Briefly, there are four ways to reheat naan bread and keep it crisp: in the microwave, on a stove, in an oven, or in an air fryer. Each method has different steps and timings, resulting in warm and crispy naan.
Rarely will any bread be as delicious to nibble as naan. With it, you almost don’t need other toppings because this Indian delicacy is so delicious and super crunchy that you will find it hard to resist.
You can buy it already prepared in Indian restaurants, most supermarkets, or you can make it yourself at home. The recipe is pretty simple.
But no matter how much you love it, sometimes you just have too much to eat all at once. Therefore, it is good to know how to reheat leftover naan bread, so that you can enjoy it later as if it were freshly prepared.
The only important thing is that you manage to keep its crispy texture and not make it rubbery and hard. It seems like a demanding job, but you will quickly master the technique with our little tricks.
When you master these simple tricks, you can freeze naan bread for months ahead and enjoy it whenever you feel like having a crispy, smooth snack.
Reheating Naan Leftovers In The Microwave
By far, the fastest method of reheating naan bread will, of course, be in the microwave. This way, you can easily reheat the frozen naan without thawing it first.
There are no special instructions other than you have to watch the warm-up time so as not to overdo it. And it’s best to reheat one naan bread at a time.
Step 1: Place the Naan Bread on a Plate
Put naan bread on a microwave safe plate. If you have multiple pieces, our advice would be to heat them separately instead of putting them on top of each other.
This way, each piece will heat up evenly and retain its texture on all parts. If you put them on top of each other, the middle part could remain mushy very easily.
Step 2: Reheat Naan in the Microwave in Short Intervals
Now comes the key part. Heat the naan first for 30 seconds, then check the condition. Then, turn on for an additional 15 seconds and repeat until you get the desired result.
Naan should be hot to the touch but easily pliable and flexible. You don’t want to overheat it as it will dry out and harden.
Correct Way To Reheat Naan Bread On A Stove
On the stove, you will be able to reheat naan bread that is not frozen. Either you left it in the fridge from yesterday or thawed it well first and let it cool at room temperature.
Do not place frozen naan directly in the skillet as it will not end well.
Step 1: Heat the Frying Pan
Be sure to use a non-stick cast iron skillet. This will make heating a little easier. Do not add oil to it as it is not necessary. Just let the pan heat up well before putting the naan in it.
Step 2: Heat Shortly from Both Sides
First, put the naan in the pan by turning the top down, so heat the top first. It doesn’t need to be held for long—maybe 10 seconds on that side. Then, flip it over and heat the other side for about 20 to 30 seconds.
You will see when it heats up nicely. Be sure not to overdo it so that the naan does not burn.
Heating Up Naan In An Oven
Since the previous two methods are good but also much faster than the oven, you will probably opt for them. But, if an oven is available to you, here is how to do it.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 400 °F
The oven has to be really hot to heat the naan properly. Reheating should be quick and efficient to maintain the texture of the bread. Preheat the oven thoroughly at 400 degrees F and only then insert the naan into it.
Step 2: Sprinkle some Water over Naan and Put to Heat
Place the naan on a baking sheet and sprinkle a little water over it. This way, you can prevent the bread from drying out completely at a high temperature. Then, put the naan bread in the oven and bake for about 2 to 3 minutes. It won’t take longer than that.
How To Reheat Naan Bread In An Air Fryer
An air fryer will be a super fast way to heat leftovers of this delicious bread. Everything will be ready in less than 10 minutes, and you will have a soft and crispy naan that you can enjoy immediately. Here are the steps required.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Naan
First, turn on the air fryer to 350 degrees. That medium heat will be ideal for a good result, and the naan bread will not burn on the edges while you heat it.
While the machine is heating, prepare the leftover naan by placing it in the air fryer basket.
We advise you to lay parchment paper on the bottom first and spray a little olive oil or melted butter on it. But if you don’t want to, you can lightly spray the basket itself and put the bread directly in it.
Refrain from cramming or overcrowding everything at once. Instead, separate a couple of heating cycles if you have several pieces.
You can stack the naan bread upright as long as the edges do not touch the heaters.
Step 2: Reheat Naan for 5 Minutes
When you have prepared everything, put the naan basket in the air fryer to heat it. Turn it on for 5 minutes and then check the result. Additional heating time will likely be unnecessary, and the bread will be nicely hot.
Serve the reheated naan immediately with your favorite dishes or sauces, and avoid leaving any excess. Heating more than once will not be as effective.
FAQs
Can I add some flavor to naan while reheating?
People often add a little butter to the homemade naan bread while heating it to get a more pleasing taste. But you can definitely add olive oil, spices, garlic, and other ingredients as you wish. It’s just important not to put in too much fat or moisture, so it doesn’t become gooey.
How do you properly store naan bread?
You can store fresh naan bread in the fridge or freezer. In any case, put it in a plastic bag or an airtight container and close it well so it does not dry out with air. In the fridge, it will last up to 3 days, but we suggest you consume it as soon as possible because the texture will undoubtedly change as the days go by. Frozen naan bread will, of course, last significantly longer, up to several months.
How can you tell if naan bread has gone bad?
Breads, just like naan, don’t go bad immediately, but a few signs can help you tell whether your naan bread has gone bad. A naan bread that is stale and has developed mold has likely gone bad and should be discarded. You should be storing naan bread in the freezer if you don’t need it in a day or two.
Can I keep naan overnight?
Yes, you can keep naan overnight. To maintain its freshness, store the naan in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat it, you can reheat the naan in the oven, microwave, or on a stovetop to enjoy it warm and soft again.
Conclusion
Naan is a specific Indian bread that is often served as a side dish to Indian meals. But, it is so delicious that many like to nibble on it without any additives.
If you have naan bread leftovers, you can definitely store them for later in the refrigerator for a day or two, or in the freezer for an extended period of time. It applies to both store bought naan bread and a homemade one.
In any case, one of the warm-up methods we have suggested to you will surely restore the old glory of the naan as it had in the beginning.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
