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To make these tasty croutons, gather these items: - 4 slices of day-old bread (sourdough or ciabatta works best) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat) These ingredients combine to give your croutons a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with salads and soups. Use bread that is a bit stale. Day-old bread makes the best croutons. It holds its shape when you cut it into cubes. Sourdough or ciabatta adds a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer a softer bread, choose a baguette or whole grain for a different taste. Avoid fresh bread, as it can turn mushy in the air fryer. Feel free to get creative with your spices! You can add: - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for more herbs - 1 teaspoon onion powder for a deeper flavor - A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil for bright flavor Experimenting with different seasonings can help you find your perfect crouton flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the croutons cook evenly. Next, take 4 slices of day-old bread. Sourdough or ciabatta works best. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Make sure the pieces are even. This helps them cook at the same rate. In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Add ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well. This will coat your croutons with flavor. Now, add the bread cubes to the bowl. Toss them in the seasoning mix until all pieces are coated. This is where the magic happens! Each cube needs a good layer of that tasty mix. To make your croutons extra crispy, follow these tips. First, cut your bread into even cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Use day-old bread. Fresh bread may not crisp up well. Coat the bread cubes evenly with the mixture. Make sure every piece gets some oil and herbs. Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to flow freely, making your croutons crunchy. To change the taste of your croutons, try different herbs and spices. You can swap dried parsley for fresh basil for a fresh twist. Add a little lemon zest for a bright flavor. Want some heat? Increase the red pepper flakes. For a savory kick, sprinkle in some grated cheese before air frying. Taste the mixture before adding the bread. This lets you adjust the flavors to your liking. If your croutons are not crispy, check the cooking time. You might need to air fry them a bit longer. If they're too hard, reduce the cooking time next time. If the flavor is bland, up the seasoning. Add more garlic powder or salt to boost taste. Remember, every air fryer is different. Keep an eye on your croutons for the best results. Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread is ideal for croutons as it holds its shape better during cooking and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs and spices for personalized flavor. Fresh herbs can also be used for a vibrant taste. Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the croutons while they cook, as cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and bread type. Storage Tips: Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their crispiness. {{image_2}} You can use many types of bread for croutons. Sourdough and ciabatta are great choices. Both have a nice crust and flavor. You can also try baguette or whole grain bread. If you like a sweeter taste, use brioche. Each type gives a different twist to your croutons. Want to spice things up? Adding cheese can bring more flavor. Grated Parmesan or Romano works well. For a twist, try smoked paprika or garlic salt. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Experiment with your favorite spices to match your taste. Making gluten-free croutons is easy. Use gluten-free bread varieties like rice or almond flour bread. Follow the same steps as before. Just make sure the bread is stale for the best crunch. This way, everyone can enjoy croutons, no matter their diet. To keep your croutons fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. If you make a big batch, let them cool completely first. Storing warm croutons can make them soggy. Keep them at room temperature for about a week. You can also use a glass jar. If your croutons lose their crunch, don’t worry! You can easily reheat them. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the croutons in the basket for about 3 minutes. This will bring back their crispy texture. Shake the basket halfway through for even heating. Then, they’re ready to enjoy again! Want to keep croutons even longer? Freezing is the answer! First, make sure they are cool. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to use them, just reheat from frozen in the air fryer for a quick snack. Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Fresh herbs add a bright flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs. For example, use one tablespoon of fresh parsley instead of one teaspoon dried. Chop them finely and mix them well with the oil. The croutons will taste amazing with fresh herbs. The croutons are done when they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes in the air fryer. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. You can also taste one for crunch. If it’s crispy, they are ready! Absolutely! You can make croutons in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the herb mixture and toss well. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. They will be just as tasty! In this blog post, we explored how to make croutons using an air fryer. We covered the essential ingredients, including tips for choosing bread and seasoning options. We also shared a step-by-step guide, tips for crispiness, and ways to customize flavors. Plus, we discussed storage methods and answered common questions. Now, you have the tools to create tasty croutons that enhance any meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and textures. Happy cooking!

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 (preferably sourdough or ciabatta)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • a pinch red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • While the air fryer is heating, cut the bread slices into cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
  • Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the herb mixture.
  • Carefully place the coated croutons into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
  • Air fry the croutons for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the croutons from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack to maintain their crunch.

Notes

Serve warm, ideal for topping soups or salads. Sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs for a pop of color.
Keyword air fryer, croutons, garlic, herbs