Air Fryer Croutons Recipe

Bread cubes: Day-old or stale bread works best for making croutons as it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the bread cubes and gives them a rich flavor while aiding in the crisping process.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the croutons.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the taste of the croutons.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and gives the croutons a balanced taste.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or Parmesan cheese to the bread cubes before air frying. This will give your croutons a unique twist and make them even more irresistible.

• day-old or stale bread - Substitute with fresh bread: If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread by toasting it lightly to remove some moisture.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral oil that works well for toasting and won't overpower the flavor of the croutons.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: This blend includes similar herbs and can provide a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a different texture and a slightly different flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the croutons.

• Allow the croutons to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Store the croutons in an airtight container. A glass jar or a resealable plastic bag works well.
• Keep the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them near heat sources or in humid environments.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the croutons. Place them in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen croutons can last up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the croutons at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. For extra crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
• Avoid refrigerating croutons, as the moisture in the fridge can make them lose their crisp texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the croutons in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help maintain their crispy texture.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the croutons on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. This method is perfect if you have a large batch to reheat.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the croutons and toss them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. This method is quick and adds a slight toasty flavor.

• Microwave Method: Place the croutons on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds. Note that this method might make the croutons slightly less crispy, but it's the fastest option if you're in a hurry.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the croutons, ensuring they become crispy and golden brown.

• Large bowl: Used to toss the bread cubes with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring an even coating.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the 4 cups of bread cubes and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

• Spatula: Helpful for mixing the bread cubes with the seasonings in the large bowl.

• Knife: Used to cut the bread into cubes if it isn't pre-cut.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the bread into cubes.

• Tongs: Useful for shaking the basket halfway through the air frying process to ensure even cooking.

• Cooling rack: Allows the croutons to cool completely after air frying, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Use pre-cut bread: Save time by using pre-cut bread cubes from the store instead of cutting your own.

Mix in a bag: Combine the bread cubes and seasonings in a large resealable bag for quick and even coating.

Batch cooking: Double or triple the recipe and store extra croutons in an airtight container for future use.

Preheat the air fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to save cooking time and achieve even crispiness.

Use a spray bottle: Use a spray bottle for the olive oil to evenly coat the bread cubes quickly.