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There is something about tearing into a warm naan at a restaurant, especially when it arrives brushed with butter and dotted with garlic. But recreating that experience at home can seem tricky when a traditional tandoor is hardly a practical addition to your kitchen. The good news? You can experiment with homemade naan in an air fryer without needing to make room for bulky restaurant equipment.
From buttery garlic naan to cheese-filled variations, an Usha air fryer offers a convenient way to cook smaller batches of this much-loved Indian bread. You can also bring a hand blender into the picture to prepare smooth green chutneys, yoghurt dips and other accompaniments. Ready to turn your next curry night into a naan feast?
Here are six varieties to try.
1. Classic Butter Naan
Sometimes, the simplest option is the one you crave most. Soft, lightly browned butter naan pairs beautifully with everything from dal makhani to paneer butter masala, making it a great place to start. Prepare a soft dough using flour, yoghurt, a little oil, yeast or another suitable leavening agent, salt and water, then leave it to rest as required by your recipe. Divide the dough into portions, roll each one into an oval and cook in a preheated air fryer until the bread is cooked through and develops golden patches.
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Brush the warm naan with butter before serving. Since air fryers vary in temperature and airflow, check the bread as it cooks and adjust the timing to suit your appliance.
Your Kitchen Needs Usha's Air Fryer, 
2. Garlic Butter Naan
If plain naan feels a little too familiar, garlic butter naan is an easy upgrade. Finely chop or crush garlic and mix it with softened butter and chopped coriander. Roll out portions of your prepared dough, cook them in the air fryer, and brush the garlic butter over the naan while it is still warm. The residual heat helps release the garlic’s aroma, while the butter gives the bread a richer finish.
Serve these alongside chole, creamy gravies or a simple bowl of dal when you want an everyday meal to feel a little more special.
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3. Palak Naan
Palak naan adds a fresh green colour to the table and is a useful way to experiment with leafy greens in your regular meals. Blanch spinach briefly, cool it and use an Usha hand blender to puree it into a smooth mixture. Add the puree gradually while preparing your naan dough, reducing the amount of water as needed so the dough does not become too sticky. Allow the dough to rest, shape it into individual naans and cook them in the air fryer until done.
The spinach lends the bread its colour and a mild earthy flavour, while a little cumin or crushed garlic can make it more aromatic. Serve the naan with dal, a mild vegetable curry or a yoghurt-based dip.
Your Kitchen Needs Usha's Hand Blender, 
4. Cheese Naan
Cheese naan is a treat for anyone who believes that a little extra cheese can improve almost anything. For this version, roll out a portion of dough, add grated mozzarella or another good melting cheese to the centre, and bring the edges together to seal the filling. Gently flatten the stuffed dough, taking care not to let the cheese escape, and place it in the air fryer. Cook until the bread is done and the filling has melted, checking that the centre is thoroughly heated before serving.
Finish with a little butter and chopped coriander. Pair the naan with a tangy dip or a tomato-based curry to balance its richness.
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5. Chilli Coriander Naan
For those who like their bread with a bit of a kick, chilli coriander naan brings together fresh herbs and green chillies in every bite. Finely chop coriander and green chillies, then gently press them into the surface of rolled-out dough before cooking it in the air fryer. You can brush the cooked naan with a little butter and finish it with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, zesty note. Adjust the quantity of chilli to suit your preference, particularly if you are serving the naan alongside an already spicy curry. This flavourful variation works just as well with a bowl of rajma or chana masala.
6. Stuffed Paneer Naan
When naan needs to do more than accompany the curry, a paneer-stuffed version is worth trying. Crumble paneer and mix it with finely chopped coriander, grated ginger, cumin, salt and a pinch of chilli powder. Place a spoonful of the mixture in the centre of a rolled-out dough portion, seal the edges and flatten it gently so the filling is distributed without tearing the bread. Cook in the air fryer, checking that the dough is cooked through and the paneer filling is hot. Avoid overfilling the naan, as this can make it difficult to seal and cook evenly. Serve it with a simple mint-yoghurt dip, which you can prepare with a hand blender by blending mint, coriander, yoghurt, lemon juice and seasoning.
