The naan bread is a staple of Indian cuisine. Whether you made tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, palak paneer, paneer makhani, or even daal, naan bread is all you need to have a complete, hearty meal.
But let’s face it – it’s not easy to make naan bread. And who wants to spend their weekends making naan when all you really want to do is kick your feet up on your coffee table and enjoy good, comfort food in front of your favorite TV show?
This is where frozen naan bread comes in. And while many people argue that it’s not the same as fresh naan and microwaving it makes it dry and rubbery, let me tell you something.
If you do things right, you can get soft naan that’s steamy on the inside with a bubbly soft top and a light crumb that tears easily. Pair that up with a crispy base and a charred top, and you have the perfect naan!
So, how do you heat frozen naan bread in the microwave to get the perfect results? Read on as I walk you through it!
Can you heat frozen naan bread in the microwave?
Yes, you can heat frozen naan bread in the microwave. But you need to be very careful with the time otherwise you can overheat the naan.
You should microwave frozen naan for only 30-90 seconds, depending on how many pieces you want to heat and your microwave’s power.
When you microwave frozen naan, the starch is re-gelatinized. As a result, it becomes slightly spongy. Microwaving frozen naan also makes it a little moisturized, but if you don’t get the timing right, you can overheat it.
It’s very easy to determine when the naan is hot enough to take out and serve. You just need to fold it in half. If it folds easily and gently without breaking at all, you’re good to go.
Also, make sure that you take out the hot naan from the microwave as soon as the timer is up. If you leave it within the appliance, the leftover heat will dry out all the moisture, and you’ll be left behind with chewy naan that you have to pull hard because of its elastic-like texture.
How to heat up naan bread in the microwave
To heat frozen naan bread in the microwave, take a wet paper towel and wrap it around the naan. This will retain the moisture and make sure the naan doesn’t dry up very quickly. Then microwave it in 15-second increments for 30-90 seconds or until it is hot enough to serve.
Start off by thawing the naan first. To do that, wrap it in a damp paper towel so that it retains its moisture as it defrosts. Then microwave it in 10-15-second increments, making sure to flip the naan after each increment.
Continue microwaving until you the naan is hot enough. In general, one piece should be hot enough in 30 seconds while you may need to run the microwave for up to 90 seconds to defrost 2-3 pieces.
Once the naan bread thaws out completely, put some ghee in a hot skillet so that both the sides are crispy with a slightly charred flavor.
What are the other ways to heat frozen naan bread?
Apart from microwaving frozen naan bread, you can also heat it in the oven, in an air fryer, and in the skillet.
Let’s discuss all these methods one by one.
Using an oven
To heat frozen naan bread in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Line a tray with a baking sheet and oil it lightly.
- Put the naan on top of it and sprinkle some water on it.
- Place the tray in the middle of the oven and leave it for 2-3 minutes.
- Brush the naan with butter or oil for a burst of flavor and serve immediately.
Using an air fryer
If you have an air fryer, you can heat frozen naan bread within 5 minutes. Here’s how:
- Preheat the appliance to 400F.
- Line the basket with aluminum foil.
- Spray a little bit of olive oil on the naan and put it in the basket.
- Let it cook for 3 minutes or until it is fully heated.
Using a skillet
You can use a skillet to reheat thawed naan. Before placing the naan on it, heat it to high and then follow these instructions:
- Put the naan on the skillet with the top facing downwards. Let it sit for a few seconds so that the bubbly spots char a little bit before flipping it. But make sure you don’t dry or burn the naan.
- You can cook the bottom of the naan for a little longer since it tastes better when it is slightly crispy. So you can leave it on the skillet for around 30 seconds.
- You can also top the naan with some ghee to give it a nice buttery taste.
It is safe to heat frozen naan bread in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to heat frozen naan bread in the microwave as long as you defrost it first. In case of leftover naan, make sure it was stored correctly and that it is safe enough to consume.
Defrosting naan removes ice particles and brings it down to room temperature. There are multiple ways to defrost naan.
