Air Fryer Naan Bread: Quick, Easy, Crispy

Naan bread is a delicious Indian flatbread that can be enjoyed as a side dish or used as a base for various toppings. It is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and various seasonings, and is known for its fluffy texture and slightly chewy or crispy crust. While it is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), it can also be made in an air fryer.

The air fryer method offers a quicker and more efficient cooking process compared to traditional methods like oven-baking or stovetop cooking. It results in a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Additionally, using an air fryer is energy-efficient as it reduces electricity consumption.

To make naan bread in an air fryer, you will need to prepare the dough by mixing dry ingredients such as flour, yeast, and salt, and then adding wet ingredients like yogurt and milk. The dough is then proofed, either in an instant pot or on the countertop, before being rolled out into oval shapes and placed in the air fryer basket. The air fryer is preheated to a temperature of around 170-180°C or 350-360°F, and the naan is cooked for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and rewarding way to make homemade naan bread, the air fryer method is definitely worth trying!

How long does it take to heat naan bread in an air fryer?

Yes, you can heat naan bread in an air fryer. It is a convenient and rewarding way to reheat naan bread, as it is user-friendly, energy-efficient, and provides precise temperature control for consistent results.

To heat naan bread in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F or 360°F. You can also preheat to 170°C if you are making garlic naan. It usually takes around 3 minutes to preheat the air fryer. Then, break the naan bread into multiple pieces so they fit in the air fryer. Place the naan bread pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. For plain naan, sprinkle nigella seeds on top and gently press them in with a rolling pin. For butter naan, brush the top of the naan with melted butter. For garlic naan, brush the naan with garlic butter.

Cook the naan in the air fryer for 3-6 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. You may need to work in batches and keep the cooked naans warm if you are making a large batch. The naans need to cook in one layer. It is a good idea to flip the naan halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Your naan bread is now ready to be served warm and enjoyed!

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature to set your air fryer to when heating naan bread is around 350°F or 180°C.

It is important to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and to achieve the perfect texture. Depending on the model of your air fryer, preheating to the desired temperature can take around 3 minutes.

Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking times, so it is crucial to monitor your naan bread closely. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of the naan, but it typically takes around 3-5 minutes to heat through.

When reheating naan in an air fryer, it is important to place the naan in a single layer without overlapping the pieces. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding. Additionally, lightly brushing the naan with some melted butter, ghee, or water can help prevent it from drying out and add extra flavour.

For best results, keep a close eye on your naan as it reheats and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to prepare naan bread for the air fryer

Naan bread is a soft, leavened flatbread that is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and various seasonings. It is often cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), giving it a unique smoky flavour and fluffy texture. Preparing naan bread in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient method that yields excellent results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect naan bread every time.

Ingredients:

• Flour (All-purpose flour or Maida)
• Instant Yeast
• Warm Milk or Water
• Yogurt (unsweetened)
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Optional seasonings: nigella seeds, garlic, butter, coriander leaves

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Combine the dry ingredients, including flour, yeast, salt, and milk powder, in a mixing bowl. Then, add the wet ingredients: yogurt and warm milk. Use a dough hook attachment to knead the mixture for about 6 minutes. Incorporate olive oil and continue kneading for an additional 4 minutes until the dough achieves a soft and slightly sticky consistency. If the dough appears dry, you can add a little extra warm milk.

Step 2: First Proofing

For the first proofing, you have two options: using an Instant Pot or proofing on your countertop. For the Instant Pot method, grease the inside of the pot with oil and place the dough inside. Close the lid, select the yogurt setting, ensure the vent is sealed, and set a timer for 1 hour. If you don't have an Instant Pot, simply oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover it with a tea towel, and keep it in a warm place to proof for about 2 hours.

Step 3: Preparing Toppings (Optional)

If you want to add toppings to your naan bread, this is the step to prepare them. For garlic naan, mix crushed garlic and coriander leaves with softened butter. For plain naan, you can sprinkle nigella seeds on top of the rolled-out dough. For butter naan, simply use plain melted butter.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

Divide the proofed dough into equal portions. Lightly brush oil onto a rolling pin and use it to roll each piece of dough into an oval shape that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. If you want to add toppings, this is the time to do so. For plain naan, sprinkle nigella seeds and gently press them into the dough. For butter naan, brush the dough with melted butter. For garlic naan, brush the prepared garlic butter on top.

Step 5: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 180°C/350°F, for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your naan bread.

Step 6: Cooking the Naan Bread

Place each rolled-out dough piece into the air fryer basket and cook for 3-7 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on the naan bread to ensure it doesn't burn. You want to achieve an evenly golden brown colour on the naan.

Step 7: Creating Blisters (Optional)

If you want to create the iconic blisters on top of the naan, you can briefly expose the cooked side directly over an open flame after air frying. This step is optional but adds a traditional touch to your naan bread.

Step 8: Brushing with Butter (Optional)

Brushing the cooked naan with additional melted butter will enhance the flavour and give it a glossy finish. This step is entirely optional but will make your naan bread even more delicious.

Step 9: Serving and Storing

Your naan bread is now ready to be served warm and enjoyed! If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing. You can store the naan bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for a day. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the naan bread. To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.

How to prevent naan bread from drying out in the air fryer

Naan bread is a soft, fluffy, and chewy flatbread that is a staple in Indian cuisine. It can be easily prepared using an air fryer, which provides a quick and efficient cooking process. Here are some tips to prevent your naan bread from drying out in the air fryer:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and achieve the perfect texture. The ideal temperature is around 180°C/350°F, and it should be preheated for a few minutes before adding the naan bread.

Preparing the Naan:

If your naan bread is dry or stiff, lightly brush it with water or olive oil before placing it in the air fryer. This step helps to revive the naan, making it more pliable and preventing it from drying out during heating. When arranging the naan in the air fryer, try to keep them in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and ensure even heating.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking times, so it's important to monitor your naan bread closely. The recommended cooking time is around 3-6 minutes, but you may need to adjust it based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the naan. It is also a good idea to flip the naan halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.

Avoiding Overheating:

Overheating the naan can make it too crispy or dry. Start with the shortest recommended time, and then adjust according to your preferences. If you prefer a softer texture, you may choose not to flip the naan.

Moisture and Flavour:

To add moisture and enhance the flavour, brush the naan with garlic-infused olive oil, butter, or ghee before heating. You can also sprinkle it with herbs like coriander or parsley to add extra flavour without drying out the naan.

Storing and Reheating:

If you have leftover naan, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, it is best to refrigerate or freeze the naan. When reheating, avoid using a toaster as it can make the naan dry. Instead, use the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave to retain moisture and prevent drying.

How to add extra flavour to naan bread in the air fryer

Yes, you can heat naan bread in an air fryer. In fact, it is a great way to reheat naan bread, as it restores the fluffy texture and gives it a crispy exterior.

There are several ways to add extra flavour to naan bread in the air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Brush the naan with garlic butter. Fry some garlic and prepare a garlic butter to spread on top of the naan, just like in this Garlic Naan recipe. Be sure to watch it so that you don't burn the garlic.
• Sprinkle the naan with herbs like coriander (cilantro) or parsley.
• Add fillings like these Peshwari Naans or Keema Naan.
• Brush the naan with melted butter or ghee to serve.
• For the characteristic blistering on top of the naan, you can briefly place the cooked side directly over an open flame.
• Brush the cooked naan with melted butter after removing it from the air fryer to enhance the flavour and give it a glossy finish.
• Experiment with different seasonings, fresh herbs, and spices to create your own variations of naan bread.

Frequently asked questions