Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza is an Indian-style pizza recipe made with naan, marinated paneer, colorful veggies, and cheese. This fusion pizza is quick, easy, vegetarian, delicious, and perfect for when you are craving pizza.
I am sharing how to make Homemade Paneer Naan Pizza in Air fryer and oven.
Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza is my go-to recipe to make at home when we are craving Indian-style pizza.
It's one of those easy recipes that is quick too and doesn't need any prior cooking. The ingredient list might look long but dont let that fool you, it's really easy. Using naan flatbread as the base makes it convenient too.
This easy naan pizza is a protein-packed filling meal comprising naan, veggies, cheese, and paneer. Kid-friendly and perfect for entertaining, family pizza night, or even in Kids Lunch Box . If you love Tandoori paneer tikka, you are going to love this recipe!
Here are some other homemade pizza recipes to try - easy pizza recipes.
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What is Naan Pizza?
Naan pizza is a fusion dish that uses Naan bread, a soft and slightly chewy flatbread as the base for making pizza instead of the traditional pizza crust.
The naan is typically topped with pizza ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats (optional), and then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the naan becomes crisp around the edges.
About This Recipe
Like traditional pizza, naan pizza can have a lot of variations and you can customize it to make it your own. I am sharing one of our favorite Naan pizza recipe, Indian-style pizza loaded with veggies and paneer - Tandoori Paneer Pizza.
To make Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza start by layering the naan with marinara sauce or pizza sauce, followed by cheese, colorful veggies like bell pepper, onion, babycorn, tomatoes, and olives, marinated paneer (with yogurt and spices),and topped with more cheese.
Bake in the air fryer or oven until golden and crispy and that's it you have a delicious pizza ready! It's quick, easy, filling, delicious, customizable and so satisfying!
You can have everything prepped and ready and assemble just before serving. It's great as a party appetizer, for potlucks, kids lunchbox, family dinner or simply when you crave pizza.
Recipe Ingredients
Naan: You can use either fresh or frozen naan for making paneer pizzas. I used Panaji naan from Sprouts, which is large, soft, and fresh, making an ideal base. I've also tried this recipe with Stonefire Naan (original or mini) and flavored Naan like garlic Naan from Trader Joe's. Alternatively, you can use pita bread or lavash if naan is unavailable.
Pizza Sauce: You can use pizza sauce or tomato-based pasta sauce. I used our favorite pasta sauce that is usually stocked up in my fridge and pantry.
Paneer: It is also known as Indian cottage cheese. You can use homemade or store-bought fresh or frozen paneer. I like using frozen paneer from the Haldiram brand. Thaw it to room temperature then soak in hot water until soft, remove, pat dry, and then cut and use in marinade.
Yogurt and spices: to marinate the paneer, you will need thick yogurt (you can also use Greek yogurt) and Indian spices like turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, Tandoori masala or Garam Masala salt, black pepper, chaat masala, lemon juice, and oil. All the spices are available at Indian grocery stores.
Veggies: You can use veggies of choice. I have used red onion, color full bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow), cherry or grape tomatoes, mushrooms, babycorn, and black olives.
Seasonings: To flavor the pizza, you need oregano and chaat masala (optional but recommended).
Cheese: Last but not least, pizza is incomplete without cheese. I have used a mix of shredded mozzarella cheese and Italian cheese. You can also use parmesan cheese, cheddar or cheese of choice.
Please refer to the recipe card for exact measurements of ingredients.
How To Make Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza (Stepwise Photos)
1 to 4 - In a bowl, mix all the ingredients mentioned for Tandoori Paneer (paneer, oil, spices, lemon juice, and yogurt) until the paneer is well coated. Keep aside.
5 - Toast each naan in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Simply bake the bread in the oven right on the rack for about 3 minutes. Place the naan on a baking tray (lined with parchment paper) or on a cutting board or plate.
6 to 8 - Layer each Naan with 2-3 tablespoons of sauce, a handful of cheese (approximately ½ cup), and veggies (red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, baby corn).
9 - Top with marinated paneer pieces followed by black olives.
10 - Sprinkle oregano, chaat masala, and more cheese
11 - Air fryer Method: Carefully transfer the naan pizza to the air fryer and bake at 400°F for 4-5 mins or until the cheese has melted.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for 5-8 minutes or until cheese has melted. Broil further for 1 to 2 mins for a golden crispy cheese finish.
12 - Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a final touch. Cut it into triangles, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tandoori Naan Pizza on its own or with a side of chutney or ketchup to dip. Or mix some chutney with yogurt and drizzle this sauce over the pizza before serving.
Add a side of salad and a refreshing drink like Lemon Iced tea or classic Indian lemonade for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Allow the leftover naan pizza to cool completely, and wrap it in aluminum foil or store it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 mins or in the oven until heated through before serving.
Variations
In a pinch, you can skip marinating the paneer with yogurt, instead just grate the paneer and mix it with spices. Then layer this paneer mixture over marinara followed by cheese, veggies, and more cheese. Bake and enjoy!
You can also chop the paneer and veggies into smaller cubes or pieces, especially when making it for kids or packing it in their lunchbox.
For a tandoori chicken naan pizza variation, use cooked chicken strips (grilled chicken or rotisserie) in place of paneer and marinate them in the yogurt and spices just as you would the paneer.
You can also make this pizza without the paneer and just veggies and it's still delicious! Another option is to marinate the veggies in yogurt spices and then top it over pizza and bake.
Add jalapenos or green chilies for a spicy twist.
Recipe Tips
Pre-Bake for Crispy Crust: To keep the crust crispy, pre-bake the naan either in the air fryer or oven on the rack.
Pizza Base: Use your preferred flatbread – plain or garlic naan, whole wheat naan, pita bread, lavash, or cooked pizza base.
Switch sauces for flavor variety: I have used marinara, but you can use your favorite pizza sauce or pesto, barbecue, or alfredo.
Customizable Toppings: Use available seasonal vegetables or pre-cooked meats like grilled chicken, pepperoni, or sausage.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is a classic choice and complements tandoori paneer, or opt for a cheese of choice like cheddar, feta, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend.
Baking Methods: You can make this naan pizza in the oven or air fryer as there is little to no difference in the taste and texture. I prefer an air fryer for speed and a smaller batch of pizzas, an oven for larger quantities.
Monitor Closely: Every oven and air fryer is different so keep a close watch while baking this pizza for the first time. You know your pizza is ready when the cheese has melted and the edges have turned golden. For crispier pizza bake or broil for a few extra minutes.
Adjust Portions: The recipe suits 4-5 large naan pizzas; adapt toppings and sauce for naan size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can replace paneer with tofu or a plant-based protein, and use dairy-free cheese and yogurt.
Pre-bake the naan so the top is crispy before layering the sauce and toppings. This creates a barrier that helps prevent moisture from seeping into the naan.
Yes! you can make paneer naan pizza on a stovetop using a skillet or a tawa (flat griddle). Heat the griddle on medium heat. Place one side down on the hot skillet and cook until it's crispy. Lower the heat. Flip and layer the cripsy side with sauce and toppings. Cover and cook until the cheese has melted, the veggies are cooked and the bottom is golden and crispy.
You can buy Naan bread from local grocery stores (Sprouts, Walmart, TraderJoes) or frozen sections of Indian/specialty stores or from your local Indian restaurants.
More Pizza Recipes
I hope you enjoy this Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza Recipe !! If you try this recipe, please rate it by clicking stars ⭐️ on the recipe card. Thank you ❤️! You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s cooking in my kitchen!!
Recipe Card
Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza
Equipment
- Air Fryer or oven
Ingredients
- 4 naan Fresh or frozen
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, or as needed
- 2-3 cups shredded cheese used mix of Mozzarella and Italian cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- few cilantro leaves as needed
For Tandoori Paneer
- 1 cup paneer (170 grams) cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala optional
- ½ teaspoon Tandoori masala or garam Masala
- ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ⅛ black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Veggies
- 1 bell pepper cut in cubes(using mix of red, green and yellow)
- ¼ red onion cut in cubes
- 10 cherry/grape tomatoes sliced
- 3-4 mushrooms thinly sliced
- 2-3 baby corn sliced (or use corn kernels)
- 6 black olives sliced (optional)
Instructions
Marinate Paneer
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients mentioned for Tandoori Paneer (paneer, oil, spices, lemon juice, and yogurt) until the paneer is well coated. Keep aside.
Making Paneer Naan Pizza
- Toast each naan in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Simply bake the bread in the oven right on the rack for about 3 minutes. Place the naan on a baking tray (lined with parchment paper) or on a cutting board or plate.
- Layer each Naan with 2-3 tablespoons of sauce, a handful of cheese (approximately ½ cup), and veggies (red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, baby corn).
- Top with marinated paneer pieces followed by black olives.
- Sprinkle oregano, chaat masala, and more cheese
- Air fryer: Carefully transfer the naan pizza to the air fryer and bake at 400°F for 4-5 mins or until the cheese has melted.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for 5-8 minutes or until cheese has melted. Broil further for 1 to 2 mins for a golden crispy cheese finish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a final touch. Cut it into triangles, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published on May 20, 2014, but was republished with, step-by-step instructions, new photos, tips, and a video in August of 2023.
Thank you Lakshmi - truly happy to know you liked the recipe. Would love to know if you try some more.
I made this today and came out very good. I'll stick to this recipe always. Thanks for the recipe.
Nice blog and cute pics.. Happy to follow you. step in my blog for simple potato recipes. 🙂 (I came through that you love anything with potatoes ike me :)))
Irresistible Indian Pizza's.... love the colour...i am taking 1 big piece .....
Looks sooo good 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Just cant resist to this naan pizza, soo delicious.
Naan Pizzas look simply delicious. I am drooling over here. Wonderful clicks.
Deepa
look fab
These Nanizzas look cute 🙂 If I may call it that!! 😀