Air Fryer Naan Bread: Perfect Timing For Crispy Bread

Naan bread is a soft, leavened flatbread that is a staple in Indian cuisine. It typically accompanies dishes like curries, kebabs, or grilled meats. Traditionally, it is cooked in a tandoor, but an air fryer is a modern alternative that can achieve similar results. Air fryer naan bread is ready in minutes and has a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 5-10 minutes to cook naan bread in an air fryer.

How to get the perfect texture

To get the perfect texture for your naan bread, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, preheating your air fryer is essential. Set it to around 180°C/350°F and let it preheat for a few minutes before adding your naan. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that ideal texture.

Secondly, keep an eye on your naan as air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking times. Typically, naan bread cooks quickly in an air fryer, around 5-10 minutes, but it's important to flip the naan halfway through to ensure even browning. Adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.

Thirdly, the dough preparation is crucial. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and avoid overworking the dough as this can result in tough naan bread. Be gentle when shaping and rolling it out, and let the dough rest for a few minutes after mixing to relax the gluten, which will make it easier to roll out and result in a softer texture.

Additionally, the thickness of the dough matters. Roll the dough out to a thin, even thickness for the best results. Thicker dough may not cook through properly and could lead to a dense texture. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 cm to 1 cm.

Finally, after cooking, consider brushing the naan with melted butter, ghee, or olive oil. This adds flavour and moisture to the naan, giving it a softer crust and a glossy finish.

The best toppings

Naan bread is a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for the best toppings to elevate your naan bread experience:

Garlic Butter

A classic choice, garlic butter adds a delicious savoury flavour to your naan bread. You can make your own by mixing melted butter with minced garlic and fresh herbs like parsley or coriander. Brush this mixture onto the naan bread after cooking for a mouthwatering treat.

Herbs and Spices

Experiment with different herbs and spices to add a kick to your naan. Popular options include rosemary, mint, oregano, cilantro, cumin, and nigella seeds. You can mix and match these ingredients to create your own signature blend.

Cheese

Cheese is always a welcome topping, and naan bread is no exception. You can use shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella balls, or any other type of cheese you prefer. Get creative and make a naan pizza by adding tomato sauce, cheese, and your favourite toppings.

Vegetables

Load up on veggies to add some colour, texture, and nutrients to your naan bread. Try using peppers, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, or artichokes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use air fryer Italian sausage or air fryer vegetables as a topping.

Sweet Toppings

While naan bread is often served with savoury dishes, it can also be a delicious dessert option. Try topping your naan with sweet ingredients like fruit, chocolate, or honey for a unique and indulgent treat.

Dips and Sauces

Naan bread is perfect for dipping, so why not experiment with different dips and sauces? You can try traditional options like chutney or raita, or get creative with pepperoni pizza dip or spicy Zhoug sauce.

How to store naan bread

Naan bread is a delicious and versatile Indian flatbread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. To ensure it stays fresh and tasty, proper storage is essential. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store naan bread:

Storing Naan Bread in the Fridge

If you want to extend the freshness of your naan bread by a few days, the refrigerator is your best option. Here's how:

• Wrap the naan: Individually wrap each piece of naan in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent drying.
• Label and date: Label the packaging with the date of storage so you know when the naan was stored and can consume it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Place in the fridge: Store the wrapped or containerised naan in the main body of the fridge, away from the door, for optimal temperature stability.
• Be mindful of duration: While refrigeration helps, it's best to consume the naan within 2-3 days to ensure the best taste and quality. After that, it may lose its softness and flavour.

Storing Naan Bread in the Freezer

For longer-term storage, freezing is an excellent option. Freezing preserves the freshness and taste of naan, allowing you to enjoy it weeks or even months later. Here's the process:

• Prepare the naan: If using homemade naan, let it cool completely before packaging. If using pre-packaged naan, check for specific instructions.
• Wrap securely: Individually wrap each piece of naan in plastic wrap or foil to protect it from freezer burn.
• Use freezer-safe bags/containers: Place the wrapped naan in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, squeezing out excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Label and date: As with refrigeration, label the packaging with the date of storage so you can track how long it's been stored.
• Store in the freezer: Place the naan in the freezer, ideally where it won't get crushed. Ensure the freezer temperature is set at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
• Thawing and reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired number of naan at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side.

Storing Naan Bread at Room Temperature

If you plan to consume the naan within a few days and prefer a quick storage method, room temperature storage is an option. Here's how:

• Use a bread box/bag: Store the naan in a bread box or bag to protect it from outside elements and maintain freshness. These containers provide ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mould growth.
• Place in a cool, dry area: Find a spot in your kitchen or pantry with a consistent, cool temperature. Avoid placing it near heat sources or direct sunlight, as this can dry out or stale the naan.
• Use a clean cloth/paper towel: If you don't have a bread box or bag, wrap the naan in a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to prevent contamination or moisture absorption.
• Keep away from strong odours: Naan can absorb strong odours, so store it away from strong-smelling foods, spices, or cleaning products.
• Consume within 2-3 days: When storing naan at room temperature, consume it within this timeframe to maintain freshness and flavour. After that, it may become dry and lose its softness.

How to reheat naan bread

There are a few ways to reheat naan bread, but using an air fryer is one of the best methods to reheat your naan bread to perfection.

Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F. This usually takes around 3 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, break the naan bread into multiple pieces so they fit in the air fryer. Once preheated, place the naan bread pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces don't overlap too much. Cook for 3-4 minutes and serve.

Other Methods

You can also reheat naan bread in a toaster or oven for a crispy texture, or on a stovetop skillet for about 3-4 minutes.

The best type of flour to use

For a slightly fluffier and softer naan, bread flour is the best option. However, the difference between using bread flour and plain/all-purpose flour is quite marginal. Therefore, if you don't have bread flour, plain/all-purpose flour will also work well.

If you want to make gluten-free naan bread, you can use alternative flours such as rice flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavour may differ from traditional naan bread.

Additionally, strong white bread flour is recommended if you want to achieve the characteristic texture of naan bread, as it is higher in protein than plain flour. This type of flour will give your naan a fluffy centre and a crisp surface.

Frequently asked questions