Air fryer croutons are bite-sized, crispy, golden-brown bread cubes that have been seasoned and baked in an air fryer. Without deep-frying, the air fryer method gives a quick and effective approach to making a delicious crunch.
Air fryer croutons are an appealing transformation of basic bread into bite-sized pleasures. In the air fryer, these small cubes experience a miraculous transformation into golden nuggets of crispy delight. To make these croutons, start with bread pieces of any variety, whether leftover sandwich bread, baguette, or sourdough. The idea is to chop them into little, consistent pieces so that the flavors can infuse. These bread cubes are brought to life by a simple yet potent combination of butter, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. The butter adds crunch, while the garlic powder and herbs provide layers of savory pleasure.
Air fryer croutons ingredients
- Bread cubes: Select your chosen bread kind. Croutons are best made using stale bread, although fresh bread can also be used. To achieve equal cooking, cut it into tiny, homogeneous cubes (approximately 1 inch). The bread acts as a foundation for the croutons, adding a pleasant crunch.
- Garlic powder adds a flavorful, garlicky taste to the croutons without the need for raw garlic. It enhances the overall flavor by adding depth and richness.
- Olive oil: When the bread cubes are air-fried, the olive oil provides richness and helps produce a crispy finish. Butter can also be used.
- Onion powder: Adding onion powder to the spice mix might improve its savory taste. It complements the garlic powder and dried herbs to create a well-rounded taste that gives each crouton a delicious bite.
- Dried herbs: Provide fragrant and savory flavors to the croutons. Thyme, oregano, and basil are popular options. The herbs used can be customized to your personal tastes.
- Seasonings: Season with salt and pepper to taste. The use of salt enriches the overall flavor of the croutons, while the addition of pepper offers a delicate sense of heat. Adjust the spices to taste, keeping in mind that a well-balanced mixture improves the flavor of the croutons.
How to make croutons: step-by-step directions
Step 1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2. Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces before beginning. Croutons can be made using stale bread, but fresh bread can also be used.
Step 3. In a saucepan, melt the butter (if using) over medium heat.
Step 4. Seasonings. In a large mixing dish, toss the bread cubes with the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the spices are uniformly covered on the bread squares.
Step 5. In the air fryer basket, place the seasoned bread chunks. Assemble them in a single layer to allow for appropriate airflow. Air fry the croutons for around 5-8 minutes at 350°F, shaking the basket during the cooking process to achieve equal frying. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from burning.
Step 6. Take out the croutons from the air fryer once they are golden brown and crispy, and set aside to rest for a few minutes. As they cool down, they will continue to crisp up.
FAQs about Croutons
What exactly are croutons?
Croutons are seasoned little pieces of toasted or fried bread used as a topping for salads, soups, and other foods.
How do you make croutons?
Croutons are normally created by cutting bread into squares, covering them with an oil and spice combination, then toasting or frying until browned and crispy.
Which bread is best for creating croutons?
Croutons can be made with stale bread or bread that is a day or two old. White bread, whole wheat bread, baguette, and sourdough are all popular options.
Can I make croutons out of fresh bread?
Absolutely, you may use fresh bread for croutons, although the texture will be somewhat softer. Using somewhat stale bread usually results in more crunchy croutons.
How should handmade croutons be stored?
Keep homemade croutons at room temperature in an airtight container. They might last for many days.
Can I put croutons in the freezer?
While croutons can be frozen, they may lose some of their crispiness when thawed. Making smaller quantities and storing them at room temperature is often recommended.
What spices can I use to season croutons?
Croutons are commonly seasoned with garlic powder, dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano), onion powder, salt, and pepper. Individual tastes can be used to adjust the seasonings.
How can I keep croutons from becoming mushy in salads?
Croutons should be added immediately before serving to avoid becoming soggy in salads. This helps to keep their crispness until the very end.
Air Fryer Croutons
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- knife and cutting board
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil butter can also be used
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs thyme, oregano and basil
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks. Stale bread works well for croutons, but fresh bread is good as well.
- Seasonings: Mix the bread pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper in a big mixing dish.
- Fill the air fryer basket with the seasoned bread cubes. Assemble them in a single layer. Make sure that the pieces aren't overcrowded.
- Air fry the croutons for around 5-8minutes at 350°F, shaking the basket halfway through to achieve equal frying. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from burning.
- Remove the croutons from the air fryer once they are golden brown and crispy, and set aside to rest for a few minutes. As they cool, they will continue to crisp up.
- After completely cooling, store any remaining croutons in an airtight container. They can be kept for a few days.
