Making Naan In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Naan is a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread that is traditionally cooked in a tandoori oven. However, it is possible to make naan in an air fryer, and it only requires a few simple ingredients. This method is not only quicker and healthier than traditional methods, but it also produces naan that is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

Air fryer naan recipe and ingredients

Naan is a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread traditionally made in a tandoor, or clay oven. However, you can make delicious naan at home in your air fryer with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Greek yogurt
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Butter (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Nigella seeds (optional)
• Coriander leaves (optional)

Optional extras for a cheesy naan:

• Mozzarella
• Feta
• Cheddar

Method:

• Combine flour and Greek yogurt either using a stand mixer or by hand.
• Transfer the naan dough onto a floured surface.
• Divide the dough into four equal pieces.
• Roll out each piece of naan dough until flat.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Cook the naan for 10 minutes, then flip it over.
• Once cooked, remove the naan from the air fryer and top with melted garlic butter, if desired.

Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure the naan cooks evenly.
• Use Greek yogurt for its thick consistency, which creates a soft and fluffy texture.
• Be gentle with the dough to avoid overworking it, which can result in tough naan bread.
• Don't skip the resting time! Allowing the dough to rest helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out and creating a softer texture.
• Flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Adjust cooking time as needed – air fryers can vary in temperature and power.
• Keep the dough thin and evenly thick for the best results. Thicker dough may not cook through properly.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket – cook the naan in batches if necessary.
• Brush with butter or oil for added flavour and moisture.

How to make naan dough

Making naan dough is a relatively simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a guide on how to make naan dough for air frying:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make naan dough:

• Flour (either self-rising or all-purpose)
• Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
• Water (warm)
• Active dry yeast
• Milk powder (optional)
• Sugar
• Salt
• Oil

Instructions

• Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. If using milk powder, add it here. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
• Add liquids: Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the warm water, yogurt, and oil. Mix until everything is combined and a soft, elastic dough is formed. You can use a stand mixer or mix by hand.
• Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful to not overwork the dough, as this can make the naan bread tough.
• Let the dough rest: Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This allows the dough to rise and become more airy.
• Divide and shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface again and divide it into 4-8 equal pieces, depending on your desired size. Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten each piece into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.

At this point, you can proceed to cook the naan in your air fryer, following the instructions provided in the sources. Enjoy your freshly made naan!

How to cook naan in an air fryer

Naan is a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread that can be easily made in an air fryer. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy delicious, freshly cooked naan at home.

Ingredients

To make naan in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour (either self-rising or all-purpose)
• Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Butter (optional)

Optional Ingredients for Flavour:

• Nigella seeds
• Coriander/cilantro leaves
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Red chilli powder
• Cheese (mozzarella, feta, cheddar, or a mix)

Method:

• Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and Greek yogurt until combined. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer. The dough should be soft.
• Rest the Dough: Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes. This allows the dough to rise.
• Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 4-8 equal pieces. Use a rolling pin to flatten each piece into a thin, oval shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
• Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Cook the Naan: Place the flattened dough in the air fryer and cook for 6-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer. Flip the naan halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Brush with Butter or Oil (optional): For added flavour and moisture, brush the cooked naan with melted butter, ghee, or olive oil as soon as it comes out of the air fryer.

Tips:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and browning of the naan.
• Use Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency, creating a softer and fluffier texture in the naan. If using regular yogurt, you may need to strain it first to remove excess moisture.
• Handle the Dough Gently: Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the naan tough. Mix until just combined and handle gently when shaping and rolling.
• Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest for a few minutes after mixing helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out and resulting in a softer texture.
• Flour Your Work Surface: Prevent the dough from sticking by generously flouring your work surface and rolling pin before rolling out the naan.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on your naan and adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to customise your naan by adding herbs, spices, or other flavourings to the dough. You can also add toppings like parmesan cheese, garlic butter, or fresh herbs.

Storing and Reheating:

• Storing: Let the naan cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or resealable bag. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can freeze it for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the naan back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through, or use a toaster or oven for a crispy texture.

Enjoy your freshly cooked naan with your favourite curry or Indian dish!

How to store leftover naan

Naan is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are several ways to store them.

Firstly, it is important to let the naan cool down completely. This can take up to 12 hours. You can speed up the process by placing the naan on a cooling rack, which allows the air to circulate. Once cooled, you can store the naan in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep the naan longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

If you don't plan on eating the naan within a few days, freezing is a great option. Place the naan in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you expect it to be in the freezer for longer than a month, it is recommended to wrap each naan individually in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and slow down the deterioration of quality. Frozen naan will keep for up to 3 months, although it is still safe to eat after this period.

Air fryer naan as a side dish

Naan is a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread that is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, or clay oven. However, you can easily make delicious naan at home in your air fryer! This can be a great side dish to accompany a range of meals, and is especially good with Indian curries.

Ingredients

To make naan in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour (either self-rising or all-purpose)
• Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Butter (optional)

You can also add some nigella seeds, coriander leaves, garlic powder, and black pepper for extra flavour.

Method

• Combine the flour and Greek yogurt either using a stand mixer or by hand.
• Transfer the naan dough onto a floured surface.
• Divide the dough into four equal pieces.
• Roll out each piece of dough until flat.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the flattened dough in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 10 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown.
• Once cooked, remove the naan from the air fryer and top with melted garlic butter, if desired.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Use Greek yogurt for the best results, as its thick consistency helps create a soft and fluffy texture.
• Be gentle with the dough to avoid overworking it, which can result in tough naan.
• Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes after mixing to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.
• Flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, as air fryers can vary in temperature and power.
• Keep the dough thin and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Brush the cooked naan with butter, ghee, or olive oil for added flavour and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer naan is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas:

• Indian curries such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Paneer Masala, or Dal Makhani.
• Flatbread wraps or sandwiches.
• Hearty vegetable stew.
• Lemon pepper garlic wings.
• Herb and ricotta stuffed pasta.
• Simple homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions