Air-Fryer Naan: Is It Possible?

Naan is a soft, leavened flatbread that originated from South Asia, particularly India. It is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven) and is known for its fluffy texture and slightly crispy crust. You can easily make naan in an air fryer, which is more convenient and energy-efficient than traditional cooking methods. The air fryer method produces a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It is also healthier, as it cuts down on added fats. You can make naan in an air fryer using simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, yeast, and milk. The preparation and cooking process is relatively quick and easy, and you can even reheat naan in the air fryer to enjoy it warm and fresh.

How to make naan in an air fryer

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Milk or warm water
• Sugar
• Yogurt (plain)
• Active dry yeast
• Nigella seeds (optional)
• Melted garlic butter (optional)
• Salt
• Butter or oil
• Coriander leaves (optional)

Method

First, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Cover and leave to sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become frothy.

In a separate bowl, add the flour, salt, plain yogurt, and water. Then, add the yeast mixture and combine to form a dough.

Grease the dough with oil and cover with plastic wrap. Leave the dough to rise in a warm place for at least 1-2 hours. It should double in size.

Next, divide the dough into 4-10 equal pieces and roll into balls. Use a rolling pin to flatten the balls into oval shapes, around 4-5 inches long and 1/4 inch thick.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (170-180°C). Brush the air fryer basket with butter or oil.

Place the naan in the basket and cook for 4-6 minutes on one side, or until golden brown. Do not flip the naan, as this will make it hard.

Once cooked, brush the naan with melted butter for a softer crust and a glossy finish.

Tips

• If you want to make garlic naan, prepare garlic butter by mixing crushed garlic and coriander leaves into softened butter. Brush this onto the naan after cooking.
• For plain naan, sprinkle nigella seeds on top of the rolled-out dough and gently press them in with a rolling pin.
• For butter naan, brush the dough with plain melted butter.
• For a traditional touch, briefly place the cooked side of the naan directly over an open flame to create the iconic blisters on the surface.
• You can freeze cooked naan by allowing it to come to room temperature, then wrapping it in foil and placing it in a freezer bag.
• You can also freeze raw naan dough by forming it into a ball, placing it in a thick plastic bag sprayed with oil, and storing it in the freezer.

How to store leftover naan

Naan is a soft, leavened flatbread that is best enjoyed warm and soft. It can be frozen or stored at room temperature. Here are some ways to store leftover naan:

Freezing Naan

If you want to freeze naan, it is recommended to place it in an airtight plastic bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To defrost the naan, it is best to leave it to thaw at room temperature overnight, and then reheat it in an oven or on a skillet at high heat. You can coat it lightly with ghee, oil, or butter before reheating to add some flavour and moisture.

Storing Naan at Room Temperature

If you plan to consume the naan within a day, you can store it at room temperature. Place the naan in an airtight container or a plastic bag. The naan will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

How to reheat naan in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat naan in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (around 180°C). This usually takes about 3 minutes.
• If your naan bread is frozen, there is no need to defrost it first. Simply remove it from its packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. If it is freshly made, allow it to cool to room temperature before reheating.
• Brush the air fryer basket with butter or spray it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also brush the naan with butter or oil for added flavour and moisture.
• Place the naan in the air fryer basket. If it is freshly made, you may want to spritz it with a little water before cooking.
• Cook the naan for 3-4 minutes. If it is store-bought, it is best to cook it on one side only to prevent it from hardening. Freshly made naan can be cooked on both sides until golden brown.
• Serve immediately. If you are cooking multiple naans, keep the first batch warm by wrapping it in a dish towel while the others cook.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and toppings to add extra flavour to your naan. For a traditional touch, briefly place the cooked side directly over an open flame to create the iconic blisters on the surface.

The history of naan bread

Naan is a white, leavened flatbread that is now an integral part of Indian cuisine. It is believed that the origin of naan dates back to ancient times, where it was first introduced alongside the new cooking method of the tandoor by the Delhi Sultans. The word naan comes from the Persian nân-e sangak, meaning “bread baked on [hot] pebbles.”. The first recorded mention of naan bread is from around 1300 CE by Amir Kashrau (1253-1325 CE), an Indo-Persian poet, scholar, and musician who wrote of naan being cooked in the Imperial Court of Delhi. Later records from the sixteenth century suggest that it was cooked in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Emperors, who ate the bread as part of their breakfast along with keema (minced beef curry) or kebabs. Due to the specialised way naan is cooked and the rarity of the ingredients during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it is likely that naan remained a delicacy only eaten by the upper classes of Indian society throughout this time.

In the eighteenth century, naan began to be mentioned throughout all classes of Indian society, as it became a staple food for everyone. Towards the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Western world was introduced to naan by English historian and clergyman William Tooke – the first time the name appeared in English. Indian restaurants were opened in England as early as 1810 when Sake Dean Mahomed opened the Hindoostande Diner after retiring from the British East India Company. The popularity of Indian dishes such as naan has grown steadily in the two hundred years since.

What to serve with naan

Naan bread is a versatile flatbread that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with naan:

Classic Curries and Soups

Naan is a perfect companion to soups and stews, absorbing their rich flavours and adding a delightful textural contrast. It also pairs well with classic Indian curries, which are creamy with a spicy kick.

Mediterranean Wraps

When short on time, a Mediterranean wrap is a great option. Fill your naan with simple ingredients like shredded chicken, hummus, tzatziki sauce, chopped fresh veggies, a homemade red wine vinaigrette, and crumbled cheese.

Sandwiches

Naan's soft texture and slightly charred flavour make it an innovative choice for sandwiches. It can hold together robust ingredients while complementing both savory and sweet fillings.

Mexican Delights

Naan can be used in place of tortillas to make tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and chalupas. It's a must-try fusion that combines the best of Mexican and Indian cuisines.

Artisanal Pizza

Use naan as a pizza base—spread some marinara or pesto, sprinkle cheese, add your choice of toppings, and bake until the cheese melts.

Bite-sized Bliss

Try crispy naan chips or bite-sized pillowy Naan Dippers topped with tangy dips. You can also smear honey goat cheese on small pieces of naan for a tasty snack.

Breakfast

Start your day with avocado toast on naan, topped with a sunny-side-up egg and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. You can also spread almond butter and honey on naan for a sweet breakfast treat.

Dessert

Drizzle naan with honey and sprinkle on some cinnamon and sugar, then grill it for a caramelized treat. Or, top it with Nutella and strawberries for a dessert pizza!

Frequently asked questions