You can take it out an hour before you want to heat it so that it comes down to room temperature or put it in the fright overnight. You can also wrap a wet paper towel around it and microwave it for 30 seconds or wrap it in aluminum foil and put it in the oven.
You also need to make sure that the naan bread was stored properly before you heat it. Leftover naan can last for 3-5 days at room temperature. And if you keep it in a tightly sealed bag in the freezer, it is okay to consume for up to three months. Just make sure that the bag is sealed properly to prevent the spread of bacteria.
How long should you heat frozen naan bread in the microwave?
The time for which you should heat frozen naan bread in the microwave depends on the number of naan pieces and your microwave’s power. But in general, you need to microwave one piece of naan for 30 seconds.
If you think the naan is still not hot up, then microwave it in increments of 5 seconds until it is as hot as you like.
And if you’re microwaving more than one piece, make sure you add another 15 seconds for each piece. Just make sure to stop the microwave halfway and flip the pieces before microwaving the other side.
Be careful not to overcook the naan. If you do so, all the moisture will evaporate and the naan will become chewy and hard with an elastic-like texture. This is why you should heat it in small intervals instead of in one go.
Tips to heat frozen naan in the microwave
Frozen naan can pair up very well with different kinds of Indian curries. And to get the best results, make sure you keep the following tips in mind:
- Never put go-to containers made of styrofoam or plastic, or paper packaging in the microwave. Always use a microwave-safe plate instead.
- You can retain the moisture in the naan by wrapping it up with a damp paper towel.
- You can also brush some garlic butter over the naan when heating it to make it more flavorful.
- Serve the noon as soon as it is out of the microwave; don’t let it cool down. The more times you reheat naan, the drier it becomes.
Summing It Up
You now know ways to reheat naan or frozen naan bread in the microwave. Whether you made and froze the naan yourself, have some leftover naan from the Indian restaurant down the street, or bought pre-made naan, don’t be afraid to chuck it in the microwave.
By keeping in mind the instructions outlined above, you can get hot, soft, and crunchy naan without going through the hassle of firing up the oven!
FAQ
How can I reheat naan bread to make it taste fresh again?
To reheat naan bread and restore its freshness, there are several ways you can try. One way is to place the naan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush it with olive oil before reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Another way is to heat up a frying pan over medium-high heat, place the naan properly in the pan, and cook each side for about 30 seconds until warm.
What should I do if my leftover naan bread has become flavorless?
If your leftover naan bread has lost its flavor, you can try reheating it by brushing some olive oil on top of it and placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about five minutes or until heated through.
Can I freeze homemade naan? If so, how should I store them?
Yes, you can freeze homemade naan by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw frozen naans, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for about an hour before reheating using any of the ways to reheat mentioned above.
What’s the best way to store fresh naan bread?
The best way to store fresh naan bread is by wrapping them loosely in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keeping them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage periods of up to one week, keep wrapped fresh Naans inside an airtight container placed inside your refrigerator.
Is there any other alternative method that I could use when reheating cold Naans besides using an oven or frying pan?
Yes! You could also try microwaving cold Naans by placing them between damp paper towels then heating on high power setting for around ten seconds per piece until they’re warmed through but not too hot as this may cause dryness.
How can I reheat store-bought naan bread?
To reheat your store-bought naan bread, you can use an air fryer basket or heat it in a tandoor oven. If you don’t have either of these options, lightly oil the naan and heat it on a skillet until warm.
What is the best way to store naan breads?
The best way to store naan breads is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to 2 days.
Can I use an air fryer to make grilled cheese with my leftover naan?
Yes, you can use an air fryer to make grilled cheese with your leftover naan. Simply place the cheese between two pieces of warmed-up non-frozen naan dough and put it in the air fryer basket until melted.
What are some side dish cuisines that pair well with warm naan?
Warm naans go well with Indian cuisine as well as Middle Eastern dishes like hummus or baba ganoush. They also pair nicely with Mediterranean salads or soups.
How do I keep my one piece of leftover naan warm for later consumption?
To keep your one piece of leftover naan warm for later consumption, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you could microwave it for about 30 seconds if you’re short on time.