Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread

This Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread is my go-to recipe when I want a soft, fluffy flatbread with a crispy exterior and tons of garlicky flavor. It’s made with simple pantry staples and cooks beautifully in the air fryer—never greasy, always delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this naan turns out golden and tender in the air fryer with no need for stovetop cooking or excess oil. It’s perfect for pairing with curries, soups, or even used as a pizza base. The dough is easy to work with, and the garlic butter brushed on top adds the most irresistible finishing touch. Plus, it makes a batch big enough to freeze for later.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
‑ 1½ 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
‑ 1½ teaspoons salt

For the garlic butter topping:
‑ 2 tablespoons minced garlic
‑ 5 tablespoons butter
‑ 2 teaspoons parsley

directions

1. I start by stirring the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. I let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. I add in the flour, milk, yogurt, garlic, oil, baking powder, and salt. Using a dough hook or my hands, I mix until a dough ball forms.

3. I knead the dough on a floured surface for about 3 minutes until smooth. Then I transfer it to an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

4. Once risen, I divide the dough into 10 equal pieces, roll them into balls, and flatten each to fit my air fryer basket.

5. I place one or two pieces at a time into the basket, spray them lightly with oil, and air fry at 370°F for 6 minutes. I flip and cook for another 3 minutes.

6. While the naan is cooking, I melt the butter with minced garlic and parsley. I brush this mixture over each naan as soon as it comes out of the air fryer.

Servings and timing

Makes 10 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes

variations

Here are a few ways I like to mix things up:
‑ Add chopped fresh rosemary, cilantro, or basil to the dough for extra flavor.
‑ Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
‑ Turn it into flatbread pizza by topping with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings after air frying.
‑ Swap minced garlic for roasted garlic in the butter for a milder, sweeter flavor.
‑ Mix some grated cheese into the dough for a cheesy garlic naan twist.

storage/reheating

I store cooked naan in a sealed container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, or microwave it wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds. I also freeze individual pieces by wrapping them in plastic and storing them in a freezer bag—just thaw and reheat when needed.

FAQs

Can I freeze the naan dough?

Yes, I flatten the dough into rounds and freeze them between layers of parchment. When I’m ready, I cook straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time.

What’s the best flour for naan?

I use all-purpose flour for a soft and chewy texture. For a gluten-free option, I like using a 1:1 blend like Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour.

Can I cook multiple naans at once in the air fryer?

That depends on the size of my air fryer. I usually do one or two at a time so they cook evenly and get crisp around the edges.

Do I need to oil the air fryer basket?

Yes, I lightly spray the basket or the naan dough with oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?

Yes, I substitute the milk and yogurt with plant-based options like almond milk and coconut yogurt. The naan still turns out soft and flavorful.

Why is my naan too dense?

That could be from under-proofing or using old yeast. I make sure to let the dough rise until it doubles in size and check that the yeast is active before mixing.

Is the garlic butter necessary?

While the garlic butter isn’t essential, I find it’s what gives the naan that restaurant-style flavor. I brush it on right after cooking for maximum aroma and taste.

Can I make mini naan for appetizers?

Yes, I just divide the dough into smaller pieces and adjust the cook time down slightly—usually about 4 minutes on each side works well.

Does naan need to be flipped in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through helps get that even golden color on both sides and ensures it’s fully cooked.

What can I serve with garlic naan?

I love serving it with curries, soups, grilled meats, or as a base for flatbread sandwiches and wraps.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Garlic Naan Bread has become one of my favorite homemade bread recipes. It’s crispy, fluffy, garlicky, and incredibly versatile. I love how it pairs with so many dishes and how easy it is to prep and cook. Whether I’m serving it fresh or reheating from frozen, it always tastes just right.

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