Emilie Meyer
Croutons are a great way to add some crunch and flavour to your soups and salads. Homemade croutons are simple to make and taste much better than store-bought ones. All you need is bread, oil or butter, and some seasoning. You can use any type of bread, but crusty or stale bread will give you the most crunch. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, toss them in oil or butter, and your choice of seasoning, and then air fry for a few minutes until golden brown. That's it! You now have delicious, crispy croutons that will take your meals to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 4-5 minutes |
| Cook time | 4-10 minutes |
| Total time | 8-15 minutes |
| Bread | White, sourdough, baguette, whole wheat, gluten-free, French, or stale bread |
| Oil | Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter |
| Seasoning | Parsley, oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes |
| Air fryer temperature | 325-400°F |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag for up to 1-2 weeks at room temperature |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
Stale or day-old bread is often recommended for croutons, as it is firmer and will soak up the oil better. However, fresh bread can also be used and will still make great croutons. If your bread is too moist, you can leave it out to dry before making your croutons. You can also put the bread in the oven at a low temperature to help it dry out.
Ultimately, the best bread for croutons is a matter of personal preference. You can use your favourite bread and get creative with seasonings to make delicious, crunchy croutons in your air fryer.
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Using the right oil
The choice of oil is crucial when making croutons in an air fryer, as it helps achieve that golden colour and crisp texture. Here are some tips and recommendations for selecting the right oil:
Types of Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for making croutons due to its ability to enhance flavour and promote even browning. It is favoured for its taste and the golden colour it imparts on the croutons. Avocado oil is another option that can be used instead of olive oil, offering a healthy alternative with a mild flavour.
If you prefer a buttery taste, melted butter is an excellent substitute for olive oil or avocado oil. Combining butter and olive oil can also result in a delicious blend of flavours. Additionally, if you're making croutons for a salad or soup, consider using the same oil used in the dressing or recipe to enhance flavour consistency.
Amount of Oil
When it comes to the amount of oil, a decent quantity is necessary to ensure all the bread cubes are adequately coated. Drizzling the oil over the bread cubes helps spread it evenly. Using your hands or tongs to gently toss the bread cubes ensures that each piece is thoroughly coated in oil and seasoning.
Oil Temperature
It is important to note that the temperature of the oil can affect the cooking process. If you are using melted butter, it is best to let it cool slightly before adding it to the bread cubes to avoid wilting or softening the bread. Similarly, if using olive oil or avocado oil, ensure it is at room temperature to maintain the integrity of the bread.
Oil and Bread Ratio
The ratio of oil to bread is essential for achieving the desired texture. Too much oil can result in greasy croutons, while too little oil may lead to dry and hard croutons. Aim for a light coating of oil on each bread cube, adjusting the amount as needed depending on the type of bread used.
Oil Spray
An alternative method to consider is using an oil spray or mister. This technique ensures an even coating of oil on each bread cube and helps control the amount of oil used. It is a useful option if you want to reduce the amount of oil in your croutons or achieve a lighter, crispier texture.
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Seasoning options
There are endless ways to season your croutons, and you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Herbs
- Oregano
- Italian seasoning (a blend of rosemary, oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Dried parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Spices and Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Celery salt
- Sicilian blend (onion, oregano, red pepper, green pepper, basil)
- Parmesan cheese
Blends
- Parmesan garlic (parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning)
- Ranch
- 'Everything but the bagel' seasoning
Oils
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Melted butter
Other
- Pesto oil
- Tuscan oil
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Air fryer settings
The first step to making croutons in an air fryer is to preheat the air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 325°F to 400°F (163°C to 200°C).
Once the air fryer is preheated, you can add the seasoned bread cubes to the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the bread cubes are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking. If you have a large amount of bread cubes, you may need to cook them in batches.
The cooking time will vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness, but most recipes suggest air frying for a total of 4 to 10 minutes. It is recommended to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even colouring and crispness.
After removing the croutons from the air fryer, it is important to let them cool slightly before serving. This will allow them to crisp up even more.
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Storage and reheating
Leftover croutons can be stored in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag for up to 1-2 weeks at room temperature. To revive the crunch, reheat the croutons in the air fryer for a few minutes. You can also transform any leftovers into breadcrumbs by pulsing them in a food processor.
To keep the croutons crunchy, ensure that they are stored in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag with the air removed. If they lose their crunch, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
You need bread, oil or butter, and seasoning. For the bread, you can use any type you prefer, such as sourdough, whole wheat, baguette, or white sandwich bread. For the oil, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil, melted butter, or a combination of oil and butter. For seasoning, you can use Italian seasoning, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
First, cut the bread into bite-sized cubes. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the oil and seasonings, tossing until all pieces are coated. Next, place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry at a temperature between 325-400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown. Finally, let the croutons cool before serving or storing.
Homemade croutons will last for about a week in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature. To revive the crunch, you can pop them back into the air fryer for a quick reheat. You can also freeze croutons for around a month; they may become a little soggy when thawed, so you can reheat them in the air fryer to restore crispness.
