Combine all-purpose flour with sugar and set aside.
Add butter and knead to form a grainy dough.
Dissolve salt in water. Add salt water to the flour mixture.
Mix until you get a consistency that is somewhat sticky but still comes off your fingers.
Cover with cling wrap plastic or a damp towel for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, on a clean dry surface dusted with flour roll out the dough and cut it into circles using a round cookie cutter or the lid of a mason jar.
Preheat the oil to 375 degrees. Fry arepas for 45-50 seconds on both sides. Until golden brown.
Remove from the oil carefully and place the arepas over a plate lined up with paper towels. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before eating.