Name: Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast; ¼ cup warm water; 2 teaspoons sugar; ¾ cup milk; ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup oil; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 4 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 5 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving soft, flavorful bread that has just the right amount of crispiness on the outside, you’ve got to try this Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Indian flatbread, infused with fragrant garlic and cooked to perfection in the air fryer so it’s never greasy. Whether you’re serving it alongside curries, using it as a wrap, or just enjoying it on its own, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small white dishes and two gold measuring spoons arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top center, there is a large white bowl filled with white flour. Below it, two square dishes hold green dried herbs on the left and white salt on the right. Under these, another square dish contains light brown minced garlic, and next to it is a round bowl with white sugar. At the bottom left, a fourth square dish has a small piece of yellow butter, and next to it is a round bowl filled with beige yeast. On the bottom right, a round bowl is filled with white yogurt. Two gold measuring spoons lay vertically on the right side, one labeled 1/4 teaspoon and the other 1/2 teaspoon. To the far right, part of a black air fryer is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the yeast that makes the dough rise beautifully to the garlic that gives it that irresistible aroma, each addition is simple yet essential.

1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic behind the naan’s fluffy rise and airy texture.
¼ cup warm water: Just the right temperature to activate the yeast for perfect fermentation.
2 teaspoons sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
¾ cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt: Makes the bread tender with a slight tang that enhances flavor.
¼ cup oil: Keeps the naan moist and adds a pleasant softness.
2 tablespoons minced garlic: The star ingredient for that signature garlicky taste.
4 cups flour: The foundation for your dough, giving it structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds an extra lift and lightness to the bread.
1 ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the garlic notes.
Garlic butter: A luscious mix of 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 5 tablespoons butter, and 2 teaspoons parsley for brushing the naan warm out of the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy—it’s a clear sign the yeast is alive and kicking, which is crucial for your naan to rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once your yeast is foamy, add flour, milk, yogurt, minced garlic, oil, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Using a dough hook attachment or a sturdy spoon, mix everything until the ingredients come together in a soft dough ball. This dough is silky and smooth, ready to be shaped.

Step 3: Knead and Let Rise

Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a floured surface for about 3 minutes. This helps develop the gluten making the texture just right. Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for one hour. During this time, it will nearly double in size, becoming light and airy.

Step 4: Shape the Naan

After the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten each ball on a floured surface to fit the size of your air fryer basket. Each piece should be soft and pliable, perfect for quick cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Place each flattened dough piece into the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil. Cook at 370°F for 6 minutes, then flip the naan and cook for another 3 minutes. The air fryer ensures a beautifully crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and moist, all without any greasiness.

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic and parsley. As soon as each naan is done in the air fryer, brush it generously with this fragrant garlic butter mix. This final touch adds a glorious sheen and an extra punch of flavor that will make your naan unforgettable.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

A stack of five round flatbreads lies on a white rectangular plate. Each flatbread is light golden brown with darker toast spots and is sprinkled with small green herb flakes. The flatbreads have a smooth but slightly puffy texture. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with some scattered herbs nearby, and a gray and white striped cloth is placed to the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle a little fresh chopped cilantro or parsley right after brushing the garlic butter. A sprinkle of red chili flakes or a dusting of ground cumin can add exciting flavor highlights without overpowering the garlic.

Side Dishes

Garlic naan is a dream partner for so many dishes. Serve it alongside a creamy butter chicken, a spicy lentil dal, or even a fresh vegetable curry. It also works wonderfully with dips like hummus, tzatziki, or a vibrant tomato chutney, making each bite a perfect combo of bread and dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe beyond the standard approach by using the naan as a base for quick pizzas or wraps. Top with cheese, olives, and your favorite veggies for a speedy snack. Or roll it up with grilled meats and salad for a handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover naan, store it wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps it soft and ready to enjoy without drying out.

Freezing

To keep naan longer, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen naan will keep well for up to two months. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw at room temperature or warm straight from the freezer.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is to pop it back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes. This revives the crispy exterior while making the inside soft and warm again. Alternatively, a quick toast or warm skillet works well too.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute plain regular yogurt for Greek yogurt, but the dough might be slightly less thick and the naan a bit softer. Greek yogurt helps give a nice tang and firmer texture, but regular yogurt will still yield delicious results.

Do I need a special air fryer to make this naan bread?

No special air fryer is required! Any standard air fryer with enough space to accommodate the flattened dough pieces will work perfectly. Just make sure the basket isn’t overcrowded so the airflow can crisp the bread evenly.

Can I add herbs or other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! Chopped cilantro, nigella seeds, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can be mixed into the dough for additional flavor variety. Just keep the garlic as the star to maintain the classic garlic naan essence.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

While traditional naan requires wheat flour for the right texture, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flours that include xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly but it’s a great option if you follow a gluten-free diet.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it covered. Just bring it to room temperature and allow it to rise before shaping and air frying. This makes your cooking day even easier.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is truly a game changer for home cooks who love fresh, delicious bread without the fuss. The combination of garlic flavor and the air fryer’s crisping magic brings naan to a whole new level. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting aroma and delightful taste that only homemade garlic naan can deliver.