Deep-Frying Croutons: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Croutons are a great way to add texture and flavour to salads, soups, and pastas. They are easy to make at home and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, grilling, or using an air fryer or oven. Homemade croutons are a great way to use up stale bread, and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to add extra flavour. They are typically made by cutting bread into cubes, seasoning, and then cooking until golden and crispy.

Croutons in an air fryer: cut bread into cubes, add oil and seasoning, cook

Croutons in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Bread (any type, but stale bread works best)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter)
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc.)

Method

• Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes.
• Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle the bread cubes with oil and toss until they are evenly coated.
• Add your desired seasonings to the bread cubes and toss again until they are evenly coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
• Cook for 6-9 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the croutons from the air fryer and sprinkle with salt while they are still hot.
• Allow the croutons to cool slightly before serving.

Tips

• For crispier croutons, cook for a few minutes longer.
• If you want to reduce the amount of oil used, try using a spray bottle to evenly coat the bread cubes.
• Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• To revive stale croutons, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

Croutons on the stove: cut bread into cubes, add butter and seasoning to a pan, cook

Croutons on the Stove:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of bread cubes (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil or any other flavourless high-heat oil
• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of salt
• Optional spices: ground black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or your favourite spice blends

Method:

• Cut the bread into bite-sized chunks or cubes. You can choose to leave the crust on or tear it off, depending on your preference.
• Add the bread cubes to a large bowl and drizzle with oil. You can also add your desired spices and seasonings at this stage. Toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated.
• Heat a pan on medium to medium-low heat. Add the butter, olive oil and wait until the butter is melted.
• If you haven't added your spices yet, add your spice mix and salt now and mix together.
• Put the bread cubes into the pan and stir until they are coated in the oil and butter mixture.
• Cook the croutons until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Remove the croutons from the pan and let them cool completely. They will become crunchier as they cool.

Tips:

• You can use any type of leavened bread, such as sourdough, soft buns, Italian bread, ciabatta, brioche, baguette, or sandwich bread.
• If using fresh bread, you may need to cook the croutons a little longer to achieve the desired crispness.
• For less oily croutons, use a spray bottle to evenly coat the bread cubes with oil.
• Store the croutons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They may need to be reheated in a pan before serving to regain crispness.

Croutons in the oven: cut bread into pieces, toss with oil, seasoning, and bake

Croutons in the Oven

Ingredients

• 2 large slices of crusty bread, about 3/4-inch thick (about 4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

• Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut the bread into 3/4-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. You should end up with around 3 cups of cubed bread.
• Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Gently toss the bread with your hands until the cubes are lightly coated in oil and seasoning.
• Spread the bread cubes out on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until the croutons are golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
• Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
• Croutons are best enjoyed within a few hours of baking but will keep in a sealed bag for several days at room temperature.

Tips:

• For the best flavour, use a crusty loaf of bread with great flavour, such as sourdough, French bread, rye, or cornbread.
• If your bread is fresh, tear it into pieces by hand. If it's stale, use a serrated knife to gently slice it.
• Don't worry about making perfect cubes—irregular shapes are welcome!
• For added flavour, toss the croutons in ground or whole spices, chopped herbs, or grated Parmesan before baking.

Crouton ingredients: bread, oil, butter, salt, and spices

Bread

Croutons can be made with any type of leavened bread, including gluten-free. This can be stale or fresh bread, though stale bread will need to be cooked for less time to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Some popular bread options include:

• Sourdough
• Slider rolls
• Hot dog buns
• Potato rolls
• Italian bread
• Ciabatta
• Brioche
• Baguette
• Everyday sandwich bread

Oil

Oil is used to coat the bread and help it achieve a crispy texture. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other options include vegetable oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, or any other high-heat oil.

Butter

Butter can be used as an alternative to oil, or in combination with it. It is melted and then used to coat the bread cubes.

Salt

A healthy pinch of salt is added to enhance the flavour of the croutons.

Spices

Spices and seasonings are added to the croutons to give them extra flavour. Popular options include:

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried herbs (e.g. thyme, oregano, basil)
• Spice blends (e.g. everything bagel seasoning)

Crouton storage: store in an airtight container for up to a week

Crouton storage is a critical aspect of preserving their crunchiness and freshness. Here are some detailed instructions for storing your croutons in an airtight container for up to a week:

Choosing the Right Container:

Select an airtight container to protect your croutons from moisture and humidity, which can cause sogginess. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the croutons in a single layer, preventing them from being bunched up, which can create soft spots.

Preparing the Croutons:

Allow the croutons to cool completely before placing them in the container. This step is crucial to avoid condensation inside the container, which can lead to moisture buildup and affect the quality of your croutons.

Storing at Room Temperature:

Store the airtight container of croutons in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Room temperature storage is ideal for maintaining the crunchiness of the croutons without introducing the dampness that can occur in a refrigerator.

Ensuring Freshness:

Check the croutons regularly to ensure they remain dry and crispy. The drier the croutons, the longer they can be stored without losing their quality. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a stale taste, mold, a rancid smell, or sogginess, discard the croutons immediately.

Extending Shelf Life:

If you want to extend the shelf life beyond a week, consider storing the airtight container of croutons in the freezer. Frozen croutons can retain their quality for up to six weeks. However, freezing may affect their texture, so it's best to use them within the first week if possible.

Seasonings and Flavors:

When preparing your croutons, be mindful that fresh seasonings, such as cheese, can shorten their lifespan. If you plan to add cheese or other perishable ingredients, it's best to consume the croutons within a few days.

Reviving Stale Croutons:

If your croutons start to lose their crispiness, you can revive them by placing them on a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven at a low temperature until they regain their desired texture.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade croutons at their freshest and crispiest for up to a week, with the option to extend their shelf life through freezing if needed.

Frequently asked questions