Air Fryer Croutons: A Quick, Crispy, And Easy Recipe

Croutons are a great way to add texture to soups and salads, and making them in an air fryer is a low-maintenance method that produces perfect results every time. Air fryer croutons are simple to make, taste better than store-bought croutons, and are a great way to use up stale bread. You can use any type of bread, from sourdough to white sandwich bread, and season them with herbs and spices such as oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. The air fryer crisps them up in just a few minutes, making them golden and crunchy.

Choosing the right bread

Type of Bread:

• Sourdough: Sourdough bread is a popular choice for croutons due to its complex and savory flavor, which results in gourmet-tasting croutons. It also tends to have a rustic look with large holes in the bread, creating a variety of crunchier and softer pieces.
• Baguette: Using a baguette is convenient if you have a partial loaf leftover, and it produces similar results to sourdough. However, baguettes tend to have a higher ratio of exterior crust, resulting in consistently crunchier croutons.
• White Sandwich Bread: White sandwich bread creates a classic, slightly sweet-tasting crouton that is closest in taste and texture to store-bought croutons. The slices are pre-cut, so you have less control over the crouton thickness, but you can still make an average-sized crouton.

Fresh vs. Stale Bread:

You can use either fresh or stale bread for your croutons. Stale bread is firmer and slightly easier to cut into cubes, while fresh bread has more moisture and may take a little longer to cook. Fresh bread works well, but if you're using older, dried-out bread, be cautious as it can affect the flavor and make the croutons too hard or crunchy.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options:

If you have specific dietary requirements, you can also make croutons using gluten-free bread or vegan ingredients. Just ensure that the bread you choose has a good texture and flavor to enhance your croutons.

Remember, the best bread for croutons is a matter of personal preference. You can use your favorite bread or experiment with different types to find the one that suits your taste and desired texture.

Using the right oil

The choice of oil is crucial when making croutons in an air fryer. While you can use various oils, selecting the right one will ensure your croutons turn out perfectly golden brown and crispy. Here's a guide to help you choose the best oil for your air fryer croutons.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for making air fryer croutons. It not only adds a delicious flavour to your croutons but also helps achieve that desirable golden colour. It is the preferred oil for many due to its ability to crisp up the bread beautifully.

Avocado Oil

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, avocado oil is a great option. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning. Avocado oil is also flavourful and will give your croutons a nice, subtle taste.

Melted Butter

For a richer, more indulgent option, you can use melted butter instead of oil. Butter will give your croutons a more decadent flavour and a beautiful golden colour. However, keep in mind that butter has a lower smoke point than oils, so you'll need to keep a close eye on your croutons to prevent burning.

Combining Oils and Butter

If you want the best of both worlds, you can always combine olive oil and butter. This combination will give you the flavour and colour of olive oil, along with the rich, indulgent taste of butter.

Other Options

While extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and butter are the most commonly used options, you can also experiment with other oils like grapeseed oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. Each oil will impart a slightly different flavour, so feel free to choose one that complements your croutons' seasonings.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

When using oil in an air fryer, remember these key tips:

• Less is more: You don't need to use a lot of oil. A light coating is usually enough to get the desired results.
• Avoid overcrowding: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each crouton some space to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Shake it up: Halfway through the cooking process, give the air fryer basket a shake to redistribute the croutons and ensure even cooking.
• Don't forget the temperature: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350°F to 400°F, for best results.

By choosing the right oil and following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to making perfect, crispy air fryer croutons every time!

Seasoning options

The seasoning options for air fryer croutons are endless! The croutons can be seasoned with herbs, spices, or a combination of both.

Herbs

Oregano, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, thyme, and rosemary are all popular herb choices for croutons. These herbs complement each other well and are versatile enough to go with many dishes.

Spices

Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper are commonly used as base spices for croutons. Smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese can also be added for extra flavour and spice.

Combinations

• Oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Parsley, garlic powder, and seasoned salt
• Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning

Step-by-step instructions

How to Make Croutons in an Air Fryer

Making croutons in an air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious, crispy croutons at home:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need bread, oil or butter, and seasonings of your choice. For the bread, you can use any type you prefer, such as sourdough, whole wheat, baguette, or even stale bread. For the oil, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil, melted butter, or a combination. As for seasonings, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, or any other spices you like.

Cut the Bread:

Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes. The size of the cubes can vary, but aim for uniformity so that the croutons cook evenly. You can cut the bread into cubes that are about 1-inch in length or width.

Mix the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with your chosen oil or butter. Drizzle the oil or melted butter over the bread cubes, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Then, add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss everything together until all the bread cubes are well-coated. You can use your hands or tongs to mix everything thoroughly.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking croutons is between 325°F to 400°F. Refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best temperature setting.

Cook the Croutons:

Place the seasoned bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry the croutons for 2-4 minutes, depending on your air fryer's temperature. Then, open the air fryer, give the basket a light shake to move the croutons around, and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Cool and Serve:

Once the croutons have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle them with a bit of salt while they are still hot, if desired. Then, your croutons are ready to be served! Enjoy them as a crunchy snack or as a topping for your favourite salads and soups.

Storage:

If you have any leftover croutons, let them cool completely to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature. They should stay crispy and fresh for up to a week. If they lose their crispness, you can always pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crunch.

Storage and reheating

Once you've made your croutons in the air fryer, you'll want to store them in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag. They'll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature, or you can freeze them for longer-term storage.

If your croutons lose their crunch over time, you can easily restore them to their former glory by popping them back into the air fryer for a few minutes. This will give them a quick reheat and restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to turn them into breadcrumbs.

Frequently asked questions