just make the dough round very thin in the middle, with more thickness toward the outer edges. This way, when dropped into the hot oil, it cooks very evenly.
Just make the dough round very thin in the middle, with more thickness toward the outer edges. This way, when dropped into the hot oil, it cooks very evenly.<<<
Good idea, then my honey won’t be dripping out of the hole.
Above this post is mine on how it struck me.