Croutons in Air Fryer
Making Croutons in the Air Fryer is the easiest and quickest way to make amazingly crispy croutons for your salads and soups. It's super simple. You just have to cut up the bread into cubes, mix with olive oil or melted butter (and some herbs/cheese/spices if you prefer any) and toss in to your air fryer and they are ready in less than 10 minutes.
If you're following me on my Instagram, you know that I make a lot of bread. So I started making croutons in my Air Fryer since I got it a few years back. Once you make them at home, I'm telling you, there's no turning back. No brand of croutons will ever come close to the croutons you make at home. They are crispy yes tasting so fresh. And there are endless ways to customize this recipe for your needs.
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Croutons with different flavors
I keep this recipe very simple with just three ingredients, bread, salt, and oil. But you can make so many variations of croutons with it. Here are a few of my favorites.
Garlic croutons: Add a grated garlic clove to the oil. Mix with the bread cubes and air fry. I like this with my vegetable soup.
Garlic Parm black pepper croutons: Add garlic powder (1/2 tsp), black pepper (1/2 tsp) and shredded parmesan (1tbsp) cheese to the mix. This goes amazing with Tomato soup and Caesar salad.
Pesto croutons: love this one in my lasagna soup. Mix about 2 tsp of pesto along with oil and salt.
Herb croutons: Mix about 1 tsp of Italian herbs with the oil. They're great with garden salad and fresh onion soup.
Curry flavored croutons: Add about 1/2 tsp curry powder and paprika. This goes really well with lentil soup, vegetable soup and pumpkin soup.
How long does it take to make Croutons in Air Fryer?
The time it takes to make croutons in the air fryer greatly differs depending on the brand/model of your air fryer, the bread variety and brand you're using, and the size of the bread cubes. I use this Cosori Air Fryer and it only takes about 7 - 8 minutes at 390F/ 200c. And this is without any preheating.
Take this air fryer time as a guide when you make your croutons. Check halfway through to see how brown and crispy they've become. And adjust the timing accordingly.
You'll never buy croutons from the store once you start making them at home in your air fryer. They turn out so crispy and come together in 10 minutes.
- 3 regular bread slices (or 2.5 cups of cubed bread of your choice)
- 2 tsp Avocado oil or any cooking oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cut the bread slices into small bite-size cubes (roughly about 3/4 inch in length and width).
To a bowl add oil and salt and give it a quick mix. Add the bread cubes and toss well with the oil. (I use two spoons for this. easier than using tongs or one spoon)
You can also add more flavors such as garlic powder, herbs and spices. Read the description for more info and ideas.
Add the bread cubes to the air fryer basket and arrange them in one layer.
Air fry at 390F / 200C for about 7 - 9 minutes or until golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through to mix the bread cubes.
