Air-Fryer Naan Bread: Is It Possible?

Naan bread is a soft, leavened flatbread that is typically cooked in a tandoor, resulting in a slightly chewy or crispy crust with a fluffy texture. However, cooking naan bread in an air fryer is a convenient alternative that yields similar results. The air fryer method simplifies the cooking process, producing a crisp exterior and a soft interior without the use of excessive oil. This approach is also energy-efficient and provides precise temperature control.

How to make naan bread dough

Yes, you can cook naan bread in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for making naan bread dough:

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 150 ml natural yogurt, lightly beaten
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 300ml (1 1/4 cup) milk
• 900g plain white flour plus more for kneading and dusting

Instructions:

• Put the milk in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Stir to mix. Set aside for 15-20 minutes or until the yeast has dissolved and the mixture is frothy.
• Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder into a separate bowl. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar, the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and yogurt and egg. Mix until a ball of dough forms.
• Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and satiny. Form it into a ball.
• Pour a small amount of oil into a large bowl and roll the ball of dough in it. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and set aside for about an hour until the dough has doubled in size.
• Punch down the dough and knead again. Divide it into six equal balls. Keep the dough covered when you are not working with it.
• Roll each ball of dough into a tear-shaped naan, about 25cm long and 13cm wide at its widest point.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place one naan in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. Flip it over and cook for another 3 minutes. The naan is done when it is puffed up and slightly browned.
• Brush the naan with melted ghee or butter and serve warm.

You can also experiment with different toppings and flavours for your naan bread. For example, you can brush it with garlic butter, sprinkle it with herbs like coriander or parsley, or add fillings like garlic and coriander.

How to cook naan bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Flour
• Greek Yogurt
• Active Dry Yeast
• Sugar
• Warm Milk
• Salt
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
• Butter
• Garlic (optional)
• Coriander or Parsley (optional)

Method

• Combine flour, Greek yogurt, yeast, sugar, and warm milk in a mixing bowl. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer.
• Knead the mixture with water (around 3-4 tablespoons) until you form a soft, smooth, and elastic dough.
• Brush some oil on top of the dough and cover with plastic wrap.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours. It should double in size.
• Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
• Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a circular or oblong shape, around 1/2 cm to 1 cm thick.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the naan in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes.
• Flip the naan and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
• Brush the naan with melted butter or garlic butter and serve warm.

Tips

• You can experiment with different toppings and flavours such as garlic, butter, herbs, or spices.
• For garlic naan, mix crushed garlic and coriander or parsley with softened butter. Brush this mixture onto the naan after cooking.
• For plain naan, sprinkle nigella seeds on top of the dough before cooking.
• For butter naan, brush the dough with melted butter before cooking.
• To get the iconic blisters on top of the naan, briefly expose the cooked side to an open flame after cooking.
• You can freeze any leftover naan for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost fully and warm in the air fryer for a few minutes.

How to make garlic butter naan bread

Yes, you can cook naan bread in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for garlic butter naan bread, which can be adapted for use with an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast or instant, rapid rise
• 3/4 cup milk (preferably warm)
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt or natural plain yogurt
• 2-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil plus 2 tablespoons extra for cooking
• 4 cups plain flour plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Method:

• Combine the water, sugar, and yeast. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble.
• Add in the milk, yogurt, oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together with your hands.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use floured hands to knead the dough until smooth, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
• Lightly grease a mixing bowl with a small spray of cooking oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about an hour until it has doubled in size.
• When ready to cook, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll into balls, then use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a large oval, about 6 inches long and 1/8 inch thick. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet or air fryer to a medium-high heat. Grease the skillet or air fryer basket all over with 1/2 teaspoon of the extra oil.
• Place one piece of naan on the oiled hot skillet or in the air fryer basket and cook until bubbles form on top (about 1-2 minutes). While cooking, brush the top with a little oil.
• Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until large golden spots appear on the bottom.
• Remove from the skillet or air fryer and wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Repeat with the remaining naan, keeping them wrapped in a towel.
• For the garlic butter topping, combine melted butter and minced garlic in a bowl. Brush each naan with the garlic butter and top with the fresh herb of your choosing.

Tips:

• If you want to store your garlic naan bread, do not brush them with the garlic butter. Instead, let them cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation, then transfer to ziplock bags. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• When ready to eat, heat them up on a pan over low-medium heat, or in the microwave for 10 seconds. Then, brush with garlic butter and enjoy!
• For freezing, follow the same steps as above (store without garlic butter) and store in the freezer for up to two months. Frozen naan bread thaws quickly at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet over low-medium heat, then brush with garlic butter.

How to store leftover naan bread

Naan bread is a delicious Indian flatbread that can be stored in several ways to keep it fresh and soft. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover naan bread:

Storing Naan Bread at Room Temperature

If you plan to consume your leftover naan bread within a few days, the best way to store it is at room temperature. Here's what you need to do:

• Allow the naan bread to cool completely before storing.
• Place the naan bread in an airtight container or resealable bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
• Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.
• Naan bread stored at room temperature will stay fresh and soft for approximately three to four days.

Storing Naan Bread in the Fridge

If you want to extend the shelf life of your leftover naan bread by a few days, you can store it in the fridge. Here's how:

• Place the leftover naan bread in an airtight container or bag. Make sure the naan bread is cooled completely before storing.
• Store the container in the fridge.
• The naan bread will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezing Naan Bread

If you don't plan on consuming the leftover naan bread within a few days, freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Here's the process:

• Allow the naan bread to cool completely to room temperature.
• Place the cooled naan bread on a baking tray lined with baking paper, making sure the loaves do not touch each other.
• Put the tray in the freezer horizontally for 2-3 hours until the naan bread is frozen.
• Once frozen, carefully transfer the naan bread into an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Seal the container or bag tightly and label it with the date.
• Frozen naan bread will stay fresh for approximately 2-3 months.

Reheating Frozen Naan Bread

To enjoy your frozen naan bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or toaster until warmed through. Brush with melted butter or ghee for added flavour and moisture.

How to reheat naan bread

Reheating naan bread in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to restore its warmth and freshness. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat naan bread:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 180°C/350°F. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired texture. The preheating time can vary depending on your air fryer, but it usually takes about 3 minutes.
• Prepare the naan bread: Break the naan bread into pieces that will fit comfortably in your air fryer. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to break the naan into smaller pieces to avoid overcrowding.
• Place the naan in the air fryer: Arrange the naan pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking.
• Reheat the naan: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the naan inside and reheat for 3-4 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the naan, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Brush with butter or ghee (optional): For added flavour and moisture, you can brush the reheated naan with melted butter, ghee, or olive oil. This step is entirely optional but can enhance the taste and texture of your naan.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the naan is warmed to your liking, it's ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a side dish with various curries, dips, or other meals.

Remember, these instructions are for reheating pre-cooked naan bread. If you're making fresh naan in the air fryer, the cooking time and temperature may differ, and you'll need to follow a recipe specifically for air fryer naan preparation.

Frequently asked questions