Air Fryer Croutons: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Croutons are a great way to add some crunch and texture to your soups and salads. And if you're looking for an easy and low-maintenance method to make them at home, an air fryer might be your best bet. Not only are air fryer croutons simple to make, but they also taste much better than store-bought ones. With an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect crispness without the need for excess oil, making them a healthier option. So, if you're tired of stale croutons that come in a resealable bag, making your own croutons in an air fryer might be the way to go.

Croutons in an air fryer: the easiest method

Making croutons in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. It is also a great way to use up any leftover or stale bread. You can use any type of bread, but denser loaves such as sourdough or wholewheat will give you chewier croutons, while lighter breads like baguettes will result in crispier ones.

Ingredients

• Bread of your choice (4-5 slices or 6 cups cubed)
• Olive oil or melted butter (3 tablespoons)
• Italian seasoning or other herbs (1 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (½-1 teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredients

• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes (around ¾-1 inch in size).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the olive oil or melted butter, Italian seasoning or herbs, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. You can also add any optional ingredients you wish to include. Toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
• Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The croutons are done when they are golden brown and crunchy.
• Remove the croutons from the air fryer and sprinkle with a little more salt while they are still hot, if desired. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Storage

Allow the croutons to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag at room temperature. They should stay crispy and fresh for about 1-2 weeks. If you want to revive their crunch, you can pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes.

The best bread for homemade croutons

Although croutons can be made from any type of bread, some types of bread are better than others. Here are some tips on choosing the best bread for homemade croutons.

Choose a crusty loaf of bread

For the best croutons, look for a crusty loaf of bread with a great flavour. This could be a loaf of whole-grain sourdough, French bread, rye bread, or even homemade cornbread. The crust will add a nice texture to your croutons, and the flavour of the bread will complement your meal.

Use bread that is a few days old

Croutons are a great way to use up stale bread that is a day or two old. Stale bread is easier to cut into uniform cubes, which is important for even cooking. If you're using fresh bread, tear it into pieces by hand rather than cutting it with a knife.

Opt for thicker slices of bread

Ideally, you'll want to use bread that you can slice into relatively thick slices, about 3/4-inch wide. This way, you can make even cubes that are perfectly bite-sized. They'll be crispy on the outside but still have a bit of chewiness on the inside.

Experiment with different types of bread

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find the best flavour and texture for your croutons. You can try using gluten-free bread, sourdough, whole wheat, white bread, baguette, or even cornbread or brioche. Just keep in mind that different types of bread may require slight adjustments to the cooking time and temperature.

How to make croutons from scratch

Making croutons from scratch is an easy and tasty way to elevate your salads, soups, and even cheese boards! Here's a simple recipe for making homemade croutons in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (sourdough, wholewheat, white, French baguette, etc.)
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter)
• Seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Cut your chosen bread into bite-sized cubes, around ¾-1 inch in size.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with your chosen oil and seasonings. Toss or mix until all the pieces are evenly coated.
• Place the seasoned bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for a total of 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the croutons with a spatula halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Remove the croutons from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy.
• Sprinkle with salt while they are still hot, and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Storage:

To keep your homemade croutons crispy, store them in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week, and you can always pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

How to store leftover croutons

Homemade croutons are a great way to use up leftover bread, but what do you do with leftover croutons?

The key to storing leftover croutons is to keep them away from moisture and humidity, which will affect their texture and taste.

First, let your croutons cool down completely. If you have a dry oven, you can leave them to cool in there, otherwise, leave them on the kitchen counter.

Once they are cool, put your croutons in an airtight container or a sealed zip-lock bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can also line the container or bag with a paper towel to soak up any excess moisture.

Place the container in a cool, dry and dark place, such as a kitchen cupboard, and your leftover croutons will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

If you want to keep your croutons for longer, you can freeze them. Place the croutons on a baking tray and put them into the freezer until they harden. Then, remove them from the tray and place them into a freezer bag. Croutons can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

To restore the crunch to your leftover croutons, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes.

How to make croutons in an air fryer: step-by-step

Ingredients

You will need:

• Bread of your choice (stale bread is perfect for croutons)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter)
• Seasoning (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, etc.)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F/180°C and 400°F/200°C.
• Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes or tear it into ¾-1 inch pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the oil and your choice of seasonings. Toss or mix until all the pieces are coated evenly.
• Place the seasoned bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If using a parchment liner, add it before placing the bread.
• Air fry for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket and checking on the progress halfway through. The croutons are done when they are golden brown and crunchy.
• Remove the croutons from the air fryer and sprinkle with salt while they are still hot, if desired. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag at room temperature. They should stay crispy and fresh for about a week, and possibly longer (up to 2 weeks). You can also freeze them for up to 6 months and reheat in the air fryer to restore the crunch.

Frequently asked questions