Air Fryer Naan Bread: Timing And Techniques

Naan bread is a soft, leavened flatbread that is typically cooked in a tandoor, an urn-shaped oven made of clay. However, you can easily make naan bread at home in an air fryer, which is more convenient and energy-efficient. The air fryer method produces a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. It usually takes around 10 minutes to cook naan bread in an air fryer, but the timing may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of doneness.

How to make the dough

To make the dough for naan bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour (bread flour or all-purpose flour)
• Yeast (instant/rapid-rise yeast or active dry yeast)
• Sugar (white sugar or honey)
• Salt
• Warm water
• Olive oil or ghee/butter
• Yogurt (optional)
• Egg (optional)
• Milk (optional)
• Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. You can also add anise seeds or other spices like nigella seeds, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for extra flavour.
• Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, olive oil or melted butter/ghee, and yogurt (if using). You can also add an egg and milk to make the dough richer.
• Mix the dry and wet ingredients: Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the wet ingredients. Mix everything together with a spatula or a wooden spoon until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring the dough together into a ball. The dough should be sticky and soft but not too sticky that it sticks to your hands. Adjust with flour if needed.
• Proof the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
• Shape the dough: Dust your work surface with flour and place the dough on top. Shape the dough into a rectangle or a circle and cut it into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and dust with flour.
• Let the dough rest: Place the dough balls on a lightly floured surface and cover them with a lightweight tea towel. Let them rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes until they increase in size by about 50%.

Now your naan dough is ready to be rolled out and cooked! You can cook the naan in a cast iron skillet, a non-stick pan, or an air fryer. Enjoy your freshly made naan bread!

How to cook the naan bread

How to Cook Naan Bread in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Flour
• Greek Yogurt
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Butter
• Garlic
• Coriander/cilantro
• Nigella seeds
• Salt
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Milk
• Eggs
• Baking powder
• Onion seeds
• Ghee

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.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F or 400°F, depending on the recipe.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the naan in the basket and cook for 5-10 minutes.
• Flip the naan over and cook for a further 3-10 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown.
• Remove the naan from the air fryer and brush with melted butter or garlic butter.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure the naan cooks evenly.
• Use Greek yogurt for a soft and fluffy texture.
• Be gentle with the dough to avoid tough naan bread.
• Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes to make it easier to roll out.
• Flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Adjust cooking time as needed, as air fryers vary in temperature and power.
• Keep the naan thin for the best results.
• Avoid overcrowding by cooking the naan in batches if necessary.
• Brush with butter or oil for added flavour and moisture.

How to store naan bread

Naan bread is a delicious and versatile Indian flatbread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Knowing how to store it properly is crucial to maintaining its freshness and taste. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store naan bread:

Storing Naan Bread in the Fridge

If you want to keep your naan bread fresh for a few extra days, the refrigerator is your best option. Here's what you need to do:

• Wrap the naan: Start by wrapping each piece of naan individually in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps the bread from drying out.
• Label and date: Label the packaging with the date of storage so you know when the naan was stored. This helps ensure you consume it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Store in the fridge: Place the wrapped or containerized naan in the main body of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more stable.
• Be mindful of duration: While refrigeration extends freshness, it is recommended to consume refrigerated naan within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.
• Reheat gently: When you're ready to enjoy the naan, you can either consume it cold or reheat it. Reheat gently using the oven, stovetop, or microwave to avoid overcooking. Wrap the naan in foil and warm it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Storing Naan Bread in the Freezer

Freezing is ideal if you want to store naan bread for a longer period. This method helps preserve its freshness and taste. Here's how:

• Prepare the naan: Allow homemade naan to cool completely before packaging it for the freezer. If using pre-packaged naan, check the instructions.
• Wrap securely: Individually wrap each piece of naan in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers: Place the wrapped naan in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Remove excess air from the bags to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
• Label and date: As with refrigeration, label the packaging with the date of storage to keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Store in the freezer: Place the wrapped naan in the freezer, preferably in a location where it won't get crushed. Ensure the freezer temperature is set at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
• Thaw and reheat: When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired number of naan pieces at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. Then, 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

Storing naan bread at room temperature is a suitable option if you plan to consume it within a few days. Here's how to do it properly:

• Use a bread box or bag: Store the naan in a bread box or bread bag to protect it from outside elements and maintain freshness. These containers provide ventilation and help prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold.
• Choose a cool, dry area: Find a cool and dry spot in your kitchen or pantry with a consistent temperature. Avoid placing it near heat sources or direct sunlight, as this can cause the naan to dry out or become stale.
• Use a clean cloth or 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 odors: Naan bread can easily absorb strong odors, so store it away from strong-smelling foods, spices, or cleaning products.
• Consume promptly: When storing naan at room temperature, consume it within 2-3 days to ensure freshness and flavor. After this period, the naan may become dry and lose its softness.

