Name: Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491923H28M53S
Total time: 2 h 23 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup warm milk; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons plain yogurt; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons grated garlic; 3-4 tablespoons water for kneading; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic; 2 tablespoons chopped coriander or cilantro leaves

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I absolutely adore making this Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe because it combines the rich, buttery garlic flavor with the soft, pillowy texture of traditional naan, all without needing a stovetop or oven. Using the air fryer makes this process so quick and mess-free, giving me golden, fragrant naan perfect for dipping or accompanying any meal. If you love naan as much as I do, this recipe will become your go-to for an easy, flavorful side that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Indian restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe

From my first bite of this garlic naan, I was hooked by the incredible combination of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center, all infused with fresh garlic and melted butter. The flavor profile feels so authentic and rich, yet the recipe itself is surprisingly simple to pull off at home. I love how the garlic and coriander add bright notes that elevate the bread beyond just a plain flatbread.

One of the things I appreciate the most is how effortlessly the air fryer cooks the naan to perfection without drying it out or making it tough. It’s such a time saver compared to traditional stovetop methods, especially since you don’t have to worry about flipping the bread. I often make this for casual dinners, weekend lunches, or even as a party appetizer because it pairs beautifully with curries, dips, or even just a smear of yogurt. This recipe really makes flavorful homemade naan accessible to everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven clear glass bowls and a blue-gray pitcher arranged on a white marbled surface. In the bottom center, there is a big bowl filled with white flour. To its left, a medium bowl has a thick white cream, and next to that is a smaller bowl with white granulated sugar. Above these, a small bowl holds minced garlic, and beside it is a similar bowl with white chopped pieces, likely garlic cloves. Above those sits a bowl of bright green chopped herbs. On the right side, a medium bowl contains light golden yellow oil, and below it, a small bowl with dry yeast granules. Above the yeast is a small bowl with a white granulated substance, maybe salt. Next to the herbs, there is a small bowl with three pieces of yellow butter. The blue-gray pitcher on the far left adds height to the arrangement. The overall setup is clean and organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients I use for this Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role in creating the soft texture, rich flavor, and perfect golden color this bread is known for. From the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully to the fresh garlic that adds that aromatic punch, every component is worth including.

Warm milk: Activates the yeast for the perfect dough rise and adds richness.
Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the naan light and fluffy.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps develop a slightly sweet undertone.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives the naan structure and chewiness.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Plain yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, tenderizing the dough.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough soft and adds a hint of richness.
Grated garlic: Infuses the dough with fresh garlicky flavor.
Water: Helps achieve the right dough consistency during kneading.
Chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves: Adds brightness and a burst of herby freshness.
Melted butter: Used for brushing on top to create that luscious, buttery finish.
Finely chopped garlic: Mixed in butter for the ultimate garlic butter glaze.

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy on top. This step is crucial for activating the yeast—if it doesn’t foam, I usually start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: In a larger mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the plain yogurt, vegetable oil, and grated garlic, then pour in the activated yeast mixture. Mix everything well.

Step 3: Begin kneading the mixture, adding 3 to 4 tablespoons of water gradually as needed. I knead until the dough forms a soft, smooth, and elastic ball that’s slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 4: Lightly grease the dough with vegetable oil, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 2 hours. The dough should double in size, becoming airy and soft.

Step 5: Once risen, tip the dough onto a clean surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a round shape about half an inch thick.

Step 6: Prepare the garlic butter by mixing the melted butter with the finely chopped garlic and chopped coriander in a small bowl. This spread will make all the difference in flavor and aroma!

Step 7: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Place one naan at a time into the basket and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. I cook it on one side only—this keeps the naan soft and prevents it from becoming tough or overly crispy.

Step 9: As soon as you remove the naan from the air fryer, brush the hot bread generously with garlic butter. Repeat this process with each piece, ensuring every naan is coated with that delicious garlic goodness.

Step 10: Serve the naan warm right away, or keep it wrapped in a clean towel until you’re ready to enjoy. It’s best eaten fresh for maximum softness and flavor.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe makes 8 generous servings, perfect for accompanying a group meal or storing some for later. The prep time, including the initial yeast activation and kneading, takes about 15 minutes. The resting or rising time is the longest part—allow 2 hours for the dough to properly rise and develop flavor. The air frying itself is very quick, around 7 to 8 minutes per naan, so total cook time is roughly 1 hour if you cook them one after another. Altogether, from start to finish, expect around 2 hours and 23 minutes, mostly hands-off during the dough rising.

