Air Fryer Croutons: How To Make Them Perfectly

Croutons are an essential component of any salad, adding a delightful crunch to your meal. While store-bought croutons are convenient, making them in an air fryer is a simple and tasty alternative. With just a few basic ingredients and less than 15 minutes, you can create golden-brown, crispy croutons that are perfect for topping your favourite soups and salads. The air fryer method ensures your croutons are cooked to perfection every time, without the risk of burning that comes with oven-baked croutons. So, grab some stale bread and let's get started on this no-waste recipe!

Croutons in an air fryer: the ingredients you need

Making croutons in an air fryer is a simple and quick process, and only requires a handful of basic ingredients. The best part is that you can use whatever bread you have to hand, and you can experiment with different seasonings and flavour combinations.

The key ingredients

• Bread: You can use any type of bread, but a crusty or hearty bread is recommended. Try sourdough, French bread, Italian, wheat, white, rye, pumpernickel, or even gluten-free bread.
• Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, as it adds flavour and helps achieve a golden colour. You could also use avocado oil, melted butter, or plant-based butter.
• Seasonings: This is where you can get creative. Try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or even cinnamon sugar.

The method

First, cut your bread into bite-sized cubes. Drizzle with oil and toss until coated. Then, add your chosen seasonings and toss again to ensure an even coating. Place the seasoned bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 400°F for 4-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Your homemade croutons are now ready to serve! Enjoy them as a crunchy salad or soup topping, or as a snack on their own.

How to make croutons in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bread ( French, sourdough, Italian, wheat, white, rye, pumpernickel, or gluten-free)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil/melted butter)
• Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, dried parsley, or basil)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Garlic powder (or granulated garlic/garlic salt)
• Salt and pepper

Method

• Cut slices of bread into one-inch cubes. Place in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and toss until coated.
• Add Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
• Add the seasoned bread cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at between 350-400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Remove the croutons from the air fryer when they are golden brown.
• Allow to cool before serving or storing.

Storage

Store your homemade croutons in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If they lose their crispness, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to freshen them up.

Croutons in an air fryer: the best type of bread to use

Making croutons in an air fryer is a simple, low-maintenance method that yields perfect results every time. It is also a great way to use up any leftover or stale bread.

The best bread to use for air fryer croutons is a matter of personal preference. You can use any type of bread, including white, wheat, sourdough, whole wheat, French bread, baguettes, gluten-free bread, or even hot dog buns.

However, some types of bread may be better suited for achieving the desired level of crunchiness. For example, stale or day-old bread will result in crunchier croutons. A crusty or hearty bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, is also a good option for a crunchier texture.

When preparing the bread, cut it into bite-sized cubes or slices. You can leave the crust on or remove it, depending on your preference.

Once you have your bread cubes, you can season them with various herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with other seasonings like onion powder, smoked paprika, or Parmesan cheese.

After seasoning, cook the croutons in the air fryer at a temperature between 350-400°F for 4-10 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until they reach the desired level of doneness.

With an air fryer, you can easily make delicious, golden, and crunchy croutons that are perfect for salads, soups, or even as a snack on their own!

How to store air fryer croutons

Homemade air fryer croutons are simple to make and taste much better than store-bought croutons. But how do you store them to keep that crunch?

Firstly, let your croutons cool to room temperature. This is an important step as it allows the croutons to become extra crunchy. If you store them while they are still warm, they may become soggy.

Once cooled, place the croutons in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag. Make sure all the air has been removed from the bag if that is your storage method of choice.

Your homemade croutons will last around a week or so in a sealed container on the counter. If you want to keep them crunchy for longer, you can store them in the fridge, and they should last for about two weeks.

If your croutons lose their crunch, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy texture. Alternatively, you can place them in the oven for a few minutes to re-crisp them.

What to serve with air fryer croutons

Homemade croutons are incredibly simple and quick to make in an air fryer. They are perfect for topping soups and salads, but what else can you serve them with? Here are some ideas:

Soups

Croutons are a great way to add texture and flavour to soups. Try them with a creamy tomato soup, chilled potato soup, or a silky broccoli-spinach soup. For a real treat, add buttery croutons to cream of potato and cheddar soup. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making cornbread croutons to top a bowl of chilli?

Salads

While croutons are typically associated with Caesar salads, they can also be used to add a crunchy twist to other salads. Try them with a chickpea salad, or a black-eyed pea and watercress salad. For a more indulgent option, how about a fried cheese crouton on top of a Caesar salad?

Scrambled Eggs

Stirring croutons into soft, creamy scrambled eggs can eliminate the need for a side of toast. They can also add a new dimension to stews.

Fish

Fish is often topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, but why not try croutons for a more satisfying crunch? They also work well in a fish stew.

Meatloaf

Instead of using plain old breadcrumbs in your meatloaf, try using croutons instead. They'll add a savory flavour and give your meatloaf a unique consistency.

Casseroles

Croutons can be used as an extender in casseroles, adding texture and flavour to the dish. Try them in a French onion casserole or a creamy turkey casserole.

So, there you have it! Air fryer croutons are a versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes. Get creative and enjoy the crunch!

Frequently asked questions