Soft Garlic Naan Bread

This homemade garlic naan bread is soft, flavorful, and perfectly cooked in an air fryer for convenience. It brings the warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread to your table without the need for a hot oven or tandoor. The garlic butter brushed over the naan adds a rich aromatic touch that makes every bite irresistible. I first tried making this for a casual weeknight dinner and now it is a staple whenever we crave something comforting and easy.

This recipe is a lovely introduction to homemade bread baking for beginners. It also saves time compared to traditional methods and yields beautifully fragrant results.

Ingredients List

• Warm milk: helps activate the yeast for the perfect dough rise. Use milk heated until just warm to the touch for best results.
• Active dry yeast: is the essential leavening agent. Choose fresh yeast that is not expired for a good rise.
• Sugar: fuels the yeast and enhances subtle sweetness in the naan. Use plain granulated sugar for consistency.
• All-purpose flour: forms the dough base. Sift it if you prefer a lighter texture.
• Salt: balances the flavors and strengthens the gluten network. Plain table salt works perfectly.
• Plain yogurt: adds tang and tenderness to the naan. Use full-fat for richer results.
• Vegetable oil: keeps the dough soft and helps with gluten development. Light oils like canola or sunflower are good choices.
• Grated garlic: infuses the dough with savory aroma. Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
• Water: is used for kneading to achieve a soft elastic dough. Add gradually depending on flour humidity.
• Chopped coriander or cilantro leaves: garnish the naan and lend fresh herbal notes. Pick leaves that are vibrant and bright green.
• Melted butter: provides richness to the garlic butter topping. Use unsalted or lightly salted butter to control seasoning.
• Finely chopped garlic: intensifies the garlic butter flavor. Freshly minced is best to keep the bite sharp and fragrant.

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Yeast:

Whisk warm milk with active dry yeast and sugar. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready.

Mix The Dough:

In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, yogurt, oil, and grated garlic. Pour in the yeast mixture then mix and slowly add water to knead until dough is soft and elastic.

First Rise:

Grease the dough surface with oil and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm spot and allow to rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape The Naan:

Transfer the dough to a clean surface and divide into 8 equal parts. Roll each into a round about half an inch thick, keeping the shape even for uniform cooking.

Prepare Garlic Butter:

Combine melted butter with finely chopped garlic and chopped coriander in a small bowl. This will be brushed on before and after cooking for maximum flavor.

Air Fry The Bread:

Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil the basket and place one naan inside. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes on one side until light golden brown. Avoid flipping to keep naan soft.

Finish And Serve:

Brush warm naan generously with garlic butter after cooking. Repeat with all naan and enjoy immediately while warm and fragrant.

My favorite part is that this naan can be made ahead and reheated easily. It reminds me of sharing casual dinners with family when life is busy, yet we still want comforting homemade food.

Best Storage Practices

Store leftover naan wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze layered with parchment paper between each piece. Reheat in a warm skillet or air fryer to restore softness and flavor.

Ingredient Swaps

Yogurt can be replaced with buttermilk or sour cream for a similar tangy tenderness in the dough. Butter can be substituted with ghee or olive oil for a different richness and flavor profile. If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder mixed into the butter will also do in a pinch, though fresh is always better.

Serving Pairings

Naan pairs beautifully with Indian curries, lentil dishes, or even as a base for wraps and sandwiches. Try with chutneys, raita, or yogurt dips to brighten the meal. For a cozy snack, enjoy naan torn into pieces with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkling of sea salt.

This recipe combines ease with authentic flavor, making homemade garlic naan accessible to all. The aromatic garlic butter topping truly elevates this simple air fryer bread into a memorable treat.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I know if the yeast is active?

Mix warm milk with yeast and sugar, then let it sit for 5 minutes. A frothy, bubbly top indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.

→ Why use yogurt in the dough?

Yogurt adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, resulting in a softer and more flavorful bread.

→ Can I use a stovetop instead of an air fryer?

Yes, cooking naan on a hot skillet or tandoor-style pan works well, but air frying provides a convenient, even cook with less oil.

→ How to achieve the soft texture in naan?

Kneading the dough until smooth and allowing it to rest for at least two hours helps develop gluten and air pockets that create softness.

→ What is the purpose of brushing garlic butter after cooking?

Applying garlic butter right after cooking enhances flavor, adds moisture, and gives the naan a shiny, appetizing finish.

→ Is it necessary to avoid flipping the naan in the air fryer?

Yes, cooking on one side keeps the surface soft while creating a gentle golden crust without making it hard.