If you've ever enjoyed naan bread, you know that it's best served warm and fresh. However, if you have leftover naan that has gone cold or stale, you can easily reheat it to restore its warmth and flavor. There are several methods for reheating naan, such as using an oven, stovetop, microwave, or even an air fryer. So whether you're enjoying leftover naan from last night's dinner or reheating frozen naan, these tips will help you bring it back to life for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Jump to:
What is naan bread?
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, chances are you've heard of naan bread. This versatile flatbread is a staple in Indian cooking and has become a beloved food worldwide. Naan is made from a simple mixture of flour, yeast, salt, and water, but its magic lies in the way it's prepared. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise, and then baked in a tandoor oven (clay oven), which gives it a unique smoky flavor and a fluffy texture.
Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with garlic, cheese, or butter, naan is the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of Indian dishes. It's also great as a snack or side dish on its own. So, if you're a fan of Indian cuisine or simply love bread, naan is definitely worth a try!
Here is my tried and tested recipe to make the BEST no-knead naan bread in the comfort of your own home.
Can you freeze naan bread?
Freezing naan is a practical and convenient method for preserving its freshness and extending its shelf life. Whether you are meal-prepping with homemade naan bread, buying store-bought naan bread in bulk, or saving leftover naan bread from your favorite Indian restaurants, freezing is a hassle-free and efficient solution to always have this delicious bread on hand.
Before we dive into how to reheat naan, click on this article if you like to learn how to freeze naan bread properly in an airtight container to ensure it maintains its texture and flavor after thawing.
How to reheat naan?
When it comes to reheating naan, the key is to avoid overheating it as it can result in a dry and tough texture. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to achieve the perfect texture and freshness. In the following sections, we'll explore four effective methods that you can choose from based on your available time and preferences.
Microwave
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to reheat your naan, using a microwave oven is a great option. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. However, it's important to reheat the naan correctly to avoid making it dry or tough.
As a general guide, you will need 30 seconds of microwave time per naan. So it is important to adjust the cooking time depending on the number of naan bread. Make sure not to place more than 4 naans in the microwave in one go.
Instructions:
- Place one naan bread on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle little water and place a piece of parchment paper on top. Alternatively, wrap the naan bread in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Repeat with the remaining naan.
- Cook on medium heat for 30 seconds to one minute depending on the number of naan bread.
Stovetop
Reheating naan on the stovetop is a quick and easy way to bring your leftover naan back to life. When reheating naan on the stovetop in a skillet, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the naan comes out warm and soft. First, make sure to heat the frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil or ghee to prevent sticking. Second, place the naan in the skillet and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil to create steam, which will help retain the moisture content needed to keep the naan soft. Finally, flip the naan occasionally to ensure that it is evenly heated on both sides.
Instructions:
- Place a heavy bottom pan or skillet on medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil to lightly grease it.
- Place the naan and cover it with a lid or foil to create steam.
- Cook for 2 minutes. Remove the lid and flip it. Cook without the lid for 1 more minute.
- Repeat with more naan bread.
Oven
If you are avoiding the use of microwaves, the oven is a great alternative. When reheating naan bread in the oven, it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure that the naan stays soft and doesn't become dry or tough. Firstly, make sure to preheat the oven to the right temperature (around 300-350 F) to avoid overcooking the naan. Secondly, wrap the naan in foil or place it in an oven-safe dish to prevent it from drying out during the reheating process. Finally, keep a close eye on the naan while it's in the oven and take it out as soon as it's heated through to avoid overcooking.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Place the naan on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes or until the naan reheats fully.
Air Fryer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a quick and easy way to cook and reheat food. And yes, you can even use an air fryer to reheat naan! When reheating naan in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. It's also important to place the naan in a single layer and not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Additionally, you may want to lightly brush the naan with some melted butter or ghee to add some extra flavor and prevent it from drying out. Finally, keep a close eye on the naan as it reheats in the air fryer, as the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the naan.
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F (180 C) for 2 minutes. Brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil.
