Air Fryer Crutons: Quick, Crispy, And Easy!

Croutons are a great addition to soups and salads, and making them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect crunch. With an air fryer, you can make a batch of croutons in under 10 minutes, and the best part is that you likely already have all the ingredients you need in your pantry. All you need is some bread, seasoning, and an air fryer to work its magic!

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your croutons is important, as it forms the base of your crouton and will determine its texture and flavour. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, but some types of bread will give you better results than others.

Stale Bread

Using stale bread is a great way to use up any leftover bread you have lying around. Stale bread is easier to cut into cubes and will give your croutons a crunchier texture. However, you should avoid using completely stale bread, as you still want your croutons to have a slightly soft texture on the inside.

Bread Type

When it comes to the type of bread, you can use anything from sourdough, French bread, baguette, whole wheat, white bread, Italian bread, or even gluten-free bread. Sourdough is a popular choice as it adds depth of flavour to your croutons, but you can also experiment with other crusty loaves such as challah or rye bread.

Bread Flavour

In addition to the type of bread, you can also consider the flavour. For example, if you're making croutons for a Caesar salad, you might want to use garlic bread or a bread with herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning. If you're making croutons for a sweet salad with fruit, you could try using cinnamon-raisin bread or even brioche.

Bread Size

Finally, consider the size of the bread slices. You want to cut your bread into bite-sized cubes, so a thicker slice of bread will give you more substantial croutons. A thinner slice of bread, such as sandwich bread, will give you smaller, more delicate croutons.

In conclusion, the best bread for air fryer croutons is one that is slightly stale, has a sturdy texture, and complements the flavours of your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find the perfect match for your salad, soup, or snack!

Using oil or butter

You can use either oil or butter to make croutons in an air fryer. If you're using butter, melt it before adding the bread. For oil, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil or melted plant-based butter. You'll need 1-2 tablespoons of oil or butter for every 4 slices of bread.

Seasonings

You can use a variety of seasonings for your croutons. Try onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese.

Method

Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with the oil or melted butter until they're evenly coated. Add your chosen seasonings and toss well.

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. The croutons are ready when they're golden brown all over.

Allow the croutons to cool slightly before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Adding seasoning

Italian Seasoning

For an Italian-inspired flavour, you can use a blend of Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You can also add Parmesan cheese to enhance the savoury flavour. This combination works well with salads and soups.

Garlic and Herb

Garlic is a popular ingredient in croutons, and for good reason. It adds a savoury kick that pairs well with herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. You can use garlic powder or fresh garlic, depending on your preference.

Ranch Seasoning

If you're looking for a tangy and savoury flavour, ranch seasoning is a great option. It typically includes ingredients like dried parsley, dill, garlic, and onion powder. This flavour profile is perfect for those who want something a bit different from the traditional herb-based croutons.

Cinnamon Sugar

For a sweet twist, you can omit the savoury ingredients and toss your bread cubes in cinnamon sugar. This variation is excellent for salads with fruit or as a topping for desserts.

Cajun Seasoning

If you prefer a spicier option, Cajun seasoning is a great choice. It typically includes a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. This combination will give your croutons a nice kick of heat and flavour.

Butter or Oil

When adding seasonings to your croutons, you can use butter or oil as the base to help the seasonings stick to the bread. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. For a vegan option, olive oil or avocado oil are great choices.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and cheeses to find your favourite flavour. The possibilities are endless!

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 model, but most sources recommend preheating to around 400°F/200°C.

Once preheated, add the seasoned bread cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the croutons aren't overlapping. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on how closely packed your bread cubes are, you may need to cook for up to 7-8 minutes.

The croutons are done when they are golden brown all over. Remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Storing your croutons

Storing at Room Temperature

Allow the croutons to cool completely before storing them. Any residual heat can create steam, which will make your croutons soggy. Place the cooled croutons in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Store-bought croutons usually come in a resealable bag, so you can skip this step if using store-bought croutons. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cabinet. Your croutons will stay fresh and crunchy for about a week.

Storing in the Freezer

If you want to store your croutons for longer, consider freezing them. Freezing is an excellent option if you have a large batch of croutons and want to use them over several months. Place the cooled croutons in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Label the bag or container with the date and the type of croutons. This will make it easier to identify and use them before they go bad. Most croutons will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Reheating Frozen Croutons

When you're ready to use the frozen croutons, simply spread them on a baking sheet and reheat them in an oven at 250°F (121°C) for about 5 minutes, or until they become crisp again.

Tips for Storing Croutons

• Avoid storing croutons in the refrigerator, as they can become soft and chewy due to moisture.
• If your croutons have lost their crispness, you can easily refresh them. Spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven at 300°F (149°C) for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can toast them in a pan over medium heat until they regain their crunch.
• Be cautious when seasoning croutons that you plan to freeze. Some spices, like curry, sage, and garlic, can become bitter when frozen.
• Cheesy croutons may not freeze as well as plain croutons, so consider leaving out the cheese if you intend to freeze them.

Frequently asked questions