Air Fryer Croutons: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Croutons are a great way to add texture and flavour to soups and salads. They are typically made by frying or baking bread cubes, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer croutons are simple to make and result in a crispy, buttery texture that is perfect for topping salads, soups, or even just as a snack. They can be made with a variety of breads, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or French bread, and seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, or Italian seasoning. The air fryer method is also healthier than traditional frying methods, as less oil is needed to achieve the perfect crunch.

Croutons in an air fryer: the perfect crunch

Croutons are incredibly simple and quick to make in an air fryer. They are perfect for adding a crunchy texture to your salads, soups, dips, and other dishes. The best part? You can make them with any type of bread you have lying around!

Ingredients

You will need:

• Bread of your choice (stale bread is perfect, but fresh bread works too)
• Butter or oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or any other type of oil you prefer)
• Seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper)

Instructions

Here's how to make croutons in an air fryer:

• Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes.
• Melt the butter or heat the oil.
• Combine the seasonings with the butter or oil in a medium-sized bowl.
• Stir the bread cubes into the seasoned butter or oil until they are evenly coated.
• Place the seasoned bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Cook the croutons for 5-7 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the croutons from the air fryer and allow them to cool to room temperature.
• Enjoy your homemade croutons!

Storage

You can store your leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before transferring them to a freezer bag. Frozen croutons will last for up to 3 months.

Customising croutons to your taste

The real fun begins when you start experimenting with different herbs and spices. While the classic choice is oregano or Italian seasoning, you can branch out with thyme, rosemary, or dried parsley. For added flavour, try garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you're feeling bold, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or even grated Parmesan cheese can take your croutons to the next level.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect blend. You can also try substituting the butter or oil with pesto oil or Tuscan oil for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find the flavours that you enjoy the most!

Croutons: the best bread to use

While you can use any type of bread to make croutons in an air fryer, some types are better than others. The density of the bread will determine the texture of the croutons. For example, a dense loaf of Italian bread will yield chewy croutons, while a light and airy baguette will result in crispier croutons.

If you're looking for something in between, sourdough or whole wheat bread is a good option. You can also use leftover slices of sandwich bread, leftover baguettes, loaves of French bread, or any bread you have on hand. Stale bread is perfect for making croutons, as long as it's not mouldy.

For croutons with a stronger flavour, you can use rye, pumpernickel, or even hot dog buns.

Storing air fryer croutons

If you live in a humid environment, you may want to store them in a bag or airtight container to ensure they don't go stale. If they do lose their crunch, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the texture.

You can also transform any leftover croutons into breadcrumbs. Simply pulse them in a food processor.

Croutons: oil vs butter

Croutons are a great way to bring new life to day-old bread. They can be made with any type of bread, from French bread to sandwich bread, and even leftover hot dog buns. The key to getting the crunchiest croutons is to use day-old bread.

When it comes to the fat component, you can use either oil or butter. Butter will give your croutons a richer, more indulgent flavour, while oil will make them more delicate and crispy. If you are using oil, olive oil or avocado oil are great options. If you are using butter, you can clarify it first to prevent it from burning. To clarify butter, simply melt it and skim off any foam that rises to the top.

If you want to season your croutons, there are endless possibilities. You can use garlic, onion powder, parsley, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even cinnamon sugar. If you are using fresh garlic, it is best to infuse it in the melted butter or oil first, rather than adding it directly to the croutons, as garlic can burn easily.

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice, cut into cubes
• Olive oil or butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Your choice of seasonings

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss until evenly coated.
• If using, add your choice of seasonings and toss again to coat.
• Spread the bread cubes in an even layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
• Bake or air fry for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Enjoy your homemade croutons as a topping for salads, soups, or just as a snack!

Frequently asked questions