- Place the naan in a single layer and brush it with a little butter or water to help prevent it from drying out.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, or until it is heated through and lightly toasted. Check the naan after about one minute to ensure that it doesn't become too crispy or burnt.
Useful tips
- Check for plastic wraps: This is particularly important if you are reheating frozen naan. Make sure you remove any plastic bag or wrap that may be attached to the naan.
- Do not overheat: Overheating naan can make it dry and tough, so it is important to be careful and not leave it in the oven or microwave for too long.
- Use a moist paper towel: If reheating naan in the microwave, place a moist paper towel over the naan to keep it from drying out.
- Heat evenly: Make sure to heat the naan evenly to avoid any cold spots or burnt areas.
- Experiment with different ways: Try reheating naan using different methods to see which one is the best way for you. Some people prefer the oven, while others like using a skillet or air fryer.
Adding flavors to your naan
It is really easy to add an extra burst of flavor to your reheated naan. Here are some ideas:
Ghee: Brush warm naan with a generous amount of ghee.
Garlic butter: Add minced garlic and finely chopped cilantro to softened butter. Mix well and spread evenly to enjoy garlic naan.
Cheese: Top the reheated naan with shredded cheese and heat it again until the cheese melts. Mozzarella, cheddar or even pizza blend shredded cheese are great options.
Spicy: Add chili flakes to softened butter. Mix well and spread on warm naan.
Sweet: Spread Nutella on warm naan to give the classic naan a sweet twist and enjoy it as a dessert.
How to serve naan bread
Indulging in warm, buttery naan bread alongside some fragrant butter chicken, chana masala, or chicken tikka masala is the epitome of comfort food. If you're interested in exploring more Indian cuisine or looking for more inspiration, I have a detailed guide featuring some popular and tasty recipes to pair with naan. Here, you can find recipes like palak paneer, tandoori chicken tikka, and more. Not only that, but you can also check this guide to make naan pizzas and naan sandwiches, which are two of my favorite things to make with fresh naan bread.
To Conclude
Naan bread is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Its authentic Indian flavor can elevate even the most basic of dinners, making it a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. With its soft and fluffy texture, naan bread can be enjoyed on its own or used to scoop up savory curries and dips. Whether you are enjoying it fresh from the oven or reheating it, naan bread is sure to delight your taste buds and add a touch of exotic flavor to your meals.
Reheating naan can be a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious Indian flatbread again. Whether you choose to use the oven, microwave, stovetop, or air fryer, they will yield tasty results. Each method has its own advantages and may be preferred depending on how much time you have and the equipment you have available. Adding toppings like garlic butter and cheese can enhance the flavor of the naan and make it a delicious accompaniment to any meal. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy perfectly reheated naan every time.
If you liked this post, please don't forget to give a 5-star rating and leave a comment below.
Recipe card
How to Reheat Naan Bread
Ingredients
- 1 naan bread
- ¼ teaspoon water
- ¼ teaspoon oil
Instructions
Microwave Instructions:
- Place one naan bread on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle with water and place a piece of parchment paper on top. Alternatively, wrap the naan bread in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Repeat with the remaining naan.
- Cook on medium heat for 30 seconds to one minute. Check and add 30 seconds if needed. As a general guide, you will need 30 seconds per naan.
Stovetop Instructions:
- Place a heavy bottom pan or skillet on medium heat. Brush lightly with oil to lightly grease it.
- Place the naan and cover it with a lid or foil to create steam.
- Cook for 2 minutes. Remove the lid and flip it. Cook without the lid for 1 more minute.
- Repeat with more naan bread.
Oven Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Place the naan on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Heat for 4-5 minutes or until the naan reheats fully.
Air Fryer Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F (180 C) for 2 minutes. Brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil.
- Place the naan in a single layer and brush it with a little butter or water to help prevent it from drying out.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, or until it is heated through and lightly toasted. Check the naan after about one minute to ensure that it doesn't become too crispy or burnt.
Leave a Reply