Homemade Air Fryer Croutons

Making homemade air fryer croutons is not only simple but also results in tastier croutons compared to store-bought ones, which often spoil quickly even in resealable bags. I needed a low-maintenance method, so I developed this air fryer recipe that works perfectly every time. Let me share with you how easy it is to make these crispy delights!

Ⅰ.Time Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes  

Cooking Time: 8 minutes  

Total Time: 18 minutes  

Ⅱ.Ingredients Needed

Bread: The key ingredient! Use any bread you have on hand. I personally prefer sourdough or whole wheat bread because that's what I usually eat. French bread or baguettes also work great. If you have stale or day-old bread, even better—it adds great texture! Gluten-free bread can be used too.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: My preferred choice. It not only adds amazing flavor but also helps achieve a golden color. You can use other oils like avocado oil or melted butter, but I always go for olive oil.

Herbs: Essential for seasoning! Classic choices include oregano or Italian seasoning, which are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Thyme, rosemary, and even dried parsley work well too.

Spices: Add a lovely aroma to the air fryer croutons. Here, I use garlic powder as a simple base. Salt and black pepper are always added as foundational seasonings.

Optional Seasonings: Try other seasonings for variety! Some favorites include onion powder, smoked paprika, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Ⅲ.Cooking Steps

1.Prepare the Bread:

Cut the bread into even, bite-sized cubes. This is a great way to use up any leftover bread you have.

2.Season the Bread:

In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil until evenly coated. Add your preferred herbs and spices, and mix well to ensure even distribution.

3.Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating helps to ensure that the croutons cook evenly.

4.Cook the Croutons:

Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding any overlap. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the croutons in batches.

5.Check for Crispiness:

The croutons should be golden brown and crispy. If they need more time, cook in 1-minute increments, checking frequently to avoid burning.

6.Cool:

Let the croutons cool completely before storing to ensure they remain crispy. Cooling helps them firm up and achieve that perfect crunch.

Ⅳ.Frequently Asked Questions

1.How long do homemade croutons last?

Homemade croutons stored in a sealed container at room temperature can last for about a week, but they are freshest within the first three days. If you need to re-crisp leftover croutons, spritz them with a little olive or avocado oil and pop them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. You can also freeze crispy croutons for one to two months; just be aware that they might be slightly moist when thawed.

2.Should I use butter or oil?

I have tried both, but I prefer extra virgin olive oil. It's a bit healthier and makes the croutons exceptionally crispy. Butter works well too, both unsalted and salted, but be careful not to soak the bread cubes too much with melted butter.

3.How do I keep homemade croutons crispy?

When placing the bread cubes in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer without overlapping. Even if slightly overlapped, they can still become crispy, but the best method is to lay them flat. Additionally, turn them once or twice during air frying to ensure even heating. Remember, the croutons will continue to harden as they cool.

Ⅴ.Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Croutons

1.Uniform Pieces:

Cutting the bread into uniform pieces ensures even cooking, so you don't end up with some pieces burnt and others still soft.

2.Don't Overcrowd:

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you have too many bread cubes, cook them in batches for best results.

3.Experiment with Flavors:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or some grated Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

4.Storage:

Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container to keep them crispy. A glass jar with a tight lid works great.

5.Reheating: 

To bring back the crunch, simply pop the croutons in the air fryer for a minute or two before serving.

Ⅵ.Final Thoughts

Homemade air fryer croutons are a fantastic addition to salads, soups, or simply as a crunchy snack. They're easy to make, customizable to your taste, and much healthier than store-bought versions. By using your air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy croutons with minimal effort and time investment. So next time you have some leftover bread, don't throw it away—turn it into delicious homemade croutons!