Air-Fried Naan Bread: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Naan bread is a soft, leavened flatbread that is a staple in Indian cuisine. It is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, an urn-shaped oven made of clay. However, you can now make naan bread in an air fryer, which is a quicker and more efficient cooking method. Air fryers circulate hot air to create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This method is also energy-efficient and provides precise temperature control.

To make naan bread in an air fryer, you will typically need flour, yogurt, yeast, milk, and butter or ghee. The dough is prepared and then cooked in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown. You can also add various toppings and seasonings, such as garlic, cilantro, or nigella seeds, to customise your naan bread.

So, if you're looking for a fun and easy way to make naan bread at home, give the air fryer method a try!

How to make naan bread dough

Making naan bread dough is a simple process, but it does require some time and attention. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make naan bread dough:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on your recipe, but the basic ingredients for naan bread dough are:

• Flour (all-purpose or self-rising)
• Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
• Milk (warm)
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Butter (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Coriander or cilantro (optional)

Mixing the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Let this mixture sit for about 10-30 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is important to activate the yeast, which will help the dough rise.

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, oil, and, if using, garlic. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the bowl and stir to combine.

Kneading the Dough

Now it's time to add the dry ingredients. Start by sifting in half of the flour, along with the baking powder and salt. Mix the dough until it is smooth and lump-free. Then, gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is manageable and no longer sticky.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. Form it into a neat ball and place it back into a greased mixing bowl. Cover the dough and let it rise for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the dough to relax and develop a softer texture.

Shaping the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it for a few more minutes. Then, divide the dough into 8-12 smaller, equal-sized pieces. Form each piece into a neat ball and let them rest for at least 30 minutes.

Rolling the Dough

Use a rolling pin to flatten each dough ball into a circular or oblong shape that will fit into your air fryer. Try to roll the dough to an even thickness of about 0.5-1 cm. If your air fryer is particularly small, you may need to make the dough balls smaller so that the naan isn't too thick.

And there you have it! Your naan bread dough is now ready to be cooked in your air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer, brush the dough with some oil or cooking spray, and cook according to your air fryer's instructions. Enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly cooked naan bread!

How to cook naan bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Flour
• Greek Yogurt
• Water (for kneading)
• Milk
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Butter
• Garlic
• Coriander or Cilantro
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray

Method

• Combine flour, Greek yogurt, milk, yeast, sugar, salt, and water in a mixing bowl. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer.
• Knead the mixture on a floured surface until you have a soft, smooth, and elastic dough. You may need to add a little extra flour to get the right consistency.
• Brush some oil on top of the dough and cover with plastic wrap. Leave the dough to rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours. It should double in size.
• If you want to make garlic butter naan, mix butter, garlic, and coriander or cilantro in a small bowl.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 170°C and 400°C.
• Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten the balls into a round shape, around 0.5 cm thick.
• Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the naan in the basket, one at a time, and cook for 5-8 minutes on one side or until lightly golden brown.
• Brush the naan with garlic butter (if using) and serve warm.

Tips

• You can freeze leftover dough or cooked naan.
• Experiment with different toppings and flavours, such as garlic butter, herbs, or spices.
• For a crispy texture, reheat the naan in a toaster or oven.

How to store naan bread

Naan bread can be stored in a variety of ways, depending on whether you want to keep it fresh or freeze it for later.

Storing Fresh Naan Bread

If you want to keep your naan bread fresh, it is best to let it cool completely before storing. You can then store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two days.

Alternatively, you can wrap the naan bread in a cotton or linen cloth and keep it in a plastic bag. This method will keep the naan bread fresh for a shorter period of time, up to 12 hours.

Storing Naan Bread in the Freezer

If you want to store your naan bread for longer, freezing is a good option. You can freeze either the raw dough or the cooked naan.

To freeze raw naan dough, portion it into individual naan-sized balls and wrap them in plastic wrap or cling film. You can also place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, defrost the dough fully before rolling it out and cooking it.

To freeze cooked naan bread, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, defrost fully, then warm it in the air fryer, oven, or toaster until heated through.

Storing Naan Bread in the Fridge

If you want to store your naan bread in the fridge, it is best to cook the dough first. You can then keep the cooked naan bread in a plastic bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Tips for Storing Naan Bread

• Avoid storing naan bread in the fridge for too long, as it can become dry and hard.
• If you want to freeze naan bread, it is best to cook it first as freezing raw dough can affect its texture.
• To reheat naan bread, you can use an air fryer, oven, or toaster. Spritzing it with a little water before reheating can help keep it moist.
• If you're storing fresh naan bread, ensure it is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

How to reheat naan bread in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat naan bread in an air fryer. It is one of the most effective ways to reheat naan bread, leaving the leftover naan tasting as good as fresh. This method is effortless and works great because it reheats the naan evenly all the way through.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F/180°C. Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect texture. It usually takes around 3 minutes, depending on the air fryer you have.

Step 2: Prepare the Naan Bread

Break the naan bread into multiple pieces so they fit in the air fryer. If you have frozen naan, defrost it first by leaving it at room temperature for 3 hours or using a microwave.

Step 3: Spritz the Naan with Water

Before reheating, spritz the naan bread with a little water. This helps to add moisture back into the naan, preventing it from becoming dry and hard.

Step 4: Place the Naan in the Air Fryer

Place the naan bread pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking.

Step 5: Reheat the Naan

Cook the naan bread in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated. The cooking time may vary depending on the number of naan pieces and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Brush with Butter or Oil (Optional)

For added flavour and moisture, brush the reheated naan bread with melted butter, ghee, or olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance the taste and texture of the naan.

And that's it! You now have perfectly reheated naan bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy it as a side dish with your favourite curry or dip it in soup or stew.

How to adapt the recipe to make garlic naan bread

To adapt the recipe to make garlic naan bread in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, prepare the dough by combining flour, Greek yoghurt, yeast, sugar, water, and salt. You can also add minced garlic to the dough for an extra garlic kick. Mix and knead the dough until it forms a smooth, soft, and supple ball. Cover and let it rest and leaven for about an hour.

Next, divide the dough into equal-sized balls and roll them out into thin, flat circles or ovals. You can pull and stretch the dough with your hands to create a tapering effect. Just ensure that the dough isn't too thick, as it may not cook through properly.

Then, preheat your air fryer to around 180°C/350°F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the flattened dough in the air fryer and cook for about 3-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Finally, for the garlic flavour, you can choose to brush the cooked naan with garlic butter or garlic-infused olive oil. To make garlic butter, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic and herbs like parsley or cilantro. Alternatively, you can cook minced garlic in butter and brush this mixture onto the naan.

Your garlic naan bread is now ready to be served! It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store it or freeze it for later.

Frequently asked questions