Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ve likely enjoyed the deliciousness of naan bread. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up curries, naan bread is a must-have side dish. While traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, you can achieve equally amazing results using an air fryer!
Making naan bread in an air fryer is quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients. The hot circulating air in the fryer helps create the perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft interior, just like the traditional method.
To start, you’ll need basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, yogurt, and warm water. These ingredients come together to form a simple yet flavorful dough.
Once you’ve prepared the dough, it’s time to shape it into naan bread. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them out into thin circles. You can also add toppings like minced garlic, cilantro, or nigella seeds to enhance the flavors.
Preparing the Dough
To make naan bread in an air fryer, you’ll need to start by preparing the dough. The dough for naan bread is fairly simple to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of plain yogurt and 3/4 cup of warm water. Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients together. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
- Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Kneading helps to develop the gluten in the dough and gives the naan bread a light and airy texture.
- After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, it is ready to be shaped and cooked in the air fryer to make delicious and fluffy naan bread.
Mixing the Ingredients
To make naan bread in an air fryer, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Start by adding the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a mixing bowl. Use a whisk or fork to combine the dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, milk, and olive oil. Whisk the wet ingredients until they are well combined.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring as you go. Continue to mix until a dough forms.
If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. If it is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Once the dough is well mixed and has a smooth texture, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
Kneading the Dough
To make naan bread in an air fryer, you first need to knead the dough. Kneading is an essential step in bread-making as it helps to develop gluten, giving the bread the perfect texture.
Here’s how to knead the dough:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 cup warm milk
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, oil, and warm milk.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes.
- To knead, fold the dough in half towards you, then push it away with the heels of your hands. Rotate the dough and repeat the folding and pushing motion.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for about 1 hour.
- After the resting time, the dough will be ready to be rolled out and cooked in the air fryer to make delicious naan bread.
Note: You can customize the flavor of your naan bread by adding garlic, herbs, or spices to the dough during the kneading process. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!
Letting the Dough Rise
After kneading the dough, it’s important to let it rise before shaping and cooking your naan bread. This allows the dough to develop flavor and texture, resulting in soft and fluffy naan.
To let the dough rise:
- Cover the dough: Place the dough ball in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. This helps create a warm and moist environment for the yeast to work its magic.
- Find a warm spot: Choose a warm spot in your kitchen where the dough can rise undisturbed. Avoid drafts or cold areas, as they can interfere with the rising process. A countertop away from windows or near a warm oven is a good choice.
- Wait patiently: Allow the dough to rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Note: If you’re short on time, you can use a quick-rise yeast or increase the temperature of your kitchen to speed up the rising process. However, keep an eye on the dough to prevent over-rising.
When the dough has doubled in size, it’s now ready to be shaped into naan bread and cooked in your air fryer.
Cooking the Naan Bread
Once the naan dough has rested, it is time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these easy steps to cook the naan bread to perfection:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the naan bread cooks evenly and becomes crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Shape the Naan
Divide the rested naan dough into small portions and roll each portion into a circular shape. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to shape the naan bread. The thickness of the naan can vary according to your preference.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the shaped naan bread in the preheated air fryer basket. You can cook multiple naans at a time, but make sure they don’t overlap. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the naan bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Flip and Cook Again (Optional)
If desired, you can flip the naan bread halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the naan bread is fully cooked and reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the naan bread. Keep an eye on the naan while it cooks to avoid burning.
Enjoy your freshly cooked naan bread with your favourite curry or as a delicious snack!
Using the Air Fryer
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including naan bread. Here are some tips for using the air fryer to make delicious naan bread:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the naan bread cooks evenly and with a crispy texture. |
| 2 | While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the naan dough according to your preferred recipe. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into flat circles. |
| 3 | Once the air fryer is preheated, place the naan bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they have enough space between each other to cook and expand. |
| 4 | Cook the naan bread in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly puffed up. |
| 5 | Remove the naan bread from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter or ghee. This will add a delicious flavor and a shiny appearance to the naan bread. |
| 6 | Serve the naan bread immediately while they are still warm and fresh. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite curry or dip. |
Using the air fryer to make naan bread is a quick and easy way to enjoy this soft and fluffy Indian bread without the need for a traditional tandoor oven. Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own unique flavors. Happy cooking!
FAQ
What is naan bread?
Naan bread is a type of Indian bread that is traditionally made from flour, yeast, yogurt, and water. It is typically cooked in a tandoor oven, but can also be made using an air fryer.
How does an air fryer cook naan bread?
An air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, including naan bread. The heat from the air fryer cooks the naan bread evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
What ingredients do I need to make naan bread in an air fryer?
To make naan bread in an air fryer, you will need flour, yeast, sugar, salt, yogurt, water, and melted butter.
Can I make naan bread in an air fryer without yeast?
Yes, you can make naan bread in an air fryer without yeast. Instead of yeast, you can use baking powder or baking soda to help the dough rise.
