Air Fryer Croutons

Let’s talk about a game-changer for your salads, soups, and even snacking—Air Fryer Croutons! If you’ve never made croutons from scratch before, you’re in for a treat. These little crispy bites of heaven are perfectly golden, crunchy, and seasoned just right. And the best part? You can make them in your air fryer in just a few minutes—no oven required! Whether you’re using leftover bread or starting fresh, these croutons will add the perfect crunch to your dish. Trust me, once you’ve made them, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Let’s get crispy!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Croutons

• Quick and Easy: In just 10 minutes, you can have fresh, homemade croutons that are way better than anything you’ll find in a bag.
• Crispy and Flavorful: The air fryer gives you that perfectly golden, crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. Plus, you can season them exactly how you like!
• Customizable: Want garlic croutons? Add more garlic powder. Craving something herby? Throw in some Italian seasoning. You’re in control!
• No Waste: Got some old bread hanging around? Perfect! This is a great way to give it new life and avoid food waste.
• Perfect for Any Dish: Whether it’s for topping a creamy soup, adding crunch to a salad, or just snacking on, these croutons will elevate any meal.

Ingredients

Making these croutons is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bread: Any kind of bread works—white, whole wheat, sourdough, or even baguette. Just make sure it’s a bit stale, as it holds up better in the air fryer.
• Olive Oil: Helps give that golden crispiness and enhances the flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For that savory kick.
• Salt: To season and bring out all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: For a little bit of heat and depth.
• Optional Seasonings: Feel free to add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning if you want to get fancy with the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these crispy little croutons is so simple! Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cut the Bread

Cut your bread into cubes—about 1-inch squares work best. If you want larger croutons for topping soups or salads, go ahead and make them a bit bigger.

Step 2: Season the Croutons

Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Then, sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and any other herbs you like. Toss again until the bread cubes are evenly coated in the seasoning.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. This helps ensure that your croutons cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Croutons

Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s okay if they overlap a little, but try not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once the croutons are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Sprinkle your fresh, homemade croutons on top of soups, salads, or enjoy them as a snack all on their own. They’re perfect for adding a little crunch to just about anything!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 0% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 12 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons

These crispy croutons are incredibly versatile, and they pair perfectly with just about anything! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Top Soups: Add them to creamy soups like tomato soup or chowder for an extra layer of crunch.
• Salads: Toss them over any salad for added texture. They’re especially great with Caesar or Greek salads.
• Snack Time: Enjoy them on their own with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara. They make the perfect little crunchy snack.
• Pasta Dishes: Sprinkle them over pasta for some extra crunch and flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make it Garlic Bread: Want garlic bread croutons? Toss the cubes with some garlic butter instead of olive oil for an extra burst of flavor.
• Herb Options: Play around with herbs. A little fresh rosemary or thyme can make a big difference in the flavor.
• Storage: Keep any leftover croutons in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they still make a great topping even after a few days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh bread?
A1: Fresh bread works, but slightly stale bread holds up better in the air fryer and gets crunchier. If your bread is fresh, just let it sit out for a bit to dry out a little before using it.

Q2: Can I use a different oil?
A2: Yes! You can use any oil you prefer, like avocado oil or melted butter, for a different flavor.

Q3: Can I freeze homemade croutons?
A3: Absolutely! Let the croutons cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q4: How do I reheat croutons?
A4: Reheat croutons in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes to crisp them back up.

Q5: Can I make croutons without an air fryer?
A5: Yes! You can make them in the oven. Just spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Q6: How can I make croutons spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix to give your croutons a spicy kick!

Q7: Can I use a different type of bread?
A7: Yes! You can use any bread you like—sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or even gluten-free bread. Each type will give a different texture and flavor.

Q8: How can I make croutons for a salad bar?
A8: Just make a big batch and serve them in a bowl at your salad bar for people to sprinkle on their salads. They’ll add that perfect crunchy touch!

Q9: How do I keep croutons crunchy?
A9: Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them, and keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from getting soft.

Q10: Can I add cheese to my croutons?
A10: Yes, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella on the croutons during the last minute of air frying for a cheesy twist!

Conclusion

Making Air Fryer Croutons is a total game-changer, and once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. They’re crispy, flavorful, and totally customizable, and the air fryer makes them quick and easy. Whether you’re topping a soup, tossing them on a salad, or just munching on them straight from the bowl, these croutons are the perfect way to elevate any dish. Enjoy the crunch!

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