Additional Tips for Storing Naan Bread

• Store freshly baked: For the best taste and texture, consume naan bread immediately after baking. Homemade naan is especially delicious when it's still warm and fresh.
• Allow to cool: Before storing, ensure the naan has cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation and moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess or mold.
• Avoid moisture: Moisture is the enemy of naan bread. Make sure the naan is completely dry before storing and avoid humid environments.
• Avoid storing with moist foods: Keep naan separate from moist foods like curries or sauces to prevent moisture transfer, which can affect its texture.
• Reheat with care: When reheating stored naan, avoid overcooking. Use gentle techniques like the oven or stovetop to restore its softness.
• Store in appropriate portions: If you won't be consuming a whole batch at once, store the naan in smaller portions to thaw or reheat only what you need.
• Label and date containers: Whether storing in the fridge or freezer, label the containers with the date of storage to easily track how long the naan has been stored.

How to reheat naan bread

If you have leftover naan bread, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer to restore its original texture and warmth. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 350°F. This usually takes around 3 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. Preheating ensures even cooking and achieves that perfect, soft and warm texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Naan Bread

Break the naan bread into multiple pieces so they fit into your air fryer. If you have a particularly large air fryer, you may not need to break the naan, but ensure it doesn't overlap with the edges of the basket.

Step 3: Place the Naan in the Air Fryer

Place the naan bread pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Overlapping may cause uneven heating. You may need to work in batches if you have a lot of naan bread.

Step 4: Reheat the Naan

Cook the naan bread for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as air fryer temperatures can vary. The naan is ready when it is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside.

Step 5: Brush with Butter or Garlic Butter (Optional)

For added flavour and moisture, brush the naan with melted butter or garlic butter. You can also sprinkle it with herbs like coriander or parsley.

Tips for Reheating Naan Bread:

• Reheating naan in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to restore its warmth and texture.
• You can also reheat naan in a toaster or oven for a crispier texture.
• If you have frozen naan bread, ensure it is defrosted before reheating.
• For best results, consume reheated naan bread immediately.

How to adapt the recipe

There are several ways to adapt the naan air fryer recipe to suit your taste preferences, dietary requirements, and equipment. Here are some suggestions:

• Gluten-free option: If you want to make gluten-free naan, simply replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavour may vary slightly.
• Yogurt variations: While Greek yogurt is recommended for its thick consistency, you can experiment with regular yogurt. If you choose to use regular yogurt, you may need to strain it first to remove excess moisture.
• Dairy-free option: Instead of using butter or ghee, you can brush the cooked naan with olive oil for added flavour and moisture.
• Vegan option: To make the recipe vegan, use plant-based alternatives for the yogurt and butter/ghee.
• Toppings and seasonings: Get creative with your toppings and seasonings! You can brush the naan with garlic butter, sprinkle herbs like coriander (cilantro) or parsley, or add fillings like Peshwari or Keema. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as fresh rosemary or cilantro. Additionally, you can sprinkle parmesan cheese on top before air frying, add Italian seasoning to the dough, or use pesto sauce for a flavourful twist.
• Sweet variations: For a sweet twist, you can sprinkle garlic powder into the dough or use honey instead of sugar.
• Milk alternatives: If you don't have milk or need a dairy-free option, you can use water or plant-based milk alternatives like almond or soy milk.
• Cooking method: If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the naan on a stovetop skillet or in an oven. Adjust the cooking method and time accordingly.
• Mini naan: You can divide the dough into smaller portions to make mini naan, perfect for appetizers or snacks.
• Naan chips: Cut the cooked naan into triangular or rectangular pieces, brush with olive oil and seasonings, then air fry until crispy. These naan chips are great for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or cheese dip.
• Grilled cheese: Use the naan as bread to make a unique grilled cheese sandwich. Fill it with your favourite cheese and grill until gooey and golden brown.
• Pizza base: Spread marinara or pizza sauce, cheese, and your favourite toppings on the naan, then air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy pizza, bake it for a little longer.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to create your own unique variations of naan bread!

Frequently asked questions