If you have ever wondered how to get perfectly crispy, flavorful croutons without heating up your oven, you are going to love this Air Fryer Croutons Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to transform simple day-old bread into golden, crunchy bites bursting with herbs and garlic, elevating any salad or soup with minimal effort. This recipe combines ease, speed, and unbeatable taste in a way that makes homemade croutons an everyday delight rather than a special occasion treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients will ensure your croutons come out perfectly seasoned, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Each item plays a vital role: the bread forms the crunchy base, olive oil helps the herbs adhere and crisp up the cubes, and the herbs and spices add layers of aromatic goodness.
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread: Using day-old bread like French or sourdough gives you that ideal texture that crisps up beautifully without turning to crumbs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps create that irresistible golden crust and keeps the croutons flavorful and moist on the inside.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle punch of savoriness without overpowering other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano imparts a gentle herbal earthiness, rounding out the taste perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Basil’s slightly sweet, aromatic touch lifts the croutons with fresh flavor notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough salt to enhance all the flavors and avoid blandness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A modest kick to balance the herbs and garlic nicely.
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra-savory twist, sprinkle some Parmesan on your croutons while they are hot for a cheesy finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your croutons cook evenly and get that perfect golden crunch every time. Preheating helps the cooking process speed up and prevents soggy bread cubes.
Step 2: Season the Bread Cubes
Place your cubed bread in a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil over it. Then add your garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until each cube is lightly and evenly coated. This seasoning mix is the secret to turning simple bread into a flavor-packed snack or salad topper.
Step 3: Arrange the Bread in the Air Fryer
Lay the bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on how much bread you have and the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Proper space allows hot air to circulate and crisp every side perfectly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Croutons
Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes. At the halfway mark, give the basket a good shake to help them brown evenly. Watch closely as cooking times can vary slightly based on your air fryer model and the bread type. The goal is a crispy, golden-brown exterior that still retains a bit of chew.
Step 5: Cool and Add Parmesan (Optional)
Once done, carefully remove your croutons and let them cool slightly. If you love a cheesy finish, now is the time to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them while they’re still warm so it melts in nicely, boosting flavor and adding a delightful texture.
Step 6: Ready to Enjoy
Your Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is now ready to be served! Whether you toss them on top of a fresh salad or add a crunchy companion to your soup, these croutons will bring a special homemade touch that’s just irresistible.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
Croutons make an excellent garnish for numerous dishes beyond just salad. Sprinkle them on creamy tomato soup, mashed potatoes, or even creamy pasta dishes to add a playground of texture and a boost of herby flavor that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
These croutons also double as a crunchy side snack — perfect for munching while prepping your meal or serving alongside dips like spinach artichoke or hummus. They add a satisfying crunch without stealing the show, complementing many appetizer spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by mixing your Air Fryer Croutons Recipe with different herbs or spices—try smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky twist. You can even drizzle a little balsamic reduction or toss with fresh chopped parsley and lemon zest just before serving for a refreshing lift that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They generally keep well and stay crisp for up to a week, making them a handy kitchen staple to brighten future meals.
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, you can freeze croutons in a sealed freezer bag. When properly stored, they maintain their texture and freshness for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or add directly to hot dishes for a quick crunch.
Reheating
If your stored croutons lose their crispness, revive them by reheating quickly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes or tossing them in a hot oven. This refreshes their golden crunch and makes them taste freshly made again.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old French bread or sourdough are ideal for their texture, you can use nearly any bread you have on hand. Just avoid very soft or pre-sliced bread that may become too crumbly.
Do I need to use oil? Can I make these croutons without it?
The olive oil is key for helping the herbs stick to the bread and for crisping the croutons. You could reduce the amount but eliminating it will result in less golden and less flavorful croutons.
How long do air fryer croutons last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they usually last about a week at room temperature without losing their crunch or flavor.
What’s the best way to make the croutons extra flavorful?
Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan while they are still hot really takes these croutons to the next level. Experimenting with different dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance flavor beautifully.
Can I make large batches ahead of time?
Yes! Make as many as you want, then store or freeze them as needed. Batch cooking makes it easy to have crispy croutons ready whenever you want a quick salad or soup upgrade.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely wonderful about making your own crunchy croutons that transform simple meals into comforting, delicious experiences. This Air Fryer Croutons Recipe is quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, making it a favorite in my kitchen that I’m excited to share. Give it a try and watch how it adds that perfect finishing touch to your dishes!
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Air Fryer Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade air fryer croutons made with day-old bread, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. Perfect for enhancing salads, soups, or enjoyed as a crunchy snack.
Ingredients
Croutons
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, sourdough, or any bread of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for crisping the croutons evenly.
- Season Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the 4 cups of cubed day-old bread with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until all the cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook the croutons in batches to avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Air Fry Croutons: Air fry the cubes for 5-6 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures the croutons cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Cool and Add Cheese: Remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. While still warm, you can optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them for extra flavor.
- Serve: Use the croutons to top your favorite soups or salads, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack on their own.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the croutons crisp up better and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Customize the seasoning by adding your favorite herbs or spices like paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make sure to spread the bread cubes in a single layer to ensure even air circulation and crispiness.
- Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container to maintain their crunch for up to 3 days.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory depth.