How to Serve This Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a lightly browned flatbread with a soft texture, sprinkled with small pieces of herbs and bits of garlic, showing some gentle bubbles and a few toasted spots. The background is a soft white marbled surface with blurred dark shapes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this garlic naan warm, right out of the air fryer, because that’s when it tastes most heavenly—soft, fragrant, and buttery. It pairs beautifully with saucy Indian dishes like butter chicken, palak paneer, or dal makhani. If you’re craving appetizers, I like breaking the naan into bite-sized pieces and dipping them in chutneys, raita, or hummus for guests to enjoy.

For presentation, I sprinkle a little extra fresh chopped coriander and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just before serving. This little touch elevates the look and flavor nicely. If you want to impress at a dinner party, stacking the naan in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin adds a warm, inviting touch to the table.

Beverage-wise, I find a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and herb flavors wonderfully. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, lightly spiced masala chai or a tangy mango lassi provide the perfect balance. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or holiday feast, I recommend enjoying this naan bread fresh and warm, as the flavors and textures shine brightest that way.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to make it vegan, you can easily substitute the yogurt with coconut or soy yogurt and use olive oil instead of butter for brushing. The dough texture holds up beautifully with these swaps, and the flavor remains delicious.

For a gluten-free version, using a custom gluten-free all-purpose blend can work well, though the dough will be a bit more delicate and will need careful handling. I usually add a bit of xanthan gum if my flour blend doesn’t contain it to get that ideal chewiness.

If you want to experiment with flavor variations, try adding chopped roasted garlic instead of raw grated garlic in the dough for a sweeter garlic note. You might also mix in some nigella seeds or sesame seeds to the dough before cooking to add texture and an extra flavor dimension. While the air fryer is my favorite for convenience and texture, you can also pan-fry the naan over medium heat for even faster results, flipping carefully just once to avoid toughness.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover naan bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, transferring the naan to the refrigerator wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap is a good option, though the bread tends to dry out faster that way. To keep the naan soft, I recommend reheating rather than storing for extended periods.

Freezing

This garlic naan freezes wonderfully. I like to wrap each naan individually in plastic wrap, then place all wrapped pieces into a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat garlic naan is in the air fryer or a hot skillet. I set my air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat each naan for 2 to 3 minutes—this brings back the fresh-baked texture. Alternatively, warming it briefly on a dry skillet over medium heat restores that soft yet slightly crispy edge. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the bread chewy and less pleasant. Adding a brush of warm garlic butter after reheating revives the flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make this naan bread without an air fryer?

Absolutely! While this recipe is optimized for the air fryer, you can cook the naan in a hot skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Alternatively, baking in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 5-7 minutes works too, though the texture might be slightly different.

How important is letting the dough rise for 2 hours?

The rising time is crucial because it allows the yeast to ferment and develop air bubbles that make the naan soft and fluffy. Skipping or shortening this step will result in denser, less tender bread. I usually plan ahead to give the dough a full two hours for the best texture and taste.

Can I add cheese or other fillings to this naan recipe?

Yes! For a delicious twist, try stuffing the rolled-out dough with grated mozzarella, paneer, or even spiced potatoes before cooking. Just be careful to seal the edges well so the filling doesn’t leak in the air fryer. Cheese naan is one of my favorite indulgences and works wonderfully with this base recipe.

What herbs or spices can I add to enhance the flavor?

I love adding chopped fresh coriander or even some chopped mint for extra freshness. You could also sprinkle cumin seeds, nigella seeds, or a pinch of chili flakes into the dough or on top before cooking. Each addition brings its own unique aroma and complements the garlic beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! This Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe is beginner-friendly because the steps are straightforward, and the air fryer handles the cooking perfectly without needing special techniques. If you’ve never made naan before, this is a fantastic place to start, and I’m confident you’ll impress yourself with the results.

Conclusion

Making this Garlic Naan Bread (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy warm, garlicky flatbread at home with minimal fuss. The combination of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the convenience of the air fryer make it a recipe I wholeheartedly recommend trying. I hope it brings as much joy and comfort to your table as it has to mine—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!