Naan bread is a staple of Indian cuisine that goes perfectly with curries, kebabs, and other dishes. But like most breads, naan tends to go stale quickly and needs to be reheated before serving. Luckily, there are several easy methods to reheat naan and restore its soft, fluffy texture.
Using the Microwave
The microwave provides the quickest and easiest way to reheat naan.
Instructions:
- Place the naan on a microwave-safe plate. Frozen naan should be thawed before microwaving.
- Heat the naan in 30 second intervals until warm and soft, flipping halfway through. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes total.
- Wrap the naan in a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth during microwaving to prevent it from drying out.
- Alternatively, you can sprinkle a few drops of water on the naan before microwaving to add moisture.
- Allow the microwaved naan to sit for 30 seconds before serving, as the heat will continue cooking the bread.
Using the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat multiple pieces of naan evenly.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the naan directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Make sure frozen naan is fully thawed before baking.
- Heat the naan for 2-3 minutes until warm and soft. Check frequently to avoid over-baking.
- For added moisture, brush the naan lightly with butter, olive oil, or water before baking.
- Wrap the naan in aluminum foil during the last minute of heating to trap steam and soften the bread.
Using an Air Fryer
An air fryer makes naan crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the naan in the air fryer basket. Frozen naan should be fully thawed first.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warm and lightly crisped.
- Brush or mist the naan with a little oil or water to prevent drying out.
- Shake the basket periodically to expose all sides to the hot air and promote even crisping.
Q&A
Q: Can you reheat naan bread in the toaster?
A: It’s best not to reheat naan bread in the toaster. The direct heat can dry out and burn the naan very quickly. For better results, use the oven or microwave instead.
Q: How do you soften stale naan?
A: If your naan has dried out, you can soften it by sprinkling some water on top before briefly microwaving, baking, or air frying. Placing a damp paper towel over the naan while reheating also helps add moisture.
Q: How long does reheated naan stay fresh?
A: Reheated naan is best consumed right away. It will stay fresh for an hour or two at room temperature. For longer storage, place the naan in an airtight container or bag in the fridge, where it will keep for 3-4 days. Frozen reheated naan maintains quality for about a month.
Q: What is the best way to reheat naan for a crowd?
A: The oven is the ideal way to reheat multiple pieces of naan evenly at once. Place the naan in a single layer on baking sheets and bake at 400°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Q: Can I reheat naan on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can reheat naan on the stovetop using a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the naan for 1-2 minutes per side until slightly crispy. Use a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Q: Is it safe to reheat naan more than once?
A: It’s best to only reheat naan one time. Reheating it multiple times will cause it to dry out and lose its soft, pliable texture. For fresh results, use leftovers within 3-4 days and reheat just once.
Recipes
Garlic Naan
Before reheating, brush both sides with garlic butter or olive oil mixed with minced garlic.
Cheese Naan
Top the naan with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese before microwaving or baking to melt the cheese.
Pizza Naan
Top naan with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings before reheating for quick pizza bread.
Cinnamon Sugar Naan
Brush naan with butter before reheating. Then sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Parmesan-Garlic Naan
Top naan with shredded parmesan cheese and minced garlic before reheating for cheesy garlic bread.
Chocolate Hazelnut Naan
Spread nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread on naan before reheating for a sweet treat.
Naan Avocado Toast
Top reheated naan with mashed avocado, salt, olive oil, and chili flakes for a quick breakfast.
BBQ Chicken Naan Pizza
Spread bbq sauce over naan, top with chicken, cheese, and red onion, and reheat for a mini pizza.
Tips
- Letting the naan cool before storing helps retain moisture and extend shelf life.
- Avoid reheating naan more than once, as it will dry out.
- Place a cup of water in the microwave or oven when reheating naan to create steam.
- Naan can be reheated from either fresh or frozen. Make sure frozen naan is fully thawed before reheating.
- For bread bowls, cut naan in half before reheating upside down to form a bowl shape.
Here are some specific model recommendations for reheating naan:
Microwave:
- Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S
- GE JES1072SHSS Microwave Oven
- LG LMC0975BD Countertop Microwave Oven
- Sharp R-654YS Microwave Oven
Oven:
- GE JB655SKSS Electric Single Oven
- Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS Electric Single Oven
- Samsung NV51K7770DG Electric Single Oven
- LG LDE4415BD Electric Double Oven
- Frigidaire FFEB2726TS Electric Single Oven
Air Fryer:
- Cosori CO130-AO Air Fryer Oven
- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
- Philips HD9641/96 Airfryer
- Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie
So in summary, naan is easy to reheat using common appliances like the microwave, oven, and air fryer with just a few simple steps. A quick reheat lets you enjoy warm, fresh-tasting naan anytime.
