Air Fryer Croutons
Air fryer croutons are a delicious and healthy way to add crunch and flavor to your salads, soups, and snacks. Quick and easy to make, these crispy bites can be customized with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
Crouton Base
- 4 cups bread (stale or fresh) Can use any type of bread like sourdough, baguette, or whole wheat.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter Use either for coating the bread.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adjust according to taste.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Adjust according to taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Add other herbs as desired.
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese or your preferred cheese For added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting the bread into cubes, roughly 1-inch in size.
- In a large bowl, combine your bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter. Mix them until each piece is lightly coated.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure the seasonings cover the bread evenly. If adding cheese, mix it in at this point.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius).
Cooking
- Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Once they turn golden and crispy, remove the croutons from the air fryer and allow them to cool.
- Continue with the next batch until all the bread cubes are cooked.
Notes
To keep croutons fresh, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, they can be frozen and re-crisped in the air fryer before serving. Experiment with different flavors by using various herbs and spices.