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

Making croutons in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add a crunchy texture to your salads, soups, and cheese boards. They are also a great way to use up any leftover bread, transforming it into golden, crispy nuggets. The best part is that you can season them with your favourite herbs and spices, and they are much healthier than traditional frying methods as there is no need for excess oil.

Choosing the right bread

The type of bread you use for your croutons will depend on the flavour and texture you want to achieve. A denser loaf, such as Italian bread, will yield a chewier crouton, whereas a light and airy baguette will result in a crispier texture. If you're looking for something in between, sourdough or whole wheat bread is a good option.

You can use almost any kind of bread to make croutons, including white sandwich bread, sourdough, baguette, French bread, rye, and pumpernickel. It's also a great way to use up leftover bread, such as hot dog buns or sandwich rolls.

Fresh bread is best for making croutons, as stale bread can be too hard and crunchy. However, day-old bread can work well too, as it is firmer and slightly easier to cut into cubes. If your bread is older and dried out, you can still use it, but the flavour may not be as good.

When choosing your bread, consider the size of the slices. If you want to make larger croutons, avoid using pre-sliced sandwich bread, as the thickness is predetermined.

For a vegan option, use olive oil, avocado oil, or another type of oil instead of butter.

Using butter or oil

How Much Butter or Oil to Use

The amount of butter or oil you use will depend on the amount of bread you are using. As a general rule, you will need enough butter or oil to thoroughly coat the bread cubes. For example, one source recommends using 3 tablespoons of melted butter to coat 4 slices of bread, while another suggests 2 tablespoons of butter for 4 slices of bread.

Preparing the Butter or Oil

If using butter, you will need to melt it before adding it to the bread. You can then add your choice of seasonings to the melted butter and stir to combine.

If using oil, you can simply drizzle it over the bread cubes in a large bowl and toss until the bread is coated. You can then add your choice of seasonings and toss again to coat.

Best Oils to Use

Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for making croutons as it adds a delicious flavour and helps achieve a golden colour. Avocado oil and melted butter are also good alternatives.

Storing Croutons

If you have any leftover croutons, you can store them in an airtight container or sealed zip lock bag. They will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks at room temperature. If they lose their crispness, you can pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crunch.

Adding herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are key to adding flavour to your croutons. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, depending on your preference and what you are serving them with.

A classic choice for croutons is oregano or Italian seasoning, which are very versatile and can be paired with many dishes. Thyme, rosemary, and dried parsley also work well. For a stronger flavour, you can use fresh parsley from your garden.

If you want to add some spice, you can experiment with onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or even grated Parmesan cheese. You can also try a Sicilian blend that includes onion, oregano, red pepper, green pepper, and basil.

To make your croutons, simply combine your chosen herbs and spices with olive oil or melted butter, and toss the mixture with your bread cubes. You can also add salt and black pepper to taste.

Air fryer settings

To make croutons in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer, but 350-400°F (163-200°C) is a good range. If you are using a 6-quart air fryer, you can cook the croutons in one batch. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the croutons in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Once your air fryer is preheated, add the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer and cook for 2-4 minutes. Then, shake the basket or toss the croutons with a spatula and cook for another 1-3 minutes, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time will be around 5-7 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer and the type of bread you are using, so keep an eye on the croutons to make sure they don't burn.

Storing your croutons

Cooling Croutons:

Before storing your homemade croutons, it is crucial to let them cool completely. Spreading them out in a single layer helps speed up the cooling process and ensures even cooling. This step is necessary to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make your croutons soggy. Store-bought croutons, however, can be stored directly without cooling.

Choosing the Right Container:

Always use an airtight container or a sealed zip lock bag to store your croutons. Air is the enemy when it comes to maintaining the crunch of your croutons, so ensure the container is well-sealed. Plastic freezer containers or heavy-duty freezer bags are excellent options for storing croutons in the freezer.

Sealing the Container:

If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it shut. For containers, check that the lid is tightly sealed. Remember to reseal the container immediately after taking out croutons to prevent air from getting in.

Storing at Room Temperature:

You can store your homemade croutons in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cabinet. They will stay crunchy and crisp for about a week at room temperature. However, the sooner you consume them, the better. While they won't become mouldy, they may lose their crunch over time. Store-bought croutons with preservatives can last longer, typically between 8 and 10 months.

Storing in the Freezer:

If you want to extend the shelf life of your croutons, consider freezing them. Place the sealed container or bag in the freezer and try to use them within 6 months for the best flavour and texture. Store-bought croutons can be frozen for up to a year. Label the package with the date and the flavour of the croutons for easy reference.

Reviving Croutons:

If your croutons lose their crunch, you can easily restore them by popping them back into the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. Spread them out in a single layer and heat them at a low temperature until they regain their crispness.

Frequently asked questions