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
Scale
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
