Love Naan? Make This Indian Flatbread In An Air Fryer

Packed with a burst of flavours, Indian cuisine gives us a plethora of dishes to relish. From simple idli for breakfast to spicy chicken curry for dinner, it has something for everyone. Breads are another gem of Indian cuisine that is loved by people across the border as well. Bhatura, roti, kulcha, parotta, and naan are some popular breads in the cuisine. Speaking particularly about naan, it is a leavened flatbread that is made with all-purpose flour, yeast, water, yoghurt, and ghee.

Naan can be prepared plain or with various toppings and fillings like garlic naan, keema, paneer, and onion naan. Mostly paired with any spicy curry or kebab like palak paneer, kadai mushrooms, butter chicken, or seekh kebab, this soft and slightly chewy bread is also used as a base in many desi sandwiches and wraps. Traditionally, naan is cooked in a tandoor, which gives it a distinct smoky flavour and a slightly charred exterior. However, it can also be prepared with other methods, including on the stovetop.

But did you know that your favourite naan also has an air-fried version? An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. The only difference between tandoori and air-fried naan is that the latter tends to have a slightly denser texture and lacks smoky flavour, but you are going to love the taste for sure. So, here is an easy recipe to make naan in an air fryer:

Air Fryer Garlic Naan

Total Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Servings 10 

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup of warm water
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt
• 1/4 cup of oil
• 4 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

For garlic naan:

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 5 tablespoons of butter
• 2 teaspoons of parsley

Method 

• In a mixing bowl, stir the yeast, sugar, and water together. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Foam will appear.
• Add flour, milk, yoghurt, garlic, oil, baking powder, and salt. Using a dough hook, mix until a dough ball forms.
• Remove from bowl and knead dough for 3 minutes on a floured surface. Place the dough ball in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside for 1 hour to double in size.
• Remove and cut the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll them into balls and flatten on a floured surface to fit the size of your air fryer basket.
• Take the flattened dough and place it in an air fryer basket. Spray with oil. Cook at 370 degrees F for 6 minutes, flip, and cook for 3 minutes.
• In a bowl, melt the butter with the garlic and parsley. Brush the mixture onto the naan after cooking. Serve with your favourite curry.