Bookmark
Using the air fryer to make homemade croutons has completely changed the way I enjoy soups and salads. These crispy air fryer croutons are golden and crunchy without needing too much oil and cleanup is a breeze.
I started making these on a busy weeknight to jazz up a basic salad and now I always have a stash ready for last minute dinners.
Ingredients
- Bread cubes: fresh or day old bread works well adds structure and texture
- Olive oil: adds richness and helps create a crispy crust choose high quality for best flavor
- Garlic powder: adds a subtle savory depth opt for fine powder for even coating
- Dried herbs: mix of oregano rosemary and basil offers a Mediterranean touch
- Salt and pepper: enhances all the flavors use sea salt and freshly ground pepper if possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Bread:
- Use a serrated knife to cut bread slices into even sized cubes about one inch thick this helps ensure uniform cooking and crunch
- Season the Cubes:
- In a large bowl toss the bread cubes with olive oil garlic powder dried herbs salt and pepper mix well so every cube is coated evenly
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 180 Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit allow it to heat for about three minutes so it is ready to crisp
- Air Fry the Croutons:
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for ten minutes shaking once halfway through until golden and crispy
- Cool and Store:
- Transfer the hot croutons to a plate and let them cool completely before storing this helps lock in the crunch
Bookmark
You Must Know
I always use sourdough because it gives a rich tangy base and reminds me of the homemade bread my grandma used to make for our Sunday soups
Storage Tips
Once cooled completely store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six days. Avoid refrigeration as it introduces moisture which can soften the texture. You can re-crisp them in the air fryer for one minute if needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have olive oil use avocado oil or melted butter. You can also use gluten free bread for a celiac friendly version. Swap garlic powder with onion powder or smoked paprika for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
These croutons go perfectly on classic Caesar salads hearty lentil soups or creamy tomato bisques. Crush them slightly and use as a topping for mac and cheese or mix into stuffing.
Bookmark
Cultural and Historical Context
Croutons come from the French word for crust and were originally a clever way to use up old bread. Today they are loved globally for their texture and flavor enhancing abilities in both traditional and modern dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes you can use fresh bread but stale bread works better for crispier texture and reduced moisture.
- → How long do homemade air fryer croutons last?
Stored in an airtight container they stay fresh for up to 6 days at room temperature.
- → Can I flavor croutons differently?
Absolutely you can add spices like smoked paprika or cumin and use seasoned oils or flavored butters.
- → Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes just use gluten-free bread to make the croutons suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- → Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes preheating to 180°C helps achieve an evenly crisp and golden texture.