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- 4 slices of day-old bread (sourdough or ciabatta preferred) - 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon sea salt - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) To make tasty air fryer garlic herb croutons, you need simple ingredients. Start with four slices of day-old bread. Sourdough or ciabatta works best. The bread should be firm to hold the crunch. Next, grab two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This oil adds flavor and helps the spices stick. You will also need one teaspoon of garlic powder for that strong, savory taste. Add one teaspoon of dried parsley and half a teaspoon of dried oregano. These herbs give freshness and depth to the croutons. You want half a teaspoon of sea salt for seasoning, plus a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for a little heat. If you like spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. This is optional but adds a nice kick. With these ingredients, you can make croutons that are full of flavor and perfect for your salads or soups. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your air fryer is key for even cooking. This step helps croutons crisp up nicely. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes. This short wait pays off with perfectly cooked croutons. Cut your day-old bread into uniform cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. This ensures all the cubes cook at the same rate. I like using sourdough or ciabatta for their great texture and flavor. Fresh bread can turn soggy, so choose a sturdy loaf. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil with garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a kick. Stir well until the mix smells great. This step is vital for flavor. You want every piece of bread to soak up this tasty blend. Now, add the bread cubes to the bowl. Toss them gently but thoroughly in the seasoning mix. Then, transfer the seasoned cubes to the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer with space between each piece. Air fry the croutons for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the time. This helps them brown evenly. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown and crunchy. After cooking, remove the croutons and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is important. Cooling them properly prevents sogginess. A wire rack allows air to flow around the croutons, keeping them crisp. Enjoy your homemade croutons in soups or salads! To get perfectly crisp croutons, start with even bread cubes. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Preheating your air fryer is key. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for five minutes. This step ensures they cook through and get that nice crunch. While they cook, shake the basket halfway through. This helps the croutons brown evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end. You want them golden brown, not burnt. If they start to darken too quickly, lower the temperature a bit. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding herbs like thyme or basil. You can also mix in spices like paprika for extra warmth. Flavored oils can change the game. Use garlic-infused olive oil or chili oil for a kick. This adds depth and makes your croutons even tastier. Croutons are great in soups and salads. They add that perfect crunch. Try tossing them into a Caesar salad or a hearty vegetable soup. For serving, place them in a small bowl. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top makes them look fancy. You can also serve them warm for the best experience. Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best for croutons as it has less moisture, allowing for a better crunch when cooked. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, basil, or even parmesan cheese for a unique flavor. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your croutons in the last few minutes of cooking; they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Storage Tips: Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their crunch. {{image_4}} You can use many types of bread for croutons. Here are some great picks: - Sourdough - Ciabatta - French bread - Whole wheat bread Each bread gives a unique taste and texture. If you need gluten-free options, try these: - Gluten-free bread - Rice bread - Cornbread These options work well, and they taste just as good! You can easily change the flavor of your croutons. Here are some tasty ideas: - Add grated Parmesan cheese for a savory kick. - Mix in Italian seasoning for more herbs. - Try smoked paprika for a deep flavor. - Toss in some garlic salt for a stronger garlic taste. For a sweet twist, make croutons for salads or desserts. Use these ideas: - Add cinnamon to sugar for sweet croutons. - Use honey or maple syrup for a glaze. These variations make your croutons fun and exciting! To keep your croutons fresh, store them in an airtight container. Choose glass jars or plastic bins with tight lids. This helps to prevent moisture from making them soft. Make sure the croutons are fully cooled before sealing. - Store at room temperature for up to a week. - For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to two weeks. - Freezing is also an option! Use a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about three months in the freezer. To regain that crispy texture, you can reheat the croutons. Here are some easy methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. Check them often to avoid burning. - Air Fryer Method: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the croutons for 3-5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even heating. Following these tips keeps your croutons tasty and crunchy! Homemade croutons last about one week when stored properly. To keep them fresh: - Store in an airtight container. - Keep them in a cool, dry place. - Check for any signs of moisture or spoilage before use. Yes, you can make croutons without an air fryer. Here are two simple methods: - Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with oil and spices. Spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. - Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned bread cubes and cook, stirring often. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Absolutely! You can personalize the flavors of your croutons. Here are some ideas: - Cheesy Croutons: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese. - Herb Variations: Use thyme, basil, or rosemary for new tastes. - Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes for more heat. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices! You can easily make tasty croutons with day-old bread, seasonings, and an air fryer. We explored the necessary ingredients and simple steps to create crunchy bites. From preheating your air fryer to the perfect storage tips, these croutons add flavor and texture to many meals. Experiment with different breads and spices for variety. Enjoy the homemade taste and share your delicious creations with friends and family!

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Croutons

Crispy and flavorful croutons made in an air fryer, perfect for soups and salads.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices day-old bread (sourdough or ciabatta preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • a pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to warm up for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  • While the air fryer is heating, take the bread slices and cut them into approximately 1-inch cubes, ensuring each piece is uniform for consistent cooking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is well blended and fragrant.
  • Introduce the bread cubes to the herb mixture in the bowl and toss gently yet thoroughly, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the flavorful oil and spices.
  • Carefully transfer the seasoned croutons into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing space between them to achieve optimal crispiness.
  • Air fry the croutons for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. Keep an eye on them toward the end; they should turn golden brown and achieve a delightful crunch.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. This will help them maintain their crispiness rather than becoming soggy.

Notes

Serve warm in a small bowl, garnished with freshly chopped herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Keyword air fryer, croutons, garlic, herb