Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer croutons made from cubed day-old bread tossed with olive oil and herbs, perfect for salads, soups, or as a snack. This quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a golden-brown, crunchy texture without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 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 cooking the croutons evenly and crisply.
- Toss Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until all cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the croutons in batches to avoid overcrowding and promote even cooking.
- Air Fry: Air fry the bread cubes at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides become golden and crispy evenly.
- Cool and Add Cheese: Remove the croutons from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese while still warm to add extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the crisp croutons over your favorite soups or salads, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack on their own.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread may become too soft or chewy.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Cooking time may vary slightly based on the air fryer model and size of bread cubes.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese topping.
