Air Fryer Bread Croutons: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making croutons in an air fryer is an easy and tasty way to add some crunch to your salad or soup. You can use any type of bread, from French bread to sourdough, and even leftover slices of sandwich bread. The key to getting that golden crisp is to cut the bread into cubes, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, add your choice of seasonings, and then air fry for around 5 to 10 minutes. You can also experiment with different flavours, such as Italian herbs, ranch seasoning, or cinnamon sugar.

Choosing the right bread

First, it is recommended to use stale or day-old bread. This will give your croutons a better texture and crunch. However, make sure the bread is not mouldy, as this is unsafe to consume.

Second, consider the flavour of the bread. You can use plain bread and add your own seasonings, or choose a bread with built-in flavour, like sourdough, Italian, rye, or even gluten-free bread.

Third, think about the size of the bread slices. You want them to be fairly uniform so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. A standard slice of sandwich bread or a baguette are good options.

Finally, you can also decide whether to include the crusts or not. Some people prefer to cut them off, while others like the added crunch they provide.

So, to summarise, when choosing the right bread for air fryer croutons, go for stale, sliced bread with a flavour you enjoy, and don't forget to check for mould!

Using oil or butter

You can use either olive oil or butter to make croutons in an air fryer. If you're using butter, you'll need to melt it before adding the seasonings and tossing with the bread cubes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your bread into cubes. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, such as sourdough, whole wheat, French bread, or even a baguette. The bread can be stale or day-old, as this will make it easier to cut and will result in a crunchier crouton. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size.

Step 2: Season the Bread

Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. If using butter, melt it before adding the seasonings. For olive oil, simply drizzle it over the bread cubes. You'll need enough butter or oil to evenly coat all the bread cubes. Add your choice of seasonings to the bowl. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss the bread cubes with the butter or oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Croutons

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible to avoid overcrowding. Cook the croutons for 5-7 minutes, shaking or tossing them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Once the croutons are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. You can serve them immediately as a topping for salads or soups, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature. They should stay crispy and fresh for up to two weeks.

Adding herbs and spices

Firstly, you'll want to cut your bread into cubes. You can use any type of bread you like, but day-old bread is often recommended. You can cut the bread into cubes of around 1-inch in size, or 2cm x 2cm. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.

Now, you can add your herbs and spices. You can use dried or fresh herbs, and a variety of spices. Some popular options include Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese for an extra savoury flavour. If you want to add a little heat, you can include some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Mix your chosen herbs and spices in a small bowl and set aside.

Next, drizzle your bread cubes with olive oil. You can also use melted butter here if you prefer. Sprinkle your herb and spice mixture over the bread cubes, and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated.

You can now cook your croutons according to your air fryer's instructions. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature you should set will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the quantity of croutons you are cooking, and how crispy you like them.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (177°C to 204°C). Once preheated, you can then add your seasoned bread cubes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing halfway through.

For example, if using a 6-quart air fryer, preheat to 350°F and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. If using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the croutons to become soggy.

If you prefer your croutons to be extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bread used and the size of the bread cubes. Therefore, it is recommended to check on the croutons regularly during the cooking process and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once cooked, transfer the croutons to a container or plate to cool before serving or storing.

Storage

Once your croutons are cooked and cooled, it's important to store them in an airtight container. This will ensure they stay dry and crisp. If your croutons are not completely cooled before storing, condensation may form, which will cause them to become soggy.

Room temperature is best for storing your croutons, and they should last for around five days. However, some sources suggest they can last for up to two weeks or more. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. First, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for around 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to three or four months. When you want to use them, simply thaw them and crisp them up